The Cherokee class, originally known as the Navajo class, was a class of fleet tugs built for the United States Navy prior to the start of World War II. They represented a radical departure from previous ocean-going tug designs, and were far more capable of extended open ocean travel than their predecessors. This was due in large part to their 205 feet (62 m) length, 38 feet (12 m) beam, and substantial fuel-carrying capacity. They were also the first large surface vessels in the US Navy to be equipped with diesel/electric drive. USS Tawasa (AT-92) towed a nuclear bomb used as a nuclear depth charge as it was detonated in Operation Wigwam in 1955.
The first three vessels, Navajo, Seminole and Cherokee, were constructed from 1938-1940 at the Staten Island Shipyard division of Bethlehem Steel Corp. Navajo and Seminole joined the Pacific fleet in 1940, and Cherokee to the Atlantic fleet. Navajo was en route to San Diego from Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, and immediately reversed course back to Pearl Harbor once news broke of the Japanese attack. She became a critical element of salvage operations there, as did her sister ship Seminole, in the days following the attack.
Following the loss during WW2 of the first two ships of the class, Navajo and Seminole, the class was renamed from its original pre-war name of Navajo-class to Cherokee-class, the name of the third ship laid in 1939 which still survived.
USS Apache (ATF-67)
USS Arapaho (ATF-68)
USS Bannock (ATF-81)
USS Carib (AT-82)
USS Chilula (ATF-153)
USS Cherokee (AT-66)
USS Chickasaw (AT-83)
USS Chippewa (AT-69)
USS Choctaw (AT-70)
USS Cree (ATF-84)
USS Hopi (AT-71)
USS Kiowa (AT-72)
USS Lipan (AT-85)
USS Mataco (AT-86)
USS Menominee (AT-73)
USS Moreno (AT-87)
USS Narragansett (AT-88)
USS Nauset (AT-89)
USS Navajo (AT-64)
USS Pawnee (ATF-74)
USS Pinto (AT-90)
USS Seminole (AT-65)
USS Seneca (AT-91)
USS Sioux (AT-75)
USS Tawasa (AT-92)
USS Tekesta (AT-93)
USS Ute (AT-76)
USS Yuma (AT-94)
USS Zuni (ATF-95)
We offer our Cherokee/Navajo Class Fleet Tug (AT/ATF) Models in several size/scale offerings for easy ordering and selection. However, if you would like your model made in a size other than those sizes listed, please contact us with your request. Custom orders are our specialty!
Our models are made-to-order, meaning that we do not stock any pre-made models. Only when a customer tells us the size and/or scale desired do we build the model. Each model is exquisitely crafted by our master model builders and comes fully assembled with a solid hull - hand carved from kiln-dried mahogany. Other parts are made from a variety of woods, putty, resin and metals. Every model includes pedestals, mounted on a polished mahogany base board. Options include keel block mounting, waterline models, nameplates, ships seals and ribbons, and weathering paint schemes.
The model build time is generally 16 weeks from receipt of the order and deposit. The normal procedure is a 50% deposit with the commissioning, with the balance due prior to shipping. Note that prior to shipping, we take a series of photos of the model and send them to you for final review and approval – so you know exactly what your model will look like and allow for any necessary modifications. Once you have approved your model, we’ll collect the final balance and she will be shipped in a robust shipping crate and insured for your protection.
We offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: In the unlikely event you are not completely satisfied with your model and wish to return it, notify us within 7 days of the model delivery and we will issue a refund or exchange.
FREE SHIPPING in the USA - Note that our model prices include shipping and insurance within the USA.
Shipping costs outside the USA will depend on the model size ordered and shipping destination. You will be responsible for any applicable taxes or duties, based on the commercial invoice value for the model.
Add a museum-like touch to your model display - Consider our protective display case option. Keep fingers and dust away - forever! Please visit our Display Case page to see our selection.
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