Pearl to get
more pull from
new tugboats
The three vessels will
By Gregg K. Kakesako
double the Navy harbor's push-
and-pulling power
Star-BulletinWith the introduction of a fleet of three new private tugs later this month, Pearl Harbor will be doubling its pushing-and-pulling power.
The 95-foot-long tractor tugs, each costing $6 million, will replace five gray Navy Yard tug boats. Three of the older 109-foot tug boats will be decommissioned and retired. Two others will be kept in reserve at Pearl Harbor.
"It's all part of the privatization plan by the Navy," said Ronald Rasmus, president of the Cleveland-based Admiral Towing and Barge Co.
Lt. Cmdr. Rod Gibbons, Pearl Harbor spokesman, said the newer tugs are "more cost-efficient to operate, require fewer people, have more powerful engines and better maneuverability."
Gibbons said the Navy is saving money because it doesn't have to pay to build, procure and maintain a fleet of tugs.
"The money we save on tug operations can be redirected back into operational funds and projects that improve the quality of life for our sailors and families -- all without affecting our ability to support our ships and submarines," Gibbons said.
Rasmus said three more tugs will be christened later on this year, depending on the availability of Navy contracts.
Designed by the Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle, the tugs can pull weights of more than 110,000 pounds and operate at a speed of 12 knots.
Rasmus said the tugs have a 4,000 horsepower engine, doubling power of the current Navy tugs.
Of the five tugs, the Niantic is the oldest launched in 1965 followed by the Tuskegee in 1970, Poughkeepsie, Neodesha and Waxachachie in 1971.
Rasmus said his company has another link to Hawaii.
"Our shipyard is located near Lakewood, which is a suburb of Cleveland in Ohio," said Rasmus. "Rear Adm. Isaac Kidd was raised in this town. Adm. Kidd now rests in the USS Arizona."
