USS Pinto (AT-90)

USS Pinto (AT-90) was an Apache-class fleet tug constructed for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Her purpose was to aid ships, usually by towing, on the high seas or in combat or post-combat areas, plus “other duties as assigned.” She served in the Atlantic Ocean and, at war’s end, returned home proudly with three battle stars to her credit.

"Pinto" was laid down by the Cramp Shipbuilding Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 10 August 1942; launched 5 January 1943; sponsored by Miss Lorna Cook; and commissioned 1 April 1943; Lt. Ralph Brown in command.

World War II Atlantic Ocean operations

Following shakedown, "Pinto" served in Service Squadron 1, Service Force, Atlantic Fleet operating on the U.S. East Coast of the United States and at Argentia, Newfoundland until 15 December 1943 when she arrived Long Island Sound to conduct salvage and towing operations for the U.S. Army and Navy Proving Grounds, Davisville, Rhode Island.

Normandy Invasion operations

On 26 March 1944, "Pinto" was underway for the European theater of operations, arriving Falmouth, England 19 April. She was redesignated ATF-90 on 15 May. She arrived off the Normandy invasion coast 6 June, where she and two other tugs comprised Combat Salvage Unit 122.3.1 which assisted and made emergency repairs to invasion landing craft while under enemy fire. On “D” day plus one, USS Susan B. Anthony (AP-72) struck a mine, and was left burning and in a sinking condition. "Pinto" aided in removing 2,200 Army troops plus the Navy crew, for which she received the Navy Unit Commendation. "Pinto" remained on station as combat salvage vessel off “Omaha” beach until 3 July when she returned to England.

Invasion of Southern France operations

She arrived at Oran, Algeria, 21 July, and joined the assault Force for Operation Dragoon. On 15 August she arrived off the coast of southern France with task unit TU 85.14.7 and conducted salvage operations under enemy fire until 28 August when she returned to Oran and then the United States.

Transferred to the Pacific Fleet

On 10 November "Pinto", with a floating drydock section in tow, got underway for Panama, whence she proceeded across the Pacific to Bora Bora, Society Islands to join the U.S. 7th Fleet. Until June 1945 "Pinto" engaged in towing and salvage operations off New Guinea, the Admiralties, the Philippines and Morotai. On 4 June, "Pinto" departed Morotai as part of task group TG 76.20 for the amphibious assault on Brunei Bay, British North Borneo. She remained as salvage tug on station in Victoria Harbor until 2 July when she returned to the Philippine Islands for towing assignments. During autumn "Pinto" conducted salvage and towing operations between Morotai, Balikpapan, Tarakan and Leyte Gulf. Then in December she got underway for the United States and inactivation.

Decommissioning

On 11 July 1946 "Pinto" was decommissioned and entered the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, berthed at Orange, Texas. She was transferred, 1 May 1974, cash sale, under the Security Assistance Program, to Peru, and renamed BAP Rios (ARA-123).

Awards

"Pinto" received the Navy Unit Commendation and also three battle stars for World War II service:

* Invasion of Normandy, 6 June to 3 July 1944
* Invasion of Southern France, 15 August to 28 August 1944
* Borneo operation, Brunei Bay operation, 4 June to 5 July 1945

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II
* Tugboat

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/39/39090.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AT-90 / ATF-90 Pinto]