Kalispell (YTB-784)
1966-2002
A city in Flathead County, Montana, named for a Native American tribe.
(YTB-784: displacement 356 (full), 283 (light); length 109'0"; beam 31'0"; maximum navigational draft 14'0"; limiting draft 13'0"; speed 12.0 knots; complement 12; class Natick)
Kalispell (YTB-784) was laid down on 14 September 1965 at Marinette, Wisc., by the Marinette Marine Corp.; launched on 13 December 1965; and placed in service on 3 May 1966.
Initially assigned to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Kalispell performed towing operations and harbor duties in the Fifth Naval District, Norfolk, Va. At some point, with the increasing involvement of the U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War, the large harbor tug proceeded to Southeast Asisan waters, being assigned to Task Force 117, supporting the multi-faceted and challenging operations of the Mobile Riverine Force as it battled a determined foe.
During her time in Vietnam, Kalispell participated in the Vietname Counteroffensive, Phase III (10 June 1967--29 January 1968); the Tet Counteroffensive (30 January--1 April 1968); the Vietnamese Counteroffensive, Phase IV (2 April--30 June 1968); the Vietnamese Counteroffensive, Phase V (1 July--1 November 1968); the Vietnamese Counteroffensive Phase VI (2 November 1968--22 February 1969); the Tet '69 Counteroffensive (23 February--8 June 1969), the Vietnam Summer--Fall 1969; and Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970 (1 November 1969--30 April 1970). During the last-named period, Kalispell was reassigned to the U.S. Naval Base at Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines in January 1970.
Subsequently reassigned to the Naval Support Activity, Diego Garcia, Kalispell was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 16 February 2002. She was disposed-of, by dismantling/recycling, on 9 May 2005.
In addition to the engagement stars (eight), Kalispell received for her Vioetnam War service, she was also awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and a Navy Unit Commendation.
Robert J. Cressman
9 July 2024
