(ATF‑156: dp. 1,190; l. 205'; b. 38'6"; dr. 15'4"; s. 16.5 k.; cpl. 85; a. 1 3", 2 40mm., 2 20mm., 2 dct.; cl. Achomawi)
The southernmost division of the Shoshone Indians of California, who received their name from San Luis Rey, the most important Spanish mission in their territory.
Luiseno (ATF‑156) was laid down 7 November 1944 by Charleston Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Charleston, S.C.; launched 17 March 1945; sponsored by Mrs. William J. Roth, Jr.; and commissioned 16 June 1945, Lt. William O. Talley in command.
After shakedown, Luiseno operated out of Norfolk and Boston before sailing for Florida 28 July. For the rest of the year she performed salvage and target‑towing services in the Florida‑Cuba area. During the summer of 1946 the fleet tug made a cruise to Bremerhaven, Germany, to tow a 350‑ton crane to Cristobal, Canal Zone, arriving there 20 September.
From 1946 Luiseno performed miscellaneous duties including target‑towing, salvage operations, and other vital services, along the east coast, in the Caribbean and from her home port, Newport, R.I. During the Cuban missile crisis in October 1962 she operated out of the Guantanamo Naval Base, ready to perform any duty for which she would be called. Despite the lack of fanfare, the accomplishments of this fleet tug contribute significantly to the strength of the world's mightiest fleet. Luiseno isat present still assigned to the Atlantic Fleet.
