From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

An Indian tribe of Louisiana.

dr. 15'4" s. 16 k. cpl. 85 a. 1 x 3"

cl. Cherokee

Chawasha (ATF-151) was launched, 15 September 1944, by Charleston Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. Charleston, S.C.; sponsored by Mrs. R. H. Grantham; and commissioned, 6 February 1945, Lieutenant H. K. Smith in command.

Chawasha sailed from Philadelphia, 24 March 1945, on a long and arduous towing job, bringing two dump scows south along the east coast, through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific to Samar, P.I., which she reached, 16 June. On 27 June, she arrived at Ulithi to join the logistic support group servicing the Third Fleet in its series of pounding raids against the Japanese homeland. On 8 July, Sioux (ATF-76) broke down at sea, and Chawasha towed her to Saipan, rejoining the logistic group, 15 July, for replenishment and courier service, until she put in to Tokyo Bay, 5 September. Here, she cleared wrecked Japanese shipping from the dock areas at Yokosuka and Yokohama.

Chawasha continued to aid occupation activities in the Far East, until 19 February 1946, when she cleared Kobe for Samar. Here, she took ARD-18 in tow for Pearl Harbor, where she assumed another tow for Balboa. Sailing singly, she arrived in San Pedro, 4 June, and there was placed out of commission in reserve, 30 September 1946.

Chawasha received one battle star for World War II service.