page_title: USS Vireo (AM-52)
section_title: Converted into a tow ship and sent to Fiji
hierarchical_section_title: USS Vireo (AM-52) / Service as Fleet Tug / Converted into a tow ship and sent to Fiji
caption_attribution_description: The U.S. Navy fleet tug USS Vireo (AT-144) at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (USA), following repairs and overhaul, on 20 August 1942. Vireo conducted post-repair trials until 25 August. Two days later, she got underway to escort SS Gulf Queen to the Fiji Islands, towing two barges, arriving on 11 September 1942.
context_page_description: USS Vireo (AM-52) was a U.S. Navy Lapwing-class minesweeper, No. 52, reclassified on 1 June 1942 as a fleet tug. The bulk of her combat career was served in this capacity.
  She was laid down on 20 November 1918 by the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 26 May 1919; sponsored by Mrs. E. S. Robert; and commissioned on 16 October 1919, Lt. Ernest R. Peircey in command.
context_section_description: Having concluded the refitting by 19 August, Vireo conducted post-repair trials before turning in all her mine gear on 25 August. Two days later, she got underway to escort SS Gulf Queen to the Fiji Islands, towing two barges. Upon her arrival at Suva on 11 September, the tug refueled, provisioned, and carried out minor repairs before heading for New Caledonia on 15 September. After arriving at Noumea five days later, on 20 September 1942, she commenced harbor operations under the control of Commander, Amphibious Forces, South Pacific (AmphibForSoPac). In accordance with verbal orders from ComAmphibForSoPac, Vireo's crew set about making camouflage nets and painting the ship green in preparation for her next assignment.
caption: Vireo (AT-144) at Pearl Harbor, 20 August 1942.
exif: {"Image ImageDescription": "At Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, following repairs and overhaul, 20 August 1942.  Photograph from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives."}