The USNS Grasp enters the Port of Brownsville, towing the USS Des Moines.

Pertinent Information:
USS GRASP is the second ship in the SAFEGUARD - class of Rescue and Salvage Ships. Transfered to the Military Sealift Command on January 19, 2006, the GRASP subsequently underwent a shipyard period for conversion for operation by civilian mariners.
Keel Laid: March 20, 1983
Launched: May 21, 1984
Commissioned: December 14, 1985
Decommissioned: January 19, 2006
MSC "in service": January 19, 2006
Builder: Peterson, Sturgeon Bay
Propulsion system: four Caterpillar 399 Diesel Engines
Propellers: two
Length: 255 feet (77.7 meters)
Beam: 50 feet (15.2 meters)
Draft: 15.5 feet (4.7 meters)
Displacement: approx. 3,200 tons
Speed: 15 knots
Armament: two .50 caliber machine guns; two Mk-38 25mm guns
Workboats: two 35-Ft. Aluminum Boats, two 14-Ft. Inflatable Boats
Fleet: Atlantic
Crew: 26 MSC and 4 US Navy