On 23 November 1965 Redwing, in company with Manistee (YTB-782), another newly constructed tug, departed the builder's yard for delivery to the Naval Station San Diego, California.

Placed in service in June 1965, Redwing, was fitted with special fenders to allow her to work with the United States Navy's round-hulled nuclear-powered submarines, operated in the 11th and 12th Naval Districts, assisting larger Navy ships in docking and performing general towing services.

Along with the Mecosta (YTB-818), duties included assisting in docking operations, search and rescue operations in some of the roughest water in the world, research trips, transportation around the island and to other islands in the Aleutian chain, and any other odd jobs that came along.

As the only two work boats assigned to the Cold War base on Adak, they were kept very busy.

This article about a specific ship or boat of the United States Armed Forces is a stub.