These tugs are designed to provide ship assist, barge and general towing, and escort services.

[1] Before committing to a new tug design, Navy Region Northwest upgraded two of the older Natick-class tugboats,[1] Menominee (YT-807) and Washtucna (YTB-826), with improved power systems and z-drive propulsion units.

The prime contractor for the first four class members was Pacific Tugboat Services of Long Beach, California.

For towing, Valiant-class tugs are able to run stern-first using the JonRie InterTech hydraulic bow winch.

There are four state rooms, 2 singles for the chief engineer and the tug master, and two doubles for the other crew members.