While in Baltimore July 2010, for the occasion of the annual fire expo, Mr. History was poking around a random marina. Imagine his surprise when he found the T. B. McClintic, an old tug that had served the Wilmington, NC, fire department for a few decades as the fire boat Atlantic IV. Wish we’d taken more (and better) pics. 

From Mike’s research notes, here’s a short history:

Make: Bath Iron Works
Built: 1932 in Bath, MA
Hull: Steel
Length: 64 feet
Weight: 85 tons
Engine: Diesel (3)
Pump: ?
Capacity: 2500 GPM
Tugboat built for US Public Health Department. Named T. B. McLintick, after doctor credited with cure for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Served health department from 1932 to 1958. Also used briefly as ice breaker. Acquired by city in 1963 for $300. Three diesel engines installed, as well as firefighting equipment. First duty was washing down decks of USS North Carolina before dedication ceremony. Retired 1986. Docked at Cape Fear Technical Institute for several months. Sold and later restored to original public health tug.

See the above research notes for longer narrative. 

Star-News photo / Chris Nelson Collection