HUSKY was originally the Navy yard lighter YF 293, built in 1942 by Erie Concrete & Steel Co. in Erie PA. In 1955 she was loaned to the Maritime Administration and worked as the support boat FS 12 at the James River Reserve Fleet. James River was closed in 1972, and in 1973 she was observed at the Army Reserve Pier in Marcus Hook PA.

In 1975 she was sold at auction, brought to the West Coast, and given the name SHELIKOF. She was finally documented in 1978 under the name HUSKY (ON 586918) and converted into a crabber/tender by Tippett Brothers. She got her name from the breed of dogs, and two other former YF’s, RETRIEVER and BULLDOG, were similarly modified. Her present owner is registered as F/V HUSKY LLC, of Shoreline WA, and she’s home-ported in Seattle.