Stephen R. Bass, Master Chief Special Operator (SEAL), USN Ret’d:
Was the first American to receive the Navy Cross since the invasion of Panama in 1989. He led a small Team of British Special Boat Squadron Operators in a rescue attempt at the Mazar-1-Sharif prison compound in Afghanistan November 25th and 26th, 2001. Faced with an overwhelming force of over 800 heavily armed insurgents Steph led his 12-man element directly into fire killing or wounding over 400 enemy during a 2-day gunfight. Running low on ammunition, then Chief Bass, took up weapons from dead insurgents and continued advancing towards his objective until “Mission Complete”. In a display of unprecedented leadership and without regard for his own safety he led his team every step of the way resulting in heavy enemy losses with his team returning from the mission 100% intact.
Pacific Tugboat Service is honored to name the very powerful Tug “S. Bass” in his honor.
The Bass has been a San Francisco Bay and Bay Delta favorite for years. Still working in the Bay and Delta today, the Bass can often be seen pushing dredge and material barges anywhere between San Francisco and Sacramento. Occasionally the Bass ventures south to Los Angeles, long beach and San Diego for projects.