Republic tugboat
The Republic tugboat, also known as the interstellar tug, served as a support ship model utilized by the Republic during the era of the Clone Wars.
Characteristics
This ship was equipped with a pair of tractor beam projectors positioned at the front, facilitating the docking of starships at various space stations, such as the Ord Cestus medical station. Operation of these tugs required a crew of two clone pilots.
History
The initial sighting of this vessel type occurred at the Ord Cestus medical station, where it played a role in assisting Pelta-class frigates, along with other starships, in docking procedures. Notably, a pair of these tugs lent their support to the brain worm-infested frigate identified as TB-73, aiding its docking at the medical station. Clone troopers, under the influence of the infestation, had seized control of the vessel, prompting Padawans Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee to attempt to regain command.
Tano initiated the ship's cooling mechanism, exploiting the brain worms' vulnerability to frigid conditions. Simultaneously, Offee became infected, leading to a lightsaber duel between the Padawans on the main bridge. With the ship unmanned, it hurtled towards the medical station on a high-speed collision trajectory. Consequently, the two tugs were forced to deploy their tractor beam projectors at maximum capacity to avert the frigate's impact with the station.
Furthermore, tugs were instrumental in relocating the Kaliida Shoals Medical Center to the area surrounding the Kaliida Nebula following its refurbishment by the Republic.