In which year did this steel and shipbuilding company, one of America's largest steel producers and shipbuilders, which contributed to the launching of USS Cherokee begin operations?
USS Cherokee (AT-66) USS "Cherokee" (AT-66) was a US Navy fleet tug of the "Navajo" class , later renamed the "Cherokee" class . She was launched on 10 November 1939 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp., Staten Island, New York and sponsored by Miss E. Mark; and commissioned 26 April 1940, Lieutenant Commander P. L. F. Weaver in command. "Cherokee" served during World War II in the North African campaign. She was redesignated ATF-66 on 15 May 1944.
USS Agwidale (SP-4464) While still under construction, the single-screw steel-hulled freighter SP-4464 was acquired by the Navy from the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va. near the end of the first World War and assigned to the Naval Overseas Transportation service (NOTS). Commissioned at Newport News on 16 November 1918, Lt. Comdr. Maurice E Huntley, USNRF, in command.