USS Salinan (ATF-161) was an Achomawi-class tug built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named after the Salinan peoples (native inhabitants of what is now the Central Coast of California, in the Salinas Valley), she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name. Salinan was laid down on 13 April 1945 by the Charleston Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company of Charleston, South Carolina; launched on 20 July 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Lillie E. Hilton; and commissioned on 9 November 1945 with Lieutenant Commander Robert M. Whelpley in command.