USS Ponchatoula AO-148, a Neosho class oiler, refueling USS Midway and escort destroyer off
Formosa Sept. 27, 1958. The 6 Neosho class oilers were the largest built for the US Navy up to
that time, Ponchatoula being the last constructed. She was commissioned in Jan 1956 and was
only 2½ years old when this photo was taken. Three of the Neosho class, (not Ponchatoula),
were fitted with helicopter decks above the fantail. All are fitted as flagships. (Note the large
outrigger boom on top of the after mast). Not all of the Neosho class oilers had this. The photo
I have of the Hassayampa AO-145 doesn't show one. I don't know if it was a feature that was
added later or was included in construction on the later Neosho class oilers). Ponchatoula was
transferred to MSC in the late 1970's for further service as fleet oilers. (MSC ship are disarmed
and are operated by a civilian crew. A Navy detachment remains on board to handle
communications.) In May of 1999 Ponchatoula was transferred to the Maritime Administration
at Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet in Benecia, CA.

BACK TO "SHAKEDOWN & OTHER SHIPS"

BACK TO "MIDWAY JOES NAVY"

Photograph from MidwayJoe Collection

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BACK TO RADFORD

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P9

USS PONCHATOULA refueling USS MIDWAY