PONCHATOULA (AO-148/T-AO-148)


Ponchatoula_Photos_Page_1.jpg
Year Built
1955
Official Number
--
Shipyard
New York Shipbuilding Corporation
General Type
Tanker
Specific Type
LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
MARAD Type
Military
Ship Length
655.00 feet
Beam
86.00 feet
Mast Height
--
Net Tons
11422.00 tons
Gross Tons
19240.00 tons
Cargo Capacity
--
Draft, Summer
35.00 tons
Draft, Lightweight
--
Displacement, Summer
36251.00 tons
Displacement, Lightweight
9400.00 tons
Immersion, Summer
--
Immersion, Lightweight
--
Fate
Sold - No Further Info

Historical Narrative



USS Ponchatoula, the sixth tanker in the Neosho-class of fleet oilers, was laid down in Camden, New Jersey, by the New York Shipbuilding Corp. on March 1, 1954. The ship was launched on July 9, 1954 and it was commissioned on January 12, 1956. 

Although Ponchatoula was a support vessel rather than a combat ship, it came equipped with two five-inch guns and 12 rapid-fire three-inch anti-aircraft guns mounted in several gun tubs.  

Ponchatoula had a very long and distinguished career.  In addition to serving the majority of its career in Southeast Asia, from 1963 through 1967, it assisted in a number of historic recovery operations for the Projects Mercury and Gemini spaceflights.  During the spring of 1966, Ponchatoula set a Navy record by refueling hundreds of vessels. 

Although Ponchatoula continued to serve successfully in the Western Pacific, newer and more modern fleet oilers were being added to the Navy's Pacific Fleet.  After 43 years of service, Ponchatoula was removed from the Navy's active duty fleet on August 31, 1992, after having been berthed at the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet that April.. 

On May 1, 1999, the Navy transferred ownership the ship to the Maritime Administration.  It remains at Suisun Bay.

Naval History and Heritage Command Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships entry on USS Ponchatoula.


Vessel Name History

PONCHATOULA (AO-148/T-AO-148)

Mission

No Mission for this vessel

Historical Documents

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Milestones


Event Date Content
Entry
4/2/1992 Vessel entered Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet
Acquisition
5/1/1999 US Navy transferred title to MARAD
Cleared Historic Review
6/21/2005 California SHPO cleared the ship for disposal on this date.
Sold Awaiting Removal
4/28/2014 Vessel under Domestic Sale contract, International Shipbreaking LTD.
Withdrawal
5/15/2014 Vessel departed under domestic sale.

Ship Imagery




Status Cards



Documents


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Plans


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Shipwreck Information


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