USS Caney (AO-95)

USS "Caney" (AO-95) was an Escambia-class fleet oiler acquired by the U.S. Navy for use during World War II. She had the dangerous but necessary task of providing fuel to vessels in combat and non-combat areas. She served in the Pacific Ocean Theatre of operations late in the war, and returned home proudly with two battle stars.

"Caney" was launched 8 October 1944 by Marinship Corp., Sausalito, California, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. J. L. Simpson; acquired by the Navy 25 March 1945; commissioned the same day, Commander R. S. Hanson, USNR, in command; and reported to the Pacific Fleet.

World War II Pacific Theatre operations

"Caney" sailed from San Pedro, California, 12 May 1945 for Ulithi, the base from which she operated while fueling ships serving on radar picket and patrol duties at Okinawa. From 3 July through the end of the war, she steamed with the logistic group supporting task force TF 38 in its bombardments and air strikes pounding the Japanese home islands.

End-of-war activity

The oiler remained off Okinawa serving ships engaged in occupation duty until 16 November, when she got underway for San Francisco, California, and Galveston, Texas. "Caney" was decommissioned 27 February 1946 at Beaumont, Texas, and delivered to the War Shipping Administration the same day.

Service under MSTS

Reacquired by the Navy in February 1948, she was transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service 18 July 1950, where she served in a noncommissioned status with a civilian crew.

"Caney" was placed out of service (date unknown) and struck from the Naval Register (date unknown). She was then transferred to MARAD for lay up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, Mobile, Alabama (date unknown).

Service under the U.S. Army

"Caney" was acquired by the U.S. Army in 1966 and converted at Bender Shipbuilding and Repair Co., Mobile, Alabama, into a floating power station for Vietnam service.

Final disposition

Her final disposition is not known.

Awards

"Caney" received two battle stars for World War II service.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Petroleum tanker

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/19/19095h.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AO-95 Caney]