USS Canisteo (AO-99)

USS "Canisteo" (AO-99) was an "Ashtabula"-class fleet oiler constructed for the U.S. Navy in the closing days of World War II.

"Canisteo" (AO-99) was launched 6 July 1945 by Bethlehem Steel-Sparrows Point Shipyard, Inc., Sparrows Point, Maryland, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. J. N. Chambers; and commissioned 3 December 1945, Lieutenant Commander E. L. Denton, USNR, in command.

Post-World War II operations

"Canisteo" cleared Norfolk 4 February 1946 for Melville, Rhode Island, where she loaded diesel oil for naval units taking part in the occupation of Germany. Returning from Bremerhaven and Farge, Germany, she carried out training operations in the Caribbean, and then sailed to Iceland and Greenland, returning to New York City 27 May.

Participating in Antarctic exercises

The tanker sailed south from Norfolk 27 November 1946 as a unit of Operation Highjump, the largest Antarctic expedition to that time. Steaming through the Panama Canal to the Antarctic, "Canisteo" reached Scott and Peter Islands, and through her logistic support, played a critical role in this historic exploratory and scientific project, carrying on the Navy's traditional role in expanding man's frontiers. "Canisteo" returned to Norfolk 23 April 1947 after calling at Rio de Janeiro and Caribbean ports.

North Atlantic operations

Between 4 June 1947 and 23 October 1948, "Canisteo" served four tours of duty supporting the U.S. 6th Fleet by carrying oil from Bahrain to the Mediterranean. The winter and spring of 1948-1949 found "Canisteo" operating on fueling duty from Norfolk, Virginia, to Caribbean ports; Argentia, Newfoundland; and Grondal, Greenland. A pattern of alternating exercises in the Caribbean with overhauls and tours of duty in the Mediterranean in the following years was highlighted by her fueling in support of many fleet exercises.

She played a part in augmenting the growing strength of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization through Operation Mainbrace (26 August-11 October 1952) and in combined operations with Canadian forces (16-20 September 1956). Active with the Fleet, "Canisteo" continued to operate out of Norfolk through 1960, participating in fleet and NATO exercises.

Final decommissioning

"Canisteo" was decommissioned 2 October 1989 and struck from the Naval Register, 31 August 1992. She was transferred to the Maritime Administration for lay up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, James River, Fort Eustis, Virginia. Final Disposition: she was sold for scrapping to Able UK, Hartlepool, Teeside, England, and removed from the Reserve Fleet and, during October 2003, was under tow to the United Kingdom.

Military honors and awards

Canisteo's crew were authorized the following medals:
* Navy Battle "E" Ribbon
* American Campaign Medal
* European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal
* Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Europe clasp)
* National Defense Service Medal (2)
* Antarctic Service Medal
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (1-Cuba, 1-Dominican Republic)
* Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation (2)

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/19/19099.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AO-99 Canisteo]