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Mattaponi (AO-41) Class: Photographs

These photographs were selected to show the original configuration of this class and major subsequent modifications. For more views see the former NHHC (now Hyperwar) Online Library of Selected Images and the NavSource Photo Archive.

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

USS Patuxent (AO-44)

In the Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore, Md., on 9 November 1942 just after conversion.

Photo No. 80-G-212760
Source: Shipscribe

 
USS Mattaponi (AO-41)

Off the Norfolk Navy Yard on 5 May 1943.
She was headed for Europe with deck cargo that included two PT boats.

Photo No. Unknown
Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM

 
USS Monongahela (AO-42)

Photographed circa 1952 with a much-reduced armament of four 40mm twin and two 20mm twin AA mounts.

Photo No. Unknown
Source: Shipscribe

 
USS Neches (AO-47)

Photographed circa 1955 with an armament of two 3"/50, two quadruple 40mm, and four 20mm twin mounts.
All of the guns except 2-20mm twin mounts were aft. The cruiser on the left is USS Juneau (CLAA-119).

Photo No. Unknown
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

 
USS Mattaponi (AO-41)

Beginning to recommission in 1956 for the Suez crisis with USS Kennebec (AO-36) alongside.
Note that both ships had been fully rearmed with four or five 3"/50 guns before being decommissioned. Note also the extreme contrast in bow forms between the two classes.

Photo No. None
Source: Shipscribe

 
USS Mattaponi (AO-41)

Photographed by USS Hornet (CVS-12) in the Gulf of Tonkin on 18 December 1968.
She is departing after refueling USS Parsons (DDG-33), visible in the background.

Photo No. USN 1135066
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

 
USS Tappahannock (AO-43)

In the South China Sea on 1 August 1969.
She is preparing to refuel the carrier USS Kearsarge (CVS-33).

Photo No. USN 1141717
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

 
USS Neches (AO-47)

Near Subic Bay, Philippines, on 18 February 1970.

Photo No. K-81888
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command