Pawcatuck (AO 108) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMAN DIN G OFFICER Captain F. L. Horne, Jr,

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THE CO ER IO TORY The conversion of the PAWCATUCK included what has become known in the shipbuilding trade as a jumboization. This involved replacing the midbody containing the cargo tanks with a new longer midbody that gives the ship 5095 increase in her cargo capacity and lengthened the ship by 90 feet. This operation consisted of five basic steps. First the bow was cut off and retained in the drydock while the rest of the ship was floated out. Next the new midbody was floated in, raised and joined to the bow. The third step was the transfer of the bridge structure from the old midbody to the new by the use of the heavy lift crane at the American Ship Building Company, Lorian, Ohio.3Next the stern section was severed and retained in drydock while the old midbody was floated out. In the last step the new midbody, with bow and bridge structure attached, was floated into the dock, raised and joined to the stern. Although replacement of the midbody was the single biggest change, many other important improvements were made during conversion. A major modification was made to the stern including two new counterbalanced rudder, new stern casting and sturts, and new shorter propeller shafts and stern tubes. The latest design in fueling and replenishment at sea equipment was added including kingposts with outriggers, Ram tensioned span wires and high lines. Electric hydraulic Winches, cargo elevators. Helicopter pick-up area. And sliding blocks and cargo drop reels at replenishment stations. The pumping capacity was improved by the addition of new larger capacity electric driven cargo pumps. Larger cargo piping and double hose fueling rigs. And auxiliary diesel generator plant developing 4599 KW was installed to provide power for the deck machinery and cargo pumps. Enclosed space was provided for stowage of fleet cargo, bottled gas and fleet mail. Habitability was improved by the air conditioning of all office and living spaces, installation of a new ships store, library, barber shop and additional laundry equipment.

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U. S. S. PAWCATUCK CAO-1087 CARE OF FLEET POST OFFICE NEW YORK 09501 This has been a happy cruise. Good furtune has dominated the Smiling Indian's course, and success has been the ccmmon result of every task performed. 'Ihe men of PAWCATIIZK have performed with great professional competence, enthusiasm and pride. One of the greatest contributions to our success has been the absence of injury, sickness or family tragedy. This has afforded us the naximum effort toward acconplishment of our mission. 'lhe three hundred replenishments performed with ships of the SIXTH Fleet may not be the record, but it does represent a satis- fying accomplishment of satisfying service with satisfied customer ships. Our pride is reflected in the smile on the face of the Smi1ing Indian. 'IhePAVU-XTUCKisahappywinner. - r +1 F. L. norm, Jr. Captain, U.S. Naval Reserve OonmandingOfficer, USS PAWCATIIZK CPD-1083