The Ships

The Tucker steams along side the USS Bairoko somewhere in the Pacific 1951.

CVE 115 refuels a destroyer in the Pacific 1951. Underway refueling was a hazardous job in calm conditions.

As viewed from the stern of CVE 115 USS Bairoko, DD 851 USS Rupertus comes in line for refueling.

Unknown what ship is behind, possibly DD 842 U.S.S. Fiske.

The Bairoko was used to refuel destroyers while on patrol in the Pacific Ocean. Operations took place in all sorts of weather. The carriers doubled as the gas station not only for planes, but destroyers and other ships too.

Refueling is a dirty job. USS Fechteler's crew struggles with waves, water, hoses, and bunker oil. Note the oil spilled on the bulkhead and deck. A line would be initially shot across from the carrier to the destroyer. This would be attached to a heavier cable which then would be pulled across to the destroyer. Then from this cable the hoses would be pulled across then attached to the destroyer. The carrier then would begin pumping fuel. At times the house would break free in rough seas spilling bunker oil on deck.

DD 851 pulling up for underway refueling with the USS Bairoko 1951.

CVE 115 USS Bairoko

CL-83 USS Manchester Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan 1951

HMS Belfast creeps past CV-47 the Phil Sea in 1951.

Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan

The HMS Belfast is now a floating museum in London, GB.