Epilogue

The USS Truckee AO-147 ended operations as a fleet oiler with the United States Navy on November 8, 1979. She finished the last of her 25 odd years while assigned to Service Squadron Four in Norfolk, Virginia. The Truckee will be assigned no longer to the Atlantic Fleet, but will become the newest member of the Military Sealift Command on January 30, 1980.

The Truckee departed Norfolk January 21^st for Headquarters, Military Sealift Command in Bayonne, New Jersey for decommissioning ceremonies.

Captain D.E. Hernandez read his orders and then turned the ship over to Captain Richard O. Gooden, Commanding Officer Military Sealift Command (MSC). Following this ceremony the last of the crew of the USS Truckee marched off, requesting permission to leave the ship for the last time.

Truckee finished her career as part of Service Squadron Four. Other components of this squadron were; USS Concord (AFS-5); USS San Diego (AFS-6); USS Sylvania (AFS-2); USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98); USS Canisteo (AO-99); USS Milwaukee (AOR-2); USS Savannah (AOR-4); and USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6). This Squadron provided fuel, food, parts and ammunition to the Atlantic Fleet.

As a member of the Military Sealift Command, the Truckee's role was not much different. However, the crew changed drastically. Instead of a Naval crew, a smaller crew of civilians followed in the footsteps of many a good sailor, and provided essentially the same service to the Fleet.

After decommissioning, the Truckee underwent a conversion/overhaul, received a Civil Service Master, and finally changed from USS Truckee AO-147 to T-AO-147.

In 1994, after more than 14 years with the Military Sealift Command, Truckee T-AO-147 made her final journey up the James River to the Mothball Fleet where today she awaits final disposition.

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