WICHITA class

The Wichita class of replenishment oilers ships were a reduced version of the huge Sacramento class oilers and were designed to support the antisubmarine carrier groups of the US Navy. Seven ships were built and entered service in the period 1969-76 with excellent load capacities, especially fuel. They carried more than 25 million liters of fuel oil, 100 tons of refrigerated food, 200 tons of dry cargo and 600 tons of ammunition. The ships had seven oiling stations, 4 on port side and 3 on starboard side and 4 cargo handing stations, 2 on port side and 2 on starboard side. The USS Roanoke, the last to be built, was delivered with a hangar for two UH-46 Sea Knights, and the other six vessels of the class received the same installation in the late 70’s overhaul. Wichita class carried a defensive armament composed by two twin 76mm AA gun mountings, which was replaced in the 1980s by an octuple Sea Sparrow missile launcher, and two 20mm Phalanx CIWS along with two Mk.91 fire director radars. The USS Kansas City, USS Milwaukee, USS Savannah, USS Wabash and USS Wichita actively participated in the Vietnam War and USS Kansas City, USS Kalamazoo and USS Roanoke participated in the 1991 Gulf War. All ships were decommissioned between 1993 and 1995 as a result of the restructuring and reduction of the US Navy.

WICHITA class gallery and more info