Ponchatoula in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
USS Ponchatoula Memorial
(AO-148)
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, March 23, 2018
1. USS Ponchatoula Memorial Marker
This memorial is dedicated to all the officers and men who served aboard the USS Ponchatoula (AO-148) from its commissioning in January 1956 until its retirement from naval service in August 1992. The Ponchatoula was a Neosha Class Fleet Oiler designed and built to provide underway replenishment to ships at sea. Deployed during the Vietnam War, "The Ponch" was awarded 12 campaign stars and set records for refueling U.S. and allied warships in support of combat operations of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. After time spent assigned to the reserve fleet, the ship was towed in June 2014 from San Francisco, CA, to Brownsville, TX, where she was scrapped.
The memorial is a 1/7 scale replica of the stern of the ship and contains artifacts recovered from the ship during dismantling. When the Memorial was dedicated on May 16, 2015, a time capsule was placed in the capstan to be opened at a time determined by the City of Ponchatoula, LA.
David Cedillo
Baytown, Texas
Erected 2015.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: War, Vietnam • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Time Capsules series list.
Location. 30° 26.324′ N, 90°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ponchatoula Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); PFC Raymond "Mike" Clausen, Jr. (approx. one mile away); Hammond Junior College (approx. 4.6 miles away); Mt. Vernon Walnut (approx. 4.7 miles away); Peter Hammond (approx. 4.8 miles away); City Of Hammond (approx. 4.9 miles away); Grace Memorial Episcopal Church (approx. 4.9 miles away); Friendship Circle (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ponchatoula.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, March 23, 2018
2. USS Ponchatoula Memorial Marker
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, March 23, 2018
3. USS Ponchatoula Memorial Marker
March 23, 2018
4. USS Ponchatoula Memorial Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 432 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 24, 2018.
