U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
915 Second Avenue Suite 3206
Seattle, WA  98174

October 10, 2006

Dear Senator Cantwell

The usefulness of five, 1950’s era, Neosho Class oilers now held in the Navy’s Reserve Fleet, are in question. The oilers are scheduled to scrapped, Neosho already has been. If saved, the Oilers can be moored in coastal harbors where their holds and personnel quarters could be put to use. Neosho Class Oilers were the only oilers designed with a clean, streamlined silhouette.

Three useful functions to be accomplished would be; House Recovering HOMELESS VETERANS; Store DISASTER RELIEF SUPPLIES; and Create a SUPPORT MUSEUM.

In an earthquake or hurricane, Oilers would just bounce around but stay afloat with their contents ready for use. Navy Oilers do not appear on television, in movies, or in news papers. Past crew members have claimed that serving on an oiler was the most rewarding duty station of their navy career. I believe our nation needs to think more about the support groups, not just fighting ships.

Our U.S. Senators can save the oilers by putting, AO-144, AO-145, AO-146, AO-147, AO-148 on the list for historical study. Would you please study this thought and submit an approving suggestion to a Senator or other authority that can help make this project happen. AO-146 would be my 1st wish to be saved, she was my ship. I have no means other than these words to you, to make it work.
             

“DISASTER RELIEF” info is on web site: http://navy.memorieshop.com .

I can be reached at 425-485-8068 or email: vernb@memorieshop.com

My address is: 12616 NE 190th Street, Bothell, WA 98011

I believe you have received my book “Navy Super Tankers”.     

Sincerely,  

            

Vern Bouwman

USS Kawishiwi AO-146 Historian

      
Encl.: MAKING THE RESERVE FLEET USEFUL       
cc:       Department of Veterans Affairs;     Veterans of Foreign Wars
            U.S. Naval Institute;                       U.S. Senator Patty Murry
            Seattle Mayor Gregory Nickles;     Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street