USS Patoka (AO-9)

USS Patoka (AO-9)

USS Patoka (AO–9/AV–6/AG–125) was a fleet oiler made famous as a tender for the airships USS Shenandoah (ZR-1), USS Los Angeles (ZR-3) and USS Akron (ZRS-4). It was also notable in that its height (177 feet) figured prominently in the design of Rainbow Bridge in Texas (the bridge design required that the Patoka, then the tallest ship in the Naval fleet, could sail under it; however, it never did).

Named for the Patoka River, Patoka was laid down 17 December 1918 by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Virginia; launched 26 July 1919; acquired by the Navy from USSB 3 September 1919; and commissioned 13 October 1919, Comdr. E. F. Robinson in command.