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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive

Syncline YO-63

International Radio Call Sign:
November - Bravo - Romeo - Mike
NBRM

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons

Precedence of awards is from left to right
American Campaign Medal - Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal - World War II Victory Medal

Syncline (YO-63) was sold to France and renamed RFS Lac Tchad (A631)

Bullwheel Class Fuel Oil Barge (Self-propelled):

Laid down in 1942 at RTC Shipbuilding Co., Camden, N.J.

Launched, 1 March 1943

Acquired by the US Navy and placed in service as Syncline (YO-63), 25 June 1943, allocated to the 3rd Naval District

During World War II Syncline was first assigned to the American Theater and later towed to North Africa for duty

While assigned to the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater Syncline shuttled fuel between Corsica, Sardinia, Algeria, Italy, and France

Placed out of service and leased to France, 16 March 1945

Struck from the Naval Register, 21 March 1949

Sold to French by the State Department, 21 March 1949, renamed RFS Lac Tchad (A631)

Laid up in reserve at Brest, France, 1958 to 1964

Reactivated in 1964 and assigned to the Pacific

Disarmed, 27 June 1972, redesignated Q-501

Final Disposition, sank in 1972 north of Tahiti.

Specifications:
Displacement 950 t.(lt) 1,731 t.(fl)
Length 235'
Beam 37'
Draft 15' (max)
Speed 10.6 kts.
Cargo Capacity 10,000 Bbls
Complement

Officers 4

Enlisted 30
Armament unknown
Propulsion

Enterprise Diesel engines

two propellers, 638shp

Click On Image For Full Size Image	Size	Image Description	Contributed By
Syncline (YO-63)
	162k	Syncline (YO-63) underway off Camden, N.J., 21 June 1943, during builders trials. US Navy photo from RTC Shipbuilding Corp.	Stan Svec
RFS Lac Tchad (A631)
	40k	Ex-Syncline (YO-63) underway while in French service as *RFS Lac Tchad* (A631)**, circa 1968, location unknown. Official French Navy photo.	Robert Hurst
	56k	*RFS Lac Tchad* (A631)** underway, date and location unknown.	Robert Hurst
	50k	*RFS Lac Tchad* (A631)** underway, date and location unknown.	Robert Hurst

Syncline (YO-63)
DANFS entry located at the US Naval Historical Center

Crew Contact And Reunion Information
U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation - Navy Log

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This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo

Last Updated 4 February 2011