USS Chenango

USS Chenango (AVG/ACV/CVE/CVEH-28), was a US Navy escort carrier of World War II. Originally built as Esso New Orleans, one of twelve tankers built by a joint Navy-Maritime Commission design. This design was later duplicated and designated a T3-S2-A1 oiler. She was acquired by the Navy in May 1940, and renamed and classified Chenango (AO-31), for use as a Cimarron-class fleet oiler. In 1942, she was converted into one of four Sangamon-class escort carriers. Originally classified as an "Aircraft Escort Vessel", and designated AVG-28, in March 1942, she was reclassified as an "Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier", ACV-28, in August 1942. When the US Navy had another major reclassification on 15 July 1943, Sangamon was again reclassified, this time as an "Escort Carrier", CVE-28. After the war, she was later classified an "Escort Helicopter Aircraft Carrier" and again redesignated, CVHE-28, 12 June 1955. She was named after the Chenango River, in New York.