SMY23 USS NECHES (AO 5)  Built 1918-20  Boston Navy Yard; 5723 tons displ. 475x56x26.5 feet; Recip SHP 5200=14 kts; 2x5"/51 + 2x3"/25.  1920-22 oiler Atlantic Fleet; 1922-1942 based San Diego and served as oiler to Pacific Fleet. 7 Dec '41 enroute San Diego-Pearl Harbor. 22 Jan '42 Dept Pearl Harbor to fuel ships scheduled to raid Wake Is. Early 23 Jan '42 torpedoed and sunk by Jap submarine I-72. Wake Island raid cancelled.