We used 4" hose for destroyers and lesser sized vessels, the towed ship connecting directly. For larger recipients, 6" hose was sent over with a quick-opening coupling on far end, should emergency release be needed.

About 60 feet was adequate spacing between ships, as I recall. We did the towing when other vessel(s) were destroyer-sized and less, a large hawser from the eyes to a chock maybe 40' aft from the bow of towed one. She kept speed only slightly less than ours.

We made numerous fuelings during late 1942 and 1943. I recall only one serious mishap. A destroyer lost steering power and veered into us. She scraped our side well as she trailed aft, but no penetration.