The ship carried five types of boats. Each was a modeling project in itself. The complement changed over time, from nine boats in the early 1960s to just five boats by the 1970s. The number was decreased to reduce topside weight. The large two tiered boat davits port and starboard each carried a 26 foot motor whale boat and a 28 foot personnel boat. These large davits were eliminated on the Oklahoma City to reduce topside weight. A smaller single boat davit was installed on the port side for launching the motor whale boat. Two 40 foot Utility Boats were eliminated from the boat nests, one each port and starboard. Only the 40 foot Personnel Boat (the Admiral's barge) remained to starboard. On the port boat deck a 28 foot Personnel Boat (the Captain's Gig) was nested above a 40 foot Utility Boat. The second 28 foot Personnel Boat (the fleet Chief of Staff's boat) was carried on a portable boat cradle on top of the missile house.

Over time the boats were replaced with newer versions. The Mark numbers shown here are what were aboard in 1971.

Mk 4 40 Foot Personnel Boat

The largest boat was the 40 foot Personnel Boat. It was used to ferry personnel between the ship and shore during inclement weather. It served as the Admiral's barge.

Mk 2 40 Foot Utility Boat

The 40 foot Utility Boat was most often used to ferry liberty parties between ship and shore. The middle benches could be folded and moved aside to allow the boat to be used for hauling cargo. It was sometimes used to transfer furniture and other personal effects purchased in liberty ports back to the ship.

Mk 10 26 Foot Motor Whale Boat

The motor whale boat was the general purpose boat that got the most use. It was used to transfer personnel and materials between ships and shore. It was the primary means for recovery of men overboard and small objects in the water.

28 Foot Personnel Boat

The ship carried two 28 foot personnel boats (Mk 6?). I have not found drawings for these boats, and I do not have enough photos to produce a reasonably accurate model. Maybe someday!