USS Ashtabula (AO-51)

• Namesake: USS Ashtabula (AO-51) was named after the Ashtabula River in Ohio, continuing the Navy tradition of naming oilers after rivers in the United States. • World War II Service: Commissioned in 1943, Ashtabula played a vital logistics role during World War II, supplying fuel to warships in the Pacific, supporting operations at locations such as Ulithi, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa. • Kamikaze Attack: On 18 January 1945, while off Ulithi Atoll, Ashtabula survived a kamikaze attack. The plane crashed near the ship, but only minor damage was sustained, and she continued operations. • Rebuilt After Fire: In October 1944, the ship suffered a significant fire when a gasoline barge exploded alongside her at Ulithi, causing heavy damage and casualties. After repairs, she returned to duty, showcasing the resilience of her crew and shipyard workers. • Korean War Support: Ashtabula also served during the Korean War, refueling ships of the 7th Fleet and supporting operations off the Korean Peninsula. • Vietnam War Service: The ship saw extensive service in the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. Navy operations with underway replenishment of fuel and stores for combat and support vessels. • Jumboization: In 1968, Ashtabula underwent “jumboization” at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, where a new 400-foot midsection was installed, increasing her capacity and extending her service life. • Longest Serving Oiler: By the time of her decommissioning in 1982, Ashtabula was one of the longest-serving oilers in the U.S. Navy, with nearly 40 years of continuous service. • Multiple Battle Stars: The ship earned several battle stars for her service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, recognizing her vital contributions in multiple conflicts. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, Ashtabula was used as a target and sunk during a fleet training exercise off Hawaii in October 2000, ending her long and distinguished career.