About this Unit
USS Cacapon (AO-52) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. Throughout World War II, she played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, providing vital fuel support to combat ships during major operations such as the invasions of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. After the war, USS Cacapon continued to serve during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring the Navy's mobility and effectiveness through underway replenishments. The ship was decommissioned in 1973, after three decades of distinguished service supporting U.S. naval operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Fleet Oiler Service: USS Cacapon (AO-52) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned on 21 September 1943, designed to refuel and supply naval vessels at sea, which was crucial for sustained operations during wartime.
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World War II Deployment: Cacapon served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, participating in key campaigns such as the Marianas, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa operations, often under threat from enemy submarines and aircraft.
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Surviving Typhoon Cobra: In December 1944, the ship survived the infamous Typhoon Cobra, which sank three destroyers and damaged many vessels in the U.S. Third Fleet. Cacapon’s crew skillfully rode out the storm, avoiding catastrophe.
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Korean War Service: The oiler was recommissioned for the Korean War, where she provided vital fuel and supplies to U.S. and UN naval forces, ensuring continuous operations off the Korean coast.
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Vietnam War Operations: Cacapon was again active during the Vietnam War, supporting the U.S. Seventh Fleet by refueling ships involved in combat and patrol missions in the South China Sea.
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Longest Serving Cimarron-class Oiler: With a service career spanning from 1943 to 1973, USS Cacapon was one of the longest-serving ships of her class, seeing action in three major conflicts.
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Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, she participated in humanitarian operations, including disaster relief following typhoons and providing assistance to Pacific island communities.
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Collision Incident: In 1945, while at Ulithi Atoll, Cacapon collided with the USS LST-738. Both ships sustained damage, but Cacapon’s crew managed quick repairs to return to service.
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Namesake: The ship was named after the Cacapon River in West Virginia, reflecting the Navy’s tradition of naming oilers after American rivers.
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Final Fate: After being decommissioned in 1973, Cacapon was struck from the Naval Vessel Register and eventually sold for scrap in 1975, ending over three decades of distinguished service.
