USS Guadalupe

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Guadalupe

**USS Guadalupe (AO-32)** was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1941. Throughout World War II, Guadalupe played a vital role in logistical support, refueling warships during major Pacific campaigns such as the Battles of Midway, the Marianas, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa. The ship continued to serve during the Korean War and Vietnam War, providing essential at-sea replenishment to U.S. and allied naval forces. After decades of distinguished service, USS Guadalupe was decommissioned in September 1974 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1976.

Unit Members

James Aardappel

U.S. Navy

USS GuadalupeView Profile

Jerry Pate

U.S. Navy

USS GuadalupeView Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About USS Guadalupe

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: The USS Guadalupe (AO-32) was named after the Guadalupe River in Texas, following the U.S. Navy tradition of naming oilers after American rivers. • Class and Type: She was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel to ships at sea. • World War II Service: Commissioned in 1941, USS Guadalupe played a crucial role in supporting Pacific Fleet operations during World War II, including the battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, and Leyte Gulf. • Doolittle Raid: In April 1942, USS Guadalupe was part of the task force that launched the famous Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, refueling the carriers and escorts en route. • Survived Kamikaze Attacks: During the war, she survived several kamikaze attacks and near-misses while operating in dangerous forward areas. • Record-Setting Replenishment: In 1945, Guadalupe set a fleet record by refueling 12 ships simultaneously, demonstrating the importance and skill of underway replenishment operations. • Korean and Vietnam Wars: After World War II, USS Guadalupe continued serving through the Korean War and Vietnam War, providing vital fuel and supply services to combat ships. • Longevity: She served the Navy for over 30 years, from 1941 until her decommissioning in 1974, making her one of the longest-serving oilers in U.S. naval history. • Battle Stars: USS Guadalupe earned ten battle stars for her World War II service, plus additional stars for Korea and Vietnam. • Legacy: The USS Guadalupe exemplified the crucial but often unsung role of fleet oilers, enabling sustained naval operations far from home ports and helping to shape modern naval logistics.