About this Unit
USS Mazama (AE-9) was an ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. She provided vital logistical support by transporting and supplying ammunition to combat ships in the Pacific Theater, particularly during the campaigns at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Mazama survived a torpedo attack by a Japanese submarine in January 1945, sustaining damage but managing to continue her mission after repairs. Following World War II, she supported operations during the Korean War and served until her decommissioning in 1960.
Historical Facts
• USS Mazama (AE-9) was an ammunition ship of the United States Navy, named after Mount Mazama in Oregon.
• Commissioned on 10 June 1944, Mazama was constructed during World War II at the Tampa Shipbuilding Company in Florida.
• Pacific Theater Service: The ship played a crucial role in supplying ammunition to the Pacific Fleet during key operations, including the invasions of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
• Near Miss at Ulithi Atoll: On 20 January 1945, Mazama was struck by a Japanese kaiten (manned torpedo) at Ulithi, causing a massive explosion and significant damage, but she avoided catastrophic destruction.
• Crew Heroism: Despite the explosion, the crew's quick action contained fires and prevented further damage to the ship and the surrounding fleet anchored at Ulithi.
• Repairs in San Francisco: After the attack, Mazama sailed back to San Francisco for extensive repairs and returned to service within months, showcasing the resilience of both the ship and her crew.
• Korean War Service: Mazama was recommissioned for the Korean War, providing ammunition support to combat ships off the Korean coast.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: The ship was activated again during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, serving in the Atlantic to bolster American naval presence.
• Awards: USS Mazama earned two battle stars for her World War II service and additional commendations for her later roles in the Korean War and Cold War operations.
• Decommissioning: Mazama was finally decommissioned in 1970 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1976, ending a distinguished career spanning three decades and three major conflicts.
