uss Mazama AE9

• 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.