USS Milwaukee (AOR-2)

• Class and Type: USS Milwaukee (AOR-2) was the lead ship of the Wichita-class replenishment oilers, designed to supply fuel and stores to U.S. Navy ships at sea. • Commissioning: She was commissioned on 1 November 1969 in Bremerton, Washington, serving for nearly 26 years before her decommissioning in 1994. • Vietnam War Service: Milwaukee provided crucial underway replenishment support to combat ships during the Vietnam War, earning the campaign star for her service. • Cold War Operations: Throughout the Cold War, Milwaukee played a key logistics role in supporting U.S. and NATO naval operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. • Notable Incident: In 1978, Milwaukee was part of a rescue operation after the destroyer USS Hull (DD-945) was damaged by heavy seas, highlighting the oiler's versatility and readiness. • Operation Urgent Fury: In 1983, Milwaukee supported U.S. naval forces during the invasion of Grenada, providing essential fuel and supplies to combat ships. • Persian Gulf Support: The ship participated in multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf, supporting naval forces during heightened tensions and operations in the region. • Homeport: Milwaukee was homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, a major logistics hub for Atlantic Fleet operations. • Decommissioning and Fate: She was decommissioned on 27 January 1994 and eventually scrapped in 2009 after spending years in the reserve fleet. • Legacy: USS Milwaukee (AOR-2) was the fourth U.S. Navy ship named after the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is remembered for her vital support role in multiple major naval operations.