About this Unit
USS Nantahala (AO-60) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Throughout World War II, she played a crucial support role, fueling warships at sea during major Pacific campaigns such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Nantahala continued to serve in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, providing vital logistics support during the Cold War era. She was decommissioned in 1973, having earned multiple battle stars for her World War II service.
Historical Facts
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Class and Type: USS Nantahala (AO-60) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, designed to refuel warships at sea during World War II and beyond.
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Namesake: The ship was named after the Nantahala River in western North Carolina, with "Nantahala" meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun" in Cherokee.
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Launch and Commission: Nantahala was launched on October 25, 1943, by the Bethlehem-Sparrows Point Shipyard in Maryland, and commissioned on January 6, 1944.
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World War II Service: The oiler played a vital role in the Pacific Theater, providing fuel to the fast carrier task forces supporting major operations such as the Marianas Campaign and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
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Kamikaze Threats: While operating in the Pacific, Nantahala was often in harm’s way, facing the threat of Japanese kamikaze attacks while refueling frontline combat ships.
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Postwar Operations: After WWII, the vessel continued service, supporting Operation Magic Carpet, which brought U.S. servicemen back home from the Pacific.
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Korean War Service: Nantahala was recommissioned for the Korean War, supplying fuel to United Nations naval forces involved in the conflict.
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Cold War Deployments: The ship remained active during the Cold War, participating in numerous exercises and operations with the U.S. Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets.
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Final Years: USS Nantahala was decommissioned for the last time in 1973 after nearly three decades of service and was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1977.
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Legacy: For her service in WWII, USS Nantahala earned five battle stars, reflecting her significant contributions to the Allied victory in the Pacific.
