About this Unit
USS Neches (AO-47) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1942. Serving primarily in the Pacific Theater during World War II, she played a vital logistical role, refueling warships during major campaigns such as the Gilbert, Marshall, and Mariana Islands operations. The Neches continued her support through the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa campaigns, earning eight battle stars for her wartime service. After the war, she served in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets before being decommissioned in 1970.
Historical Facts
•
Fleet Oiler Service: USS Neches (AO-47) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, commissioned by the United States Navy in 1942 to support the logistics needs of the Pacific Fleet during World War II.
•
Namesake: She was the second U.S. Navy ship to be named after the Neches River in Texas, reflecting the tradition of naming oilers after American rivers.
•
Pearl Harbor Survivor: USS Neches (AO-47) was launched after the loss of the first USS Neches (AO-5), which was sunk by a Japanese submarine in January 1942 near Hawaii.
•
Replenishing the Fleet: Neches played a critical role in refueling aircraft carriers, battleships, and other vessels at sea during key operations, including the invasions of the Gilbert, Marshall, and Mariana Islands.
•
Dangerous Missions: Operating in combat zones, she often performed underway replenishment while under threat from enemy submarines and aircraft.
•
Kamikaze Attack: On 18 April 1945, during the Okinawa campaign, Neches was damaged by a near-miss from a kamikaze attack, suffering casualties and requiring repairs but returning quickly to service.
•
Post-War Service: After World War II, Neches continued to serve during the Korean War, providing vital logistical support to United Nations naval forces.
•
Cold War Operations: The ship remained active through the early years of the Cold War, participating in various fleet exercises and deployments until her decommissioning.
•
Multiple Battle Stars: USS Neches (AO-47) earned eight battle stars for her World War II service and four for her Korean War operations, highlighting her extensive contributions.
•
Final Fate: Decommissioned in 1970, Neches was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for scrap, but her legacy as a vital lifeline of the fleet endures in naval history.
