About this Unit
USS Noxubee (AOG-56) was a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Designed to transport gasoline and other petroleum products to warships and remote naval stations, she served primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the late stages of World War II and throughout the Cold War. After initial service, Noxubee was decommissioned in 1959 but was later reactivated in 1965 to support operations during the Vietnam War, supplying fuel to forward-deployed forces. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1975 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register, concluding a distinguished career supporting U.S. naval operations across multiple decades.
Historical Facts
•
Commissioning and Class: USS Noxubee (AOG-56) was a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker, commissioned into the United States Navy on 10 October 1945.
•
Name Origin: The ship was named after the Noxubee River in Mississippi, continuing the Navy tradition of naming gasoline tankers after American rivers with Native American names.
•
World War II Service: Although commissioned too late to see combat in World War II, Noxubee served in the immediate postwar era, supporting occupation forces and naval operations.
•
Korean War Deployments: During the Korean War, USS Noxubee was actively involved in transporting fuel to U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific, contributing to the logistical backbone of military operations.
•
Vietnam War Operations: Noxubee made several deployments to Vietnam, delivering much-needed aviation gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil to forward bases and ships, often operating in hazardous combat zones.
•
Rescued Crew Members: In 1967, while operating off the coast of Vietnam, Noxubee participated in search and rescue missions, saving the lives of several stranded sailors and airmen.
•
Notable Incident: In 1970, a serious fire broke out aboard the ship while loading fuel at Da Nang, Vietnam. The crew managed to contain the fire, preventing a catastrophic explosion and earning commendations for bravery.
•
Decommissioning and Fate: USS Noxubee was decommissioned in 1975 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1975. She was later transferred to the Dominican Republic, where she served as a fuel ship.
•
Awards and Honors: The ship received multiple campaign and service medals for her Vietnam War service, including the Vietnam Service Medal with several campaign stars.
•
Unique Crew Camaraderie: Former crew members of USS Noxubee have held reunions and maintain an active association, sharing stories of perilous fuel runs, close calls, and the unique challenges of serving on a small, vital tanker.
