USS Patapsco (AOG-1)

• First of Her Class: USS Patapsco (AOG-1) was the lead ship of the Patapsco-class gasoline tankers, designed to carry fuel to warships and remote naval stations during World War II. • Named After a River: The ship was named after the Patapsco River in Maryland, a tradition for U.S. Navy gasoline tankers to bear river names. • World War II Service: Commissioned in 1943, Patapsco played a vital role supplying fuel in the Pacific Theater, including support for operations in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. • Atomic Age Witness: She was present at Operation Crossroads in 1946, the first postwar nuclear weapon tests at Bikini Atoll, supplying fuel and support to the operation. • Korean War Veteran: Reactivated for the Korean War, Patapsco provided critical fuel supplies to UN forces at various ports, including Pusan and Inchon. • Vietnam War Duty: Patapsco continued her service into the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. Navy and allied operations by delivering fuel to bases in Southeast Asia. • Unique Cargo: Beyond gasoline, the ship also carried lubricating oil and diesel, sometimes under hazardous conditions due to volatile cargo and enemy threats. • Multiple Awards: For her service, USS Patapsco received several battle stars—two for World War II, one for the Korean War, and one for Vietnam. • Post-Navy Career: After decommissioning in 1974, Patapsco was sold into civilian service and eventually converted into a fishing vessel named Arctic Storm. • Still Afloat as Arctic Storm: Remarkably, as of the 21st century, the former USS Patapsco (as Arctic Storm) continues to operate in the North Pacific as a factory trawler—making her one of the longest-serving ships of her kind.