USS SABINE AO-25

• Namesake: USS Sabine (AO-25) was named after the Sabine River, which forms part of the boundary between Texas and Louisiana. • Launched in 1940: The ship was launched on September 27, 1940, by the Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Company in Chester, Pennsylvania, and commissioned on December 5, 1940. • Role as a Fleet Oiler: As a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, Sabine’s primary mission was to refuel warships at sea, extending the operational range and endurance of the U.S. Navy’s fighting ships during World War II and beyond. • Pearl Harbor Survivor: Sabine was at sea during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and thus avoided damage, allowing her to immediately contribute to the war effort. • Key Support in Major Battles: USS Sabine played a crucial logistical role during major Pacific campaigns, including the Battle of Midway, the Guadalcanal campaign, and the invasions of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. • "Underway Replenishment" Pioneer: Sabine was at the forefront of developing the technique of underway replenishment—refueling ships while both are moving—a critical advancement in naval logistics. • Kamikaze Encounters: During the Okinawa campaign, Sabine was exposed to kamikaze attacks, but managed to avoid damage and continued her vital support missions. • Korean War Service: After World War II, Sabine was recommissioned for service during the Korean War, providing fuel to United Nations naval forces. • Vietnam War Participation: Sabine also saw service during the Vietnam War, supporting the U.S. Seventh Fleet operations in the Western Pacific. • Longevity and Honors: USS Sabine served for over 30 years, earning 10 battle stars for World War II service and additional campaign stars for Korea and Vietnam, before being decommissioned in 1969 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1976.