About this Unit
USS Sabine (AO-25) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1940. Throughout World War II, she played a crucial role in refueling combat vessels at sea during major operations in the Pacific, including the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, and Okinawa campaigns. Sabine continued her service during the Korean War, supporting United Nations naval forces. The ship was decommissioned in 1969 after nearly three decades of vital logistical support to the U.S. fleet.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Sabine (AO-25) was named after the Sabine River, which forms part of the border between Texas and Louisiana.
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Built for War: The ship was originally constructed as SS Esso Albany, a commercial tanker, before being acquired by the U.S. Navy and commissioned in 1940.
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WWII Service: USS Sabine played a critical logistics role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, refueling combat ships at sea throughout many major campaigns.
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Pearl Harbor Survivor: Sabine was present at Pearl Harbor shortly before the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, and quickly left to avoid being caught in the attack.
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Supporting Major Battles: The oiler provided vital support during the Battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa, refueling warships under combat conditions.
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Operation Crossroads: After WWII, Sabine participated in "Operation Crossroads," the 1946 atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, supplying fuel to ships in the test fleet.
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Korean War Duty: Reactivated for the Korean War, Sabine once again served as a fleet oiler, demonstrating the ongoing importance of logistics vessels in modern warfare.
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Longevity: USS Sabine served actively in three wars—World War II, the Korean War, and the early stages of the Vietnam conflict—making her one of the longest-serving oilers of her era.
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Honors: The ship earned ten battle stars for her service during World War II, recognizing her critical contributions to Allied naval operations.
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Decommissioning: After decades of service, USS Sabine was finally decommissioned in 1969 and subsequently scrapped, marking the end of a long and distinguished career.
