About this Unit
USS Salamonie (AO-26) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1941. Throughout World War II, she played a crucial role by refueling warships at sea in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, supporting key operations such as the invasions of North Africa and Normandy, as well as campaigns in the Pacific. Salamonie continued her vital logistics missions during the Korean War and throughout the Cold War, ensuring fleet mobility and readiness. After decades of distinguished service, USS Salamonie was decommissioned in 1968.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Salamonie (AO-26) was named after the Salamonie River in Indiana, reflecting the U.S. Navy’s tradition of naming oilers after rivers with Native American names.
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Class and Launch: She was part of the Cimarron-class of fleet oilers and was launched on 18 November 1940 by the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company.
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World War II Service: Salamonie played a vital role in World War II, serving as a fleet oiler and providing essential fuel support to Allied ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
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Operation Torch: In November 1942, she supported the Allied landings during Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa, by refueling warships off the Moroccan coast.
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Kamikaze Attack: On 5 January 1945, while in the Sulu Sea, Salamonie narrowly avoided damage from a Japanese kamikaze attack, highlighting the dangers faced even by support ships.
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Post-War Service: After WWII, she continued to serve the U.S. Navy by supporting occupation forces in Japan and later participated in the Korean War and Cold War refueling missions.
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Operation Argus: In 1958, Salamonie took part in Operation Argus, a series of secret high-altitude nuclear tests in the South Atlantic Ocean, providing logistical support.
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Admiral Byrd’s Antarctic Expedition: Salamonie was part of Operation Highjump (1946–47), Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s famous expedition to Antarctica, delivering fuel in the harshest conditions.
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Longevity: She served the U.S. Navy for over 30 years, from her commissioning in 1941 until her decommissioning in 1968, a testament to her durability and adaptability.
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Final Fate: After being decommissioned, Salamonie was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1970 and sold for scrap in 1970, ending her long and storied career.
