USS Salamonie (AO-26)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.