About this Unit
USS Savannah (AOR-4) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1970. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to fleet units, Savannah served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting carrier groups and participating in numerous NATO exercises. The ship played a crucial logistical role during the Cold War, ensuring sustained naval operations far from home ports. After over two decades of service, USS Savannah was decommissioned in July 1995 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
• Commissioning and Class: USS Savannah (AOR-4) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler, commissioned on December 5, 1970, at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
• Name Legacy: She was the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name "Savannah," named after the city of Savannah, Georgia.
• Vietnam War Service: Shortly after commissioning, Savannah supported U.S. forces during the later stages of the Vietnam War, delivering vital fuel, ammunition, and supplies to combat ships in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
• Rapid Replenishment: During her career, Savannah was capable of simultaneously refueling and resupplying multiple ships while underway, showcasing the complexity and coordination of modern naval logistics.
• First Female Officer: In 1978, Savannah made history as one of the first Navy vessels to receive a female officer, reflecting the early stages of gender integration in the U.S. Navy.
• Lebanon Operations: In the early 1980s, USS Savannah participated in support operations for the U.S. Marine peacekeeping mission in Beirut, Lebanon, helping sustain the Sixth Fleet’s presence in the Mediterranean.
• Explosion Incident: In 1979, Savannah suffered a minor explosion in her engine room while off the coast of Florida. Quick action by the crew contained the damage and prevented serious casualties.
• Humanitarian Missions: Savannah supported several humanitarian and evacuation operations, including assisting in the evacuation of U.S. citizens from Cyprus during regional unrest.
• Decommissioning: After nearly 25 years of service, USS Savannah was decommissioned on July 28, 1995, and placed in reserve in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.
• Final Fate: After years in reserve, USS Savannah was scrapped in 2014, but her legacy continues through veterans’ organizations and naval history records.
