About this Unit
USS Taluga (AO-62) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She provided vital fuel support to combat ships during World War II, participating in key Pacific campaigns such as the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Taluga continued her service through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring sustained naval operations by replenishing ships at sea. The vessel was decommissioned in 1972, concluding a distinguished career that spanned nearly three decades of active service.
Historical Facts
• Commissioning and Class: USS Taluga (AO-62) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, commissioned by the U.S. Navy on 25 May 1944, designed to refuel warships at sea during extended operations.
• World War II Service: She played a critical role in the Pacific Theater during WWII, supporting carrier task forces during major operations like the liberation of the Philippines and the Battle of Okinawa.
• Kamikaze Attack: On 16 April 1945, Taluga was struck by a Japanese kamikaze off Okinawa. The plane crashed near the bridge, causing fires and casualties, but the crew extinguished the flames and kept the ship operational.
• Resilience and Repairs: Despite kamikaze damage, Taluga’s crew managed to resume fueling operations within 30 minutes, demonstrating exceptional resilience and training under pressure.
• Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, Taluga supplied fuel to United Nations forces off the Korean Peninsula, enabling sustained naval bombardment and carrier air operations.
• Vietnam War Deployments: USS Taluga served extensively during the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. Seventh Fleet operations, with multiple deployments to the South China Sea and Gulf of Tonkin.
• Operation Crossroads: In 1946, Taluga participated in atomic bomb testing at Bikini Atoll, providing logistical support for Operation Crossroads, which tested the effects of nuclear explosions on naval vessels.
• Longevity and Service: Taluga had a remarkably long service life, serving in World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War, spanning over three decades of active duty before decommissioning in 1972.
• High Seas Heroism: In 1968, her crew rescued the crew of a burning fishing vessel in the South China Sea, showcasing the humanitarian side of Navy operations.
• Final Fate: After decommissioning, Taluga was transferred to the Military Sealift Command as USNS Taluga (T-AO-62), serving until 1992 before being scrapped, ending nearly 50 years of service to the U.S. Navy.
