About this Unit
USS Tombigbee (AOG-11) was a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. Serving throughout World War II, she supplied fuel to warships and remote bases in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations in locations such as the Solomon and Philippine Islands. After the war, Tombigbee continued to provide vital logistics support during the Korean War and later in the Vietnam War, demonstrating her versatility and endurance. Decommissioned in 1972, she was eventually transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as Ariadni (A414).
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Tombigbee (AOG-11) was named after the Tombigbee River in Alabama and Mississippi, aligning with the U.S. Navy tradition of naming gasoline tankers after rivers with Native American names.
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Class and Type: She was a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker, designed to transport gasoline and aviation fuel to warships and remote naval stations.
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Laid Down and Launched: Tombigbee was laid down on 23 October 1942 by Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation, launched on 23 March 1943, and commissioned on 13 October 1943.
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World War II Service: During WWII, Tombigbee played a crucial role in supplying fuel to fleet units in the Pacific, supporting operations in the Marshall, Mariana, and Philippine Islands.
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Operation Crossroads: In 1946, Tombigbee participated in Operation Crossroads, the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, providing logistical support to the assembled fleet.
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Korean War Support: The ship was recommissioned in 1950 for the Korean War, once again serving as a critical fuel supplier to naval forces operating off the Korean Peninsula.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: Tombigbee was active during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, supporting the U.S. naval blockade by refueling ships enforcing the quarantine.
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Vietnam War Service: She saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, making multiple deployments to deliver fuel to U.S. and allied ships off the coast of Vietnam.
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Transfer to Greek Navy: Decommissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1972, Tombigbee was transferred to Greece in 1972 and served as Nafkratousa (A-464) until 2003.
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Battle Stars and Honors: USS Tombigbee earned three battle stars for World War II service, two for Korean War service, and eight campaign stars for Vietnam service, reflecting her long and distinguished career.
