About this Unit
USS Truckee (AO-147) was a Neosho-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel and supplies to naval vessels, Truckee played a vital logistical role during the Cold War, supporting operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. The ship participated in numerous NATO exercises, crisis responses, and deployments, ensuring sustained fleet readiness. After nearly 35 years of distinguished service, USS Truckee was decommissioned in 1990 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
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Commissioned During the Cold War: USS Truckee (AO-147), a Neosho-class fleet oiler, was commissioned on 1 July 1955, serving as a vital logistics support vessel during the tense decades of the Cold War.
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Named After a River: The ship was named after the Truckee River, which flows through California and Nevada, continuing the U.S. Navy tradition of naming oilers after American rivers.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Support: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, USS Truckee played an essential role, providing underway replenishment to U.S. Navy ships enforcing the naval blockade of Cuba.
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Vietnam War Service: The Truckee made multiple deployments to the Mediterranean and also served in the Vietnam War, supplying fuel and provisions to combatant ships in the Western Pacific.
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Record Replenishments: The ship was noted for its high tempo of operations, at times conducting as many as 10 replenishments per day, showcasing its importance in keeping the fleet operational.
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Homeport Changes: Over its career, Truckee was homeported at several locations including Newport, Rhode Island, and Norfolk, Virginia, reflecting the shifting needs of the fleet.
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Modernization: In the 1960s, Truckee underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul, which extended her service life and enhanced her replenishment capabilities.
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Mediterranean Deployments: Truckee was a frequent participant in 6th Fleet Mediterranean operations, supporting exercises and crisis responses, including the U.S. naval presence during Middle East tensions.
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Humanitarian Missions: Beyond military operations, Truckee was involved in humanitarian efforts, such as providing fuel and support during disaster relief operations.
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Decommissioning and Final Fate: USS Truckee was decommissioned on 30 September 1980 after 25 years of service. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1992 and eventually sold for scrapping, marking the end of her storied career.
