About this Unit
USS Wabash (AOR-7) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned into the United States Navy on 20 November 1971. Designed to provide fuel, ammunition, and supplies to ships at sea, Wabash played a vital logistical role during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War era. The ship participated in numerous operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting carrier battle groups and other naval forces. USS Wabash was decommissioned on 30 September 1994, after over two decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Naming: USS Wabash (AOR-7) was commissioned on November 20, 1971, and was named after the Wabash River, following the U.S. Navy tradition of naming replenishment oilers after rivers.
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Wichita-Class Oiler: Wabash was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler, designed to provide fuel, ammunition, and supplies to U.S. Navy ships at sea, increasing their operational range and endurance.
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Vietnam War Service: Shortly after her commissioning, USS Wabash supported American forces during the Vietnam War by conducting underway replenishments for combat ships in the Western Pacific.
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Operation Frequent Wind: In 1975, USS Wabash participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the final evacuation of American personnel and at-risk Vietnamese from Saigon, providing vital logistical support.
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Pacific Deployments: Throughout her career, Wabash completed numerous WESTPAC (Western Pacific) deployments, supporting U.S. Navy operations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
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Collision Incident: In 1977, Wabash collided with the USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) during an underway replenishment. Although both ships sustained damage, there were no fatalities and both were repaired.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, Wabash was a key logistical asset, enabling carrier battle groups to remain on station for extended periods by delivering fuel and supplies.
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Humanitarian Assistance: In 1983, Wabash provided emergency relief supplies for people affected by the eruption of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, showcasing the Navy's humanitarian capabilities.
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Decommissioning: After nearly 25 years of service, USS Wabash was decommissioned on September 30, 1994, and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
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Final Fate: The ship was eventually scrapped in 2010, but the legacy of her service lives on among those who served aboard and in the history of Navy logistics.
