Uss Wabash AOR 7

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Pacific Deployments: Throughout her career, Wabash completed numerous WESTPAC (Western Pacific) deployments, supporting U.S. Navy operations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Decommissioning: After nearly 25 years of service, USS Wabash was decommissioned on September 30, 1994, and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register. • 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.