About this Unit
USS Waccamaw (AO-109) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed to refuel ships at sea, she played a crucial logistical role during the Cold War, supporting fleet operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Waccamaw participated in several major exercises and was active during crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War, delivering vital fuel and supplies to combat and support vessels. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1975 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her distinguished career.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Class: USS Waccamaw (AO-109) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, commissioned on 6 December 1946. She was named after the Waccamaw River in North and South Carolina.
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Role and Mission: Designed to refuel warships at sea, Waccamaw played a vital support role in enabling the U.S. Navy’s global operations during the Cold War era.
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Korean War Service: USS Waccamaw provided crucial underway replenishment to United Nations naval forces during the Korean War, helping sustain fleet readiness in combat zones.
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Vietnam War Operations: The ship also served extensively during the Vietnam War, supplying fuel and provisions to U.S. and allied ships operating off the coast of Vietnam.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Waccamaw was part of the U.S. naval quarantine force, supporting ships enforcing the blockade of Cuba.
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Atlantic and Mediterranean Deployments: She frequently operated with the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, supporting NATO exercises and U.S. naval presence missions.
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Collision Incident: In 1975, USS Waccamaw collided with the destroyer USS Leary (DD-879) during refueling operations at sea, highlighting the inherent dangers of underway replenishment.
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Conversion to Military Sealift Command: In 1975, she was transferred to the Military Sealift Command and redesignated as USNS Waccamaw (T-AO-109), serving as a civilian-manned oiler.
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Decommissioning and Fate: Waccamaw was finally retired from service in 1989 and was subsequently scrapped, ending over four decades of distinguished service.
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Honors and Legacy: Throughout her career, USS Waccamaw earned several campaign and service medals, reflecting her extensive operational history and importance to U.S. naval logistics.
