USS Walbash (AOR-5)

• Commissioning and Class: USS Wabash (AOR-5) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler, commissioned on November 20, 1971, at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. • Namesake: She was the third ship named after the Wabash River, which flows through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. • Role and Capabilities: As a replenishment oiler, Wabash was designed to refuel and resupply U.S. Navy ships at sea, carrying fuel, ammunition, and dry stores. • Vietnam War Service: USS Wabash deployed to the Western Pacific shortly after commissioning and supported U.S. naval operations during the final phase of the Vietnam War. • Operation Frequent Wind: In April 1975, she participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, providing logistics support to the fleet. • Indian Ocean Operations: During the Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981), Wabash conducted extended operations in the Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. carrier battle groups. • Record Underway Replenishments: In her career, USS Wabash performed hundreds of underway replenishments, sometimes refueling and resupplying multiple ships simultaneously. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat support, Wabash participated in humanitarian operations, including disaster relief in the Pacific. • Decommissioning and Fate: Wabash was decommissioned on September 30, 1994, after 23 years of service, and laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. • Awards and Honors: Throughout her service, USS Wabash earned numerous awards, including campaign medals for Vietnam and Southwest Asia, and several Navy Unit Commendations.