USS Guadalupe

• Namesake: The USS Guadalupe (AO-32) was named after the Guadalupe River in Texas, following the U.S. Navy tradition of naming oilers after American rivers. • Class and Type: She was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel to ships at sea. • World War II Service: Commissioned in 1941, USS Guadalupe played a crucial role in supporting Pacific Fleet operations during World War II, including the battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, and Leyte Gulf. • Doolittle Raid: In April 1942, USS Guadalupe was part of the task force that launched the famous Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, refueling the carriers and escorts en route. • Survived Kamikaze Attacks: During the war, she survived several kamikaze attacks and near-misses while operating in dangerous forward areas. • Record-Setting Replenishment: In 1945, Guadalupe set a fleet record by refueling 12 ships simultaneously, demonstrating the importance and skill of underway replenishment operations. • Korean and Vietnam Wars: After World War II, USS Guadalupe continued serving through the Korean War and Vietnam War, providing vital fuel and supply services to combat ships. • Longevity: She served the Navy for over 30 years, from 1941 until her decommissioning in 1974, making her one of the longest-serving oilers in U.S. naval history. • Battle Stars: USS Guadalupe earned ten battle stars for her World War II service, plus additional stars for Korea and Vietnam. • Legacy: The USS Guadalupe exemplified the crucial but often unsung role of fleet oilers, enabling sustained naval operations far from home ports and helping to shape modern naval logistics.