USS Kaloli (AOG-13)

USS "Kaloli" (AOG-13) was a "Kaloli"-class gasoline tanker acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of transporting gasoline to warships in the fleet, and to remote Navy stations.

"Kaloli" was launched in 1941 as "Flying A" by the Charleston Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Charleston, South Carolina; owned by Tidewater Associated Oil Co., San Francisco, California; and acquired and commissioned by the Navy at Honolulu, Hawaii, 29 April 1942, Lt. Comdr. G. H. Chapman, Jr., in command.

World War II service

Taken over on time charter through the Maritime Commission, "Kaloli" served as a unit of Service Squadron 8, supplying forward island depots in the Pacific Ocean with military supplies and material.

Supporting the Pacific Fleet

Operating out of Pearl Harbor, she ranged the Central Pacific and provided logistic support for bases at Midway, Johnston, Canton, Christmas, and Palmyra Islands. She conducted over 40 fueling missions to these islands between 28 May 1942 and 3 July 1945, carrying over 20 million gallons of aviation gasoline as well as lesser quantities of commercial gasoline and diesel fuel. Though she was never in combat, her service to combat ships of the Navy was both efficient and valuable.

"Kaloli" shuttled fuel among various tank farms in the Hawaiian Islands from July to October 1945. On 11 October she cleared Pearl Harbor for the U.S. West Coast, arriving San Diego, California, 23 October. She departed the 29th for the eastern seaboard, and, after transiting the Panama Canal 12 November, she arrived New York 25 November.

Post-war decommissioning

"Kaloli" decommissioned 7 December and transferred to the Maritime Commission for return to her former owner. She was struck from the Navy List 3 January 1946. Final disposition: fate unknown.

Military awards and honors

"Kaloli’s" crew was eligible for the following medals:
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/20/2013.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AOG-13 Kaloli]