USS Elkhorn (AOG-7)

USS "Elkhorn" (AOG-7) was a "Patapsco"-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.

"Elkhorn" had the distinction of serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and returned home proudly with battle and campaign stars to her credit.

"Elkhorn" was launched 15 May 1943 by Cargill Inc., Savage, Minnesota; sponsored by Mrs. J. A. Flynn; and commissioned 12 February 1944,, Lieutenant (junior grade) T. A. Norris, USNR, in command.

World War II service

"Elkhorn" sailed from New Orleans, Louisiana, 25 February 1944 for the South Pacific Ocean, and arrived at Milne Bay, New Guinea, 29 May for duty as station tanker. She made several voyages to Manus to reload and fueled ships in the invasion of Morotai in September 1944, otherwise serving at Milne Bay until March 1945 when she arrived at Leyte. "Elkhorn" served throughout the Philippines until 1 December, then returned to the U.S.West Coast for overhaul.

Korean War operations

"Elkhorn" remained on active service with the U.S. Pacific Fleet through 1962. From her base at Pearl Harbor she alternated tours of duty in the Far East with cruises among the islands of the South and central Pacific. During the Korean war she operated in Japanese waters and off the Korean coast twice, in 1951 and 1953, and in 1956 and 1957 she sailed from the west coast to Icy Cape and Point Barrow as a part of the Arctic resupply missions.

Vietnam crisis operations

No data currently available.

Decommissioning

"Elkhorn" was sold to Taiwan under the Security Assistance Program, 1 May 1972, and was renamed "Hsing Lung" (AOG-515) when turned over to Taiwan. She was decommissioned, 1 July 1972 and struck from the Naval Register, 15 April 1976. Final Disposition: fate unknown.

Military awards and honors

"Elkhorn" earned one battle star for Korean War service:
* Korean Summer-Fall 1953She received eight campaign stars for Vietnam War service:
* Vietnam Defense
* Vietnam Counteroffensive
* Vietnam Counteroffensive - Phase II
* Vietnam Counteroffensive - Phase III
* Vietnam Counteroffensive - Phase V
* Vietnam Counteroffensive - Phase VI
* Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969
* Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970"Elkhorn’s" crew was eligible for the following medals and commendations:
* China Service Medal (extended)
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal
* Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)
* National Defense Service Medal (2)
* Korean Service Medal (1)
* Antarctica Service Medal (2)
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2-Vietnam)
* Vietnam Service Medal (8)
* Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (6)
* Philippine Liberation Medal
* United Nations Service Medal
* Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
* Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/20/2007.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AOG-7 Elkhorn]