USS Chiwaukum (AOG-26)

USS "Chiwaukum" (AOG-26) was a "Mettawee"-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.

"Chiwaukum" was launched 4 May 1944 by East Coast Shipyards, Inc., Bayonne, New Jersey, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. A. H. Moore; acquired by the Navy and commissioned 25 July 1944, Lieutenant C. S. Hoag, USCGR, in command.

World War service

Clearing Norfolk, Virginia, 23 September 1944, "Chiwaukum" sailed to load oil at Aruba, Netherlands West Indies, and reached Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, 25 November.

She stood out of Espiritu Santo 2 December for the New Guinea area where she operated as a gasoline tanker until 18 January 1945 when she reported for similar duty in the Philippines. Departing Samar, Philippine Islands, 12 December 1945, "Chiwaukum" arrived at San Francisco, California, 9 February. She remained there until 17 April when she put out for Norfolk, arriving 16 May.

Post-war decommissioning

"Chiwaukum" was decommissioned 31 May 1946 and transferred to Turkey 10 May 1948 and renamed "TNS Akpina". Final disposition: fate unknown.

Military awards and honors

"Chiwaukum’s" crew was eligible for the following medals:
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal
* Philippines Liberation 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/09/20/2026.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AOG-26 Chiwaukum]