USS Chestatee (AOG-49)

USS "Chestatee" (AOG-49) 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.

"Chestatee" was launched 29 April 1944 by Cargill Inc., Savage, Minnesota; sponsored by Mrs. J. D. Boren; and commissioned 14 December 1944, Lieutenant W. N. Ohly, USNR, in command.

World War II service

Laden with oil products, "Chestatee" cleared Baytown, Texas, 14 January 1945 for San Pedro Bay, Leyte, where she arrived 1 March for duty transporting high-octane gasoline among the Philippine Islands.

Damaged when hitting a mine

On 27 July, while underway for Brunei Bay, Borneo, "Chestatee" struck a mine in the straits south of Balabac Island; five of her men were killed, eight injured, including the commanding officer, and the ship was damaged by the explosion and resulting fire.

End-of-war activity

Repaired at Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and Samar, "Chestatee" returned to her Philippine operations until 20 November 1945, when she sailed from Leyte for San Francisco, California, which she reached 13 January. There she was decommissioned 8 April 1946, and, on 30 June 1946, transferred to the Maritime Commission.

Assigned to MSTS

"Chestatee" was returned to the Navy and placed in reserve, out of commission, in August 1948. Reactivated, she was assigned to Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) in March 1952 and operated by a civilian crew until May 1954 when she was again placed in reserve. A second tour of service with MSTS began in April 1956 and continued until September 1957 when "Chestatee" was lent to the Air Force. She remained on loan through 1960, was struck from the Naval Register (date unknown), and her final disposition was to be sold for scrapping in 1963.

Military awards and honors

Her crew was eligible for the following medals:
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal
* Philippine Liberation MedalIndividual Awards:
* Purple Heart (27 July 1945 - 5 KIA, 8 WIA)

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/20/2049.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AOG-49 Chestatee]