USS Neches (AO-47)

• Fleet Oiler Service: USS Neches (AO-47) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, commissioned by the United States Navy in 1942 to support the logistics needs of the Pacific Fleet during World War II. • Namesake: She was the second U.S. Navy ship to be named after the Neches River in Texas, reflecting the tradition of naming oilers after American rivers. • Pearl Harbor Survivor: USS Neches (AO-47) was launched after the loss of the first USS Neches (AO-5), which was sunk by a Japanese submarine in January 1942 near Hawaii. • Replenishing the Fleet: Neches played a critical role in refueling aircraft carriers, battleships, and other vessels at sea during key operations, including the invasions of the Gilbert, Marshall, and Mariana Islands. • Dangerous Missions: Operating in combat zones, she often performed underway replenishment while under threat from enemy submarines and aircraft. • Kamikaze Attack: On 18 April 1945, during the Okinawa campaign, Neches was damaged by a near-miss from a kamikaze attack, suffering casualties and requiring repairs but returning quickly to service. • Post-War Service: After World War II, Neches continued to serve during the Korean War, providing vital logistical support to United Nations naval forces. • Cold War Operations: The ship remained active through the early years of the Cold War, participating in various fleet exercises and deployments until her decommissioning. • Multiple Battle Stars: USS Neches (AO-47) earned eight battle stars for her World War II service and four for her Korean War operations, highlighting her extensive contributions. • Final Fate: Decommissioned in 1970, Neches was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for scrap, but her legacy as a vital lifeline of the fleet endures in naval history.