Editing USS Tombigbee

The '''USS ''Tombigbee'' (AOG-11)''' was a [[gasoline tanker]] acquired by the [[United States Navy]] during [[World War II]]. As a vessel designed for carrying [[petroleum products]], the ''Tombigbee'' played a crucial role in the transport and resupply of [[fuel]] to various naval units.
== Construction and design ==
The ''USS Tombigbee'' was constructed in [[1943]] and commissioned into the Navy shortly thereafter. With a length of approximately 220 feet and a beam of 37 feet, the ship was designed to transport large volumes of fuel efficiently. Despite its essential role, the design of AOG class ships was considered rudimentary, contributing to operational challenges in adverse conditions.
== Service history ==
The ''USS Tombigbee'' (AOG-11) was named after the [[Tombigbee River]], located in the [[Southern United States]]. The vessel was part of the [[Auxiliary Oiler Gasoline]] class ships and was utilized primarily for carrying fuel. Notable among the personnel who served aboard was [[Milton William Cooper]], a former [[submarine]] duty officer. After transitioning from submarine service, Cooper described his time on the ''USS Tombigbee'' as fraught with difficulties. He characterized the crew and command of the vessel as dysfunctional, posing significant dangers to those aboard. This assessment was underscored by an incident in which the ''Tombigbee'' collided with a [[destroyer]] while navigating the [[Molokai Channel]]. The collision resulted in fatalities.<ref name="Cooper1991p21">Cooper, Milton William (1991). '''''Behold a Pale Horse''''', p. 21. Flagstaff, Ariz.: Light Technology Publishing. ISBN 978-0929385228. [https://highlanderjuan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/William-Cooper-Behold-a-Pale-Horse.pdf Highlander Juan's archive]. [https://archive.org/details/beholdpalehorse0000coop/page/n9/mode/2up Internet Archive]</ref>
== Decommissioning and legacy ==
After contributing to post-war efforts, the ''Tombigbee'' was decommissioned and struck from the [[Naval Vessel Register]]. Despite its challenges, the vessel's service highlighted the importance of logistics and support vessels in naval warfare and operations.
== References ==
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