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.

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.