{"title":"USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSS Caloosahatchee (AO-98)\u003c\/strong\u003e was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler constructed for the U.S. Navy during World War II, but commissioned too late to serve in that conflict. Named after the Caloosahatchee River in southwest Florida, the ship had an extensive career in the Cold War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLaunched on 2 June 1945 by Bethlehem Steel-Sparrows Point Shipyard in Maryland, Caloosahatchee was commissioned and reported to the Atlantic Fleet the same year. In her early years, she operated off the U.S. East Coast, transporting oil and fueling ships at sea, including a voyage to Iceland. From 1947 to 1960, she was regularly deployed with the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, symbolizing the U.S. Navy's prowess in at-sea replenishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAmong her notable operations, Caloosahatchee participated in NATO Operation Mariner in 1953 and provided training for future naval officers. She also took part in large-scale Atlantic Fleet exercises, such as Operation Springboard in the Caribbean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBetween 1966 and 1968, she underwent \"jumboization,\" where a new 400-foot midsection was inserted to increase her liquid cargo capacity by over one-third. She was recommissioned in 1969 and homeported in Newport, Rhode Island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring the 1970s, Caloosahatchee saw active participation, including the naval blockade off Lebanon in 1970, extensive overhauls, and temporary assignments with various fleets. In 1975, she was involved in a collision in the Mediterranean and spent months in Italy for repairs. Another collision occurred in 1977 with USS Rich (DD-820) off Puerto Rico.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThroughout the 1970s and 1980s, Caloosahatchee continued her deployment in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, and Caribbean, engaging in refueling missions and exercises. She set records for replenishments and participated in various deployments, including her last deployment to the Mediterranean in 1988, where she conducted 191 underway replenishments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCaloosahatchee's service demonstrated the Navy's commitment to mobility, flexibility, and global presence during a critical period in history. Her contributions to peacekeeping efforts, naval training, and technological enhancements made her an essential asset in the Cold War era. Her operations reflected a balance of routine duties, strategic engagements, and unexpected challenges.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"uss-caloosahatchee-ao-98-t-shirt","title":"USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98) T-Shirt","description":"\u003cp\u003eShowcase your support for the U.S. Navy with our USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98) T-Shirt. More than just a piece of apparel, this shirt represents a badge of honor and courage to Naval Oilers, paying tribute to the USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur t-shirt symbolizes the formidable strength and relentless spirit of AO-98. Designed with attention to every detail, it embodies the bravery and commitment that USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98) has consistently demonstrated through it's history. Combining the perfect blend of style and substance, this USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98) makes for an excellent gift t shirt tee to yourself, AO-98 veterans or any military history buff in your life. Shop Now!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e                              \n\u003cli\u003e100% Combed Ring-Spun Cotton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy-duty 6 Oz. fabric for maximum durability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre-shrunk to ensure a perfect fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTaped neck \u0026amp; shoulders for added comfort.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeamless non-topstitched 7\/8” neck for a sleek look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProudly Made \u0026amp; Shipped From Houston, TX USA!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Tactically Acquired","offers":[{"title":"Small \/ Black","offer_id":45901434454307,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Black","offer_id":45901434552611,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large \/ Black","offer_id":45901434650915,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL \/ Black","offer_id":45901434749219,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XXL \/ Black","offer_id":45901434781987,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/6415\/4659\/files\/uss-caloosahatchee-ao-98-t-shirt-512.webp?v=1762442566"}],"url":"https:\/\/tacticallyacquired.com\/collections\/uss-caloosahatchee-ao-98-merchandise\/military-branch_navy.oembed","provider":"Tactically Acquired","version":"1.0","type":"link"}