USS Chikaskia (AO-54)

The USS Chikaskia (AO-54) was a vital Cimarron-class fleet oiler serving the U.S. Navy during critical periods in World War II and the Korean War. Specializing in the provision of petroleum products to combat ships, Chikaskia's dangerous assignments under combat conditions earned her six battle stars for World War II and one for the Korean War.

Launch and Commissioning: Chikaskia was launched on 2 October 1942 by Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard, Sparrows Point, Maryland, under a Maritime Commission contract. Sponsored by Mrs. J. L. Bates, the ship was acquired by the Navy on 10 January 1943 and commissioned on 10 November 1943.

World War II Pacific Theatre Operations: After departing from Norfolk, Virginia, in December 1943, Chikaskia loaded oil at Aruba and arrived at Pearl Harbor in January 1944. She joined Task Force 58 at Majuro in February, providing essential logistic support during the occupation of Kwajalein and strikes on Truk.

Chikaskia then operated out of various locations from March to September 1944, replenishing fuel to the fast carrier task forces and other ships. In September 1944, she demonstrated her capabilities by refueling the USS Iowa and USS New Jersey simultaneously.

Surviving Typhoon Conditions: Changing her base to Ulithi in October 1944, Chikaskia endured a typhoon that struck the U.S. 3rd Fleet during a fueling rendezvous in December. Despite the harsh weather, she safely returned to Ulithi and continued to support operations in the Philippines and the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa until her return to California for an overhaul in May 1945.

End-of-War Activity: After the war, Chikaskia supported the U.S. 3rd Fleet and entered Tokyo Bay in September 1945. She provided shuttle service in China and Korea and served as a station tanker at Sasebo until March 1946.

Supporting Nuclear Testing: Chikaskia also played a role in Operation Crossroads, the atomic weapons tests at Bikini Atoll. Sailing from Sasebo in April 1946, she headed for Bahrain in the Persian Gulf to load oil before participating in the tests at Kwajalein.

Korean War Support: Assigned to the Naval Transportation Service in July 1947, Chikaskia continued her operations in the Far East. After being assigned to the newly established Military Sea Transportation Service in October 1949, she returned to the Service Force and supported ships in the Korean War between May and July 1953. Chikaskia continued to operate in the Pacific until June 1955, when she returned to the United States.

Legacy: The USS Chikaskia stands as a symbol of the relentless duty required to support naval operations. Her performance under challenging combat conditions and her participation in historic events such as the atomic weapons tests underscore the crucial role of fleet oilers in modern naval warfare. Her awards and commendations speak to her importance and the bravery of her crew during a crucial period in naval history.