{"title":"USS Escambia (AO-80)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSS Escambia (AO-80)\u003c\/strong\u003e was the lead ship of her subclass of the \u003cstrong\u003eSuamico class\u003c\/strong\u003e of fleet oilers, acquired by the \u003cstrong\u003eUnited States Navy\u003c\/strong\u003e for use during \u003cstrong\u003eWorld War II\u003c\/strong\u003e. Her dangerous but essential role was to provide fuel to vessels in both combat and non-combat areas, mainly in the \u003cstrong\u003ePacific Ocean\u003c\/strong\u003e, earning her five battle stars for her brave efforts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEscambia, built with a type T2-SE-A2 hull, was launched on 25 April 1943 by Marinship Corp. in Sausalito, California, and was commissioned on 28 October 1943. The ship’s first voyage took her from the U.S. West Coast to Pearl Harbor with an oil cargo in December 1943. Afterward, she departed San Francisco on 21 January 1944, arriving at Majuro on 9 February. She spent the next month fueling ships at Roi Namur and Majuro during the assault on the Marshall Islands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrom 15 March to 30 August, Escambia operated out of Espiritu Santo, fueling the fast carrier task force involved in raids on the Palaus and during the Hollandia operation. She then arrived at Manus on 14 September 1944, sailing to rendezvous at sea to fuel the carriers launching airstrikes leading up to the assault on the Philippines. Afterward, she moved to Ulithi on 25 October, fueling carrier task forces as they continued their operations in the Philippines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAfter a voyage to Eniwetok to reload oil, Escambia returned to the U.S. West Coast for an overhaul, departing Ulithi on 11 December. She was back at Ulithi by 18 April 1945, where she remained for the rest of the war, using it as a base to fuel the carrier task forces supporting the Okinawa invasion, along with raids and bombardments on the Japanese home islands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEscambia also made stops at Okinawa and Wakayama Wan to fuel ships at anchor there. Her wartime service culminated when she left Tokyo behind, homeward bound, on 4 November 1945. The vessel was subsequently decommissioned on 20 February 1946 and struck from the Navy List before being transferred to the Maritime Commission for disposal in June. Her significant role in fueling various operations across the Pacific theatre made her a valuable asset to the U.S. Navy during a critical period in history.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"uss-escambia-ao-80-t-shirt","title":"USS Escambia (AO-80) T-Shirt","description":"\u003cp\u003eShowcase your support for the U.S. Navy with our USS Escambia (AO-80) 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 Escambia (AO-80).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur t-shirt symbolizes the formidable strength and relentless spirit of AO-80. Designed with attention to every detail, it embodies the bravery and commitment that USS Escambia (AO-80) has consistently demonstrated through it's history. Combining the perfect blend of style and substance, this USS Escambia (AO-80) makes for an excellent gift t shirt tee to yourself, AO-80 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":45901467746595,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Black","offer_id":45901467779363,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large \/ Black","offer_id":45901467812131,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL \/ Black","offer_id":45901467844899,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XXL \/ Black","offer_id":45901467877667,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/6415\/4659\/files\/uss-escambia-ao-80-t-shirt-428.webp?v=1762442574"}],"url":"https:\/\/tacticallyacquired.com\/collections\/uss-escambia-ao-80-merchandise\/military-branch_navy.oembed","provider":"Tactically Acquired","version":"1.0","type":"link"}