USS Guadalupe (AO-32)

USS Guadalupe (AO-32) was a Cimarron-class fleet replenishment oiler serving in the United States Navy and was named after the Guadalupe River in Texas.

Constructed as SS Esso Raleigh, the ship was launched on 26 January 1940 by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company at Newport News, Virginia, and commissioned by the Navy on 19 June 1941. Her early voyages included carrying oil from Texas to New Jersey and transporting six PT boats to the Western Pacific.

In the early stages of World War II, after discharging cargo at Pearl Harbor, Manila, and Cavite, Guadalupe was fitted with guns in Baltimore following America's entry into the war. By January 1942, she sailed to the Pacific, becoming an essential part of virtually every major campaign.

Guadalupe developed and refined techniques for refueling at sea, a science then in its infancy. Her first significant action was during the Battle of Midway, where she refueled American ships. During this operation, Japanese submarine I-156 sighted her but did not engage. Guadalupe then supported American forces in the Attu campaign and the final months of 1942 in and around Guadalcanal.

In 1943, her activities included an overhaul in the U.S., operations in the Aleutians, shuttle trips to Pearl Harbor, and support for the Gilbert Islands campaign. The following year, she supported Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher's carrier force during the Truk campaign and the US 5th Fleet during the Marianas campaign. Her other operations included supporting US 3rd Fleet action against the Japanese in the Palau Islands and the Philippines and refueling ships during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

On 29 December 1944, Guadalupe sailed with Task Force 38 for the invasion of Lingayen Gulf. During this time, she collided with another tanker, USS Nantahala, and underwent jury-rigged repairs to continue with the group. She was later repaired at Ulithi on 9 February 1945.

Guadalupe also played a key role in the Iwo Jima invasion and the Okinawa campaign. During the Okinawa campaign, she provided other services as well, including her usual refueling duties for the invasion fleet.

The end of Guadalupe's service in the Pacific war came with the Okinawa campaign. She sailed for the U.S. for an overhaul on 24 May 1945 and was on her way back to the fleet when the Japanese surrender ended the war on 15 August 1945. After the war, she went to Jinsen, Korea, to replenish units of the US 7th Fleet occupying Yellow Sea ports and remained at Okinawa through 1945.

Throughout the war, USS Guadalupe's service proved to be instrumental, contributing to various campaigns and playing an essential role in the Pacific theatre. Her capacity to refuel and provide other support to the U.S. fleet made her an invaluable asset during critical operations. Her long and distinguished service record underscores the significance of support and replenishment vessels in naval warfare.