USS Hiwassee

History
United States
NameUSS Hiwassee
NamesakeHiwassee River in North Carolina
Orderedas T1-M-A2 tanker hull
Laid downdate unknown
Launched30 August 1944
Acquired17 October 1944
Commissioned24 October 1944
Decommissioned20 February 1946
In serviceto U.S. Army, 20 February 1946
Out of service22 March 1947
Strickendate unknown
Fatefate unknown
General characteristics
Tonnage1,228 long tons deadweight (DWT)
Displacement
  • 846 long tons (860 t) (lt)
  • 2,270 long tons (2,310 t) (fl)
Length220 ft 6 in
Beam37 ft
Draught17 ft
PropulsionDiesel direct drive, single screw, 720 hp
Speed10 knots (19 km/h)
Complement62
Armamentone single 3 in (76 mm) dual purpose gun mount, two 40 mm guns, three single 20 mm gun mounts

USS Hiwassee (AOG-29) was a Mettawee-class gasoline tanker acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of transporting gasoline to warships in the fleet, and to remote Navy stations.

Hiwassee, a motor gasoline tanker, was launched 30 August 1944 under Maritime Commission contract by East Coast Shipyard, Inc., Bayonne, New Jersey; sponsored by Miss Harriet Savage; acquired 17 October 1944 and commissioned 24 October 1944.

World War II service

Following shakedown training Hiwassee sailed through the Panama Canal to join the giant U.S. Pacific Fleet for the final phases of its island campaign, carrying her precious aviation gasoline and lubricating oil.

She arrived Ulithi 1 April 1945, the day of the landings on Okinawa, and departed 24 April for that important island. Arriving 1 May, the ship began shuttling gasoline ashore, protected from the numerous air attacks by smoke screen. She remained off Okinawa after it was secured and until decommissioning 20 February 1946.

Assigned to the U.S. Army

Hiwassee was turned over to the Army at Okinawa for use there.

Final decommissioning

Hiwassee was repossessed by the Navy at Subic Bay, Philippines, 25 March 1947. The tanker was subsequently sold (date unknown) to Luzon Stevedoring Co. Fate: unknown.

Military awards and honors

Hiwassee received one battle star for World War II service.

References

Public Domain This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.