USS Savannah AOR-4 Replenishment Oiler Patch

USS Savannah AOR-4 Replenishment Oiler Patch (U.S. Navy) 4.0" x 5.0" Embroidered Patch with Iron-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. 

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
USS Savannah (AOR-4), the fifth ship to bear the name, was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned on December 5, 1970. She was built by General Dynamics at the Quincy Shipbuilding Division in Massachusetts. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel and supplies to Navy ships at sea, Savannah ensured the fleet's operational readiness. Her keel was laid on January 22, 1969, and she was launched on April 23, 1970. Upon commissioning, Captain Bernard P. Williams, Jr. took command, and the ship was homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.

Notable Commanders
Captain Bernard P. Williams, Jr. was the first commanding officer of USS Savannah upon her commissioning. His leadership set the tone for the ship's service, emphasizing operational excellence and commitment to the Navy's mission. Over her 24-year service, Savannah was commanded by a series of officers who upheld these standards, leading the crew through various deployments and missions across the globe.

Major Campaigns/Operations
During the Vietnam War, Savannah served in the Western Pacific and the Gulf of Tonkin, providing essential logistical support to the fleet operating off the coast of Vietnam. She completed multiple line swings, each lasting several weeks, replenishing ships engaged in combat operations. In August 1990, she participated in Operation Sharp Edge, the evacuation of American citizens from Liberia amid civil unrest, demonstrating the ship's versatility and readiness to respond to humanitarian crises. Later that year and into 1991, Savannah played a crucial role in supporting the buildup of U.S. forces in the Middle East during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing fuel and supplies to ships in the Persian Gulf region. In 1992, Savannah supported U.S. and allied forces in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope, delivering humanitarian aid and supplies as part of the international effort to stabilize the country. Over her career, she operated in numerous theaters including the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean, consistently supporting U.S. Navy operations and fulfilling the fleet’s logistical needs.

Specialized Role/Equipment
As a replenishment oiler, USS Savannah was equipped to transfer fuel and supplies to other ships while underway, significantly extending their operational range and endurance. She carried two Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) and a Sea Sparrow missile system for self-defense. Additionally, the ship operated two CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters used for vertical replenishment and logistics support. Her design enabled operations in diverse maritime environments, from the icy waters of the North Atlantic to the tropical climates of the Indian Ocean.

Acts of Heroism
While there are no widely documented individual acts of heroism aboard USS Savannah, the nature of her missions often placed the crew in challenging and hazardous conditions. Operating in combat zones, providing humanitarian aid in unstable regions, and conducting replenishment operations under adverse weather demanded courage, professionalism, and dedication from every crew member.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
USS Savannah earned several awards reflecting her significant contributions to U.S. Navy operations. She received the Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptional performance during the Vietnam War, a Battle Star for combat operations in Vietnam, the Navy Expeditionary Medal for service in Lebanon in 1983, the Southwest Asia Service Medal for Gulf War operations, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal for her role in the liberation of Kuwait. After 24 years of service, USS Savannah was decommissioned on July 28, 1995. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1998 and laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. In 2009, she was scrapped in Brownsville, Texas, in a process that was featured on the National Geographic Channel. Throughout her service, USS Savannah exemplified the vital role of replenishment ships in sustaining naval operations worldwide, leaving a legacy honored by the sailors who served aboard her and the missions she supported.