Manatee (AO 58) - Naval Cruise Book

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HISTORY MANATEE was commissioned on April 6, 1944 at Bethlehem Shipyard, Baltimore, Maryland. She was the tenth of the Cimarron Class Fleet Oilers to be built. Intended as a commercial tanker, she was modified to fit the requirements of underway replen- ishment. On June 16, 1944 MANATEE entered World War II as a part of the Logistic Support in the invasion of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. Throughout these campaigns MANATEE shuttled from Eniwetok to the fueling areas, servicing ships of various types as often as necessary. After these islands were secured, MANATEE moved to Manus Island and continued servicing what was then the Third Fleet throughout the first phase of the Battle of the Philippines. In October of 1944, MANATEE proceeded north to join the forces of Admiral HALSEY, then covering the landings on Leyte. By this time, the oiler had become a floating supply base, supplying mail, aircraft wing tanks, depth charges, freight, motion pictures, transportation service, and a large number of personnel replacements, enabling the Fleet Commander to maintain indefinitely his strikes against the enemy. Late in February 1945, MANATEE was ordered to Leyte Gulf where she was to help support the invasion of Okinawa. Following the Okinawa Campaign, MANATEE became a part of the Logistics Force, lending support to the Carrier Task Groups

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" Preparedness " is an extremely import- ant concept in the Navy. It means being ready and able to perform an assigned task effectively, efficiently, punctually and safely. " Preparedness " for a ship of the fleet demands ability, planning, hard work and intelligent coordination. Even as the needs of the fleet change the standards of readiness require the suppliers of food, fuel, spare parts, ammunition, mail and all other necessary items be prepared to provide support anytime anywhere. It is the goal of preparedness for which the men remembered in this Cruise Book strived.

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participating in the Third Fleet Op- erations against the home islands of Japan. These operations often took MANATEE close to the Japa- nese Coast and she continued these operations until the end of the war. Following the war MANATEE was assigned the Formosa Straits Patrol. In carrying out these oper- ations, she was sent to Keelung, Formosa, Hong Kong, China and the Pescadores Islands. When not assigned to the straits patrol, she was sent to combat areas for re- plenishment operations. Since the close of the Korean conflict MANATEE has served with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, having made eight WESTPAC deployments in the last eleven years. MANATEE has played a key role in supporting ships off the coast of Vietnam since the escala- tion of the Vietnam conflict. She deployed on 26 July 1969 on her fifth Vietnam support mission. After arriving in Sasebo, Japan and briefly servicing the Task Force operation south of Korea, MANATEE arrived in Subic Bay, her WESTPAC " Homeport " for seven months of arduous service. 155 ships were replenished by MANATEE during 10 line trips. She earned praise from the ships she serviced and plaudits from her Operational Commander for her consistently excellent performance. MANATEE has proven herself re- liable and efficient in spite of over 25 years of continuous service.