USS Sheepscot (AOG-24) 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.

History
United States
NameUSS Sheepscot
NamesakeSheepscot River in Maine
Ordered
  • as Androscoggin,
  • T1-M-A2 tanker hull, MC hull 2629
Laid down15 December 1943
Launched9 April 1944
Acquired13 June 1944
Commissioned27 June 1944
Stricken1 November 1945
Fatecapsized off Iwo Jima, 6 June 1945
General characteristics
Tonnage1,228 long tons deadweight (DWT)
Displacement846 tons(lt) 2,270 tons(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

Sheepscot, as Androscoggin, was laid down under Maritime Commission contract on 15 December 1943 by the East Coast Shipyard, Inc., Bayonne, New Jersey; launched on 9 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. John J. Gogan; (MC hull 2629) was acquired by the Navy on 13 June 1944; and commissioned on 27 June 1944.

World War II service

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After brief service in the Atlantic Ocean, the gasoline tanker was transferred to the Pacific Ocean.

Capsized near Iwo Jima

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Sheepscot ran aground and capsized near Iwo Jima on 6 June 1945. She was damaged beyond repair and was destroyed. Her name was struck from the Navy list on 1 November 1945.

Military awards and honors

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Sheepscot’s crew was eligible for the following:

References

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

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