Ramapo: The Service History of a Resilient US Navy Tanker
The Ramapo served as a vital lifeline for the United States Navy, spending decades transporting petroleum products across the globe. From the tropical waters of the Caribbean to the freezing storms of the Aleutians, this tanker ensured that ships and naval bases remained fueled and operational during both peacetime and the height of global conflict.
Early Deployments and Global Reach
Following its commissioning, the Ramapo was initially assigned to Caribbean shuttle runs. From Port Arthur, Texas, the vessel transported petroleum products to the Canal Zone and Guantanamo Bay until April 1920. Between 1920 and 1922, its duties expanded to include delivering fuel to bases and ships along the US East and Gulf coasts, as well as operations in European waters.
In 1922, the Ramapo was transferred to the Pacific, where it supported the Pacific Fleet. While it occasionally returned to the East Coast and the Canal Zone, by mid-1928, the tanker transitioned to a regular schedule supplying the Asiatic Fleet. Starting on June 21, 1928, the ship began a nine-year tenure averaging four round-trips annually between San Pedro and destinations in China and the Philippines.
Beyond its primary role as a fuel carrier, the Ramapo performed collateral duties as a survey ship—a vessel used to map underwater topography and hazards. In this capacity, it collected critical data for the Hydrographic Office across various island groups in the central and western Pacific.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]A Record-Breaking Encounter
One of the most remarkable events in the ship's history occurred on February 7, 1933. While cruising from Manila to San Diego, the Ramapo encountered a rogue wave—an unusually large and spontaneous ocean wave. This particular wave measured 34 metres (112 ft) in height, making it the tallest rogue wave ever recorded at that time.
World War II and the Aleutian Campaign
As global tensions rose in the late 1930s, the Ramapo briefly shifted its focus to the Aleutians to discharge oil before resuming its East Asian runs. By the spring of 1941, the tanker was moved to a Hawaiian shuttle service. It was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.
Following the attack, the Ramapo returned to San Pedro and completed two round-trips to Bora Bora. By July 29, 1942, the ship returned to the Aleutians, arriving at Kodiak. For the remainder of World War II, it operated between Port Townsend and various mainland and Aleutian stations, eventually earning one battle star for its service.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Rescue of the USS Wasmuth
The Ramapo is most distinguished for its heroism on December 27, 1942. The USS Wasmuth (DMS-15), a high-speed minesweeper, was escorting a convoy through a severe Alaskan storm when two depth charges broke loose and exploded beneath the ship's stern. The damage caused the Wasmuth to founder, as pumps could not keep up with the flooding.
Despite the perilous sea conditions, the Ramapo maneuvered alongside the sinking vessel. For three and a half hours, the tanker battled the waves to successfully rescue the entire crew and two passengers from the Wasmuth.
Decommissioning and Final Disposition
The Ramapo concluded its final wartime run in Seattle on September 23, 1945. After reporting to San Francisco on September 30 for inactivation, the ship was officially decommissioned on January 10, 1946. It was struck from the naval list on January 21 and transferred to the Maritime Commission on July 1, 1946.
Key Facts
- Primary Role: Petroleum product transport for US Navy fleets.
- Record Achievement: Encountered a record-breaking 34-metre (112 ft) rogue wave in 1933.
- War Service: Earned one battle star during World War II.
- Heroic Act: Rescued the entire crew and two passengers of the USS Wasmuth in December 1942.
- Operational Range: Served in the Caribbean, Europe, Pacific, and Aleutian regions.
| Period | Primary Region/Duty | Key Event/Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Until April 1920 | Caribbean | Port Arthur to Guantanamo Bay & Canal Zone |
| 1920 – 1922 | US Coasts & Europe | Fuel delivery to ships and bases |
| 1922 – 1928 | Pacific | Support for the Pacific Fleet |
| 1928 – 1937 | East Asia | Regular runs to Philippines and China |
| 1941 – 1945 | Hawaii & Aleutians | World War II shuttle service |
| Jan 10, 1946 | San Francisco | Official Decommissioning |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ramapo's primary mission?
The Ramapo was a tanker responsible for transporting petroleum products to fuel US Navy ships and bases across the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans.
What record is the Ramapo associated with?
On February 7, 1933, the Ramapo encountered a rogue wave measuring 34 metres (112 ft), which was the tallest ever recorded at that time.
How did the Ramapo assist the USS Wasmuth?
During a heavy Alaskan storm on December 27, 1942, the Ramapo stayed alongside the sinking USS Wasmuth for three and a half hours, rescuing all crew members and two passengers.
Did the Ramapo perform any duties other than transporting oil?
Yes, while operating in the central and western Pacific, the Ramapo served as a survey ship, collecting hydrographic data for the Hydrographic Office.
When was the Ramapo officially removed from service?
The ship was decommissioned on January 10, 1946, and was transferred to the Maritime Commission on July 1, 1946.