Cimarron-class oiler (1939)

The Cimarron-class oilers were a class of 30 United States Navy fleet oilers built between 1939 and 1946. They were vital to the U.S. Navy's logistical support during World War II, providing fuel and other supplies to warships across vast distances. The lead ship of the class was the USS Cimarron (AO-22).

These ships were designed with a capacity of approximately 138,000 barrels of oil and were capable of transferring fuel at sea to multiple warships simultaneously. This capability significantly extended the range and operational endurance of the U.S. fleet.

The Cimarron-class oilers played a significant role in nearly every major naval campaign of World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Their speed, capacity, and ability to replenish ships at sea were crucial factors in the success of the U.S. Navy's war effort. Many of the ships continued to serve in the U.S. Navy after World War II, supporting operations during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The last of the class were decommissioned in the 1990s.