Ol-class tanker (1918)

The Ol-class tankers were a class of oil tankers built for the United States Navy during World War I. These were steel-hulled, single-screw tankers designed to provide underway replenishment to the fleet, particularly critical for the expanding naval operations of the era. The class was directly based on commercial designs of the time, adapted for naval service.

Several ships were constructed under this class, with variations in builder and slight modifications implemented during their service lives. Key characteristics included a focus on fuel oil capacity, speed sufficient to keep pace with fleet maneuvers, and defenses appropriate to the wartime environment. The tankers played a crucial role in extending the operational range of U.S. Navy warships in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

Following the end of World War I, many Ol-class tankers continued to serve the Navy in various capacities, including transportation of fuel and supplies to naval bases around the world. Some were later decommissioned and sold into commercial service, while others were retained in the Navy's inventory until replaced by newer tanker designs. The Ol-class tankers represent an important step in the development of naval logistics and the ability of fleets to operate far from home ports.