Andrew Charles Rohwedder

The USS Sacramento (AOE-1), a fast combat support ship of the United States Navy, embarked on a significant overseas tour in 1971, representing not just a vessel but a vital component of American naval operations during the Cold War. This period was marked by heightened military engagement and strategic naval deployments. The USS Sacramento played a crucial role in logistics, supply, and operational support, underscoring the importance of naval power in maintaining U.S. interests abroad. 

1971 WestPac USS Sacramento

The 1971 tour was particularly significant as it occurred during a time of escalating tensions in Southeast Asia, particularly due to the Vietnam War. The USS Sacramento was tasked with supplying fleets in the Pacific, ensuring that naval operations could continue without interruption. The tour highlighted the ship's ability to support carrier groups and other surface ships, allowing the U.S. Navy to maintain its presence in crucial areas.

During this tour, the USS Sacramento operated in the Western Pacific, participating in various exercises and training operations with allied forces. The ship was involved in logistical operations that included transferring fuel and supplies to aircraft carriers and destroyers engaged in combat operations. This support was vital for maintaining the operational readiness of the fleet during a time of intense military activity.

On 8 January 1971, leaving Bremerton Washington, the "Sac" as it was nicknamed, namely we were a floating supermarket, full of stores, supplies, bombs, JP fuel, black oil, and diesel. The only ships bigger than USS Sacramento in the early 1960s were Iowa-class battleships and Essex-class aircraft carriers. The Sac was much bigger than other supply ships that carried only one product, such as oil, ammunition or food.

With a displacement of over 30,000 tons and capable of carrying fuel, ammunition, and provisions, the Sacramento was a pivotal asset for sustained naval operations. Its versatility allowed it to operate effectively in various theaters, making it an ideal candidate for overseas deployments. 

The Sacramento could carry up to 8 million gallons of fuel, 2,000 tons of ammunition, 500 tons of dry goods and 250 tons of refrigerated food. No other ships, except those that followed in the Sac's class, could match the "Golden Bear's" capacity. We sailed south to Long Beach, Seal Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco for sea trials.

In February, she returned to Washington to load stores for her seventh Westpac deployment. She departed Bangor Washington on March first. With a stop in San Diego to complete out armament of 2 CH-47A/D Sea Knight Chinook helicopters, and entered Subic Bay on the 20th. Four days later, the Sacramento exited Subic Bay on her first line swing of four, this tour.

The 1971 overseas tour was not without its challenges. Operating in the Western Pacific required the crew to adapt to diverse conditions and potential threats, including the ever-present tension in the South China Sea. The ship’s crew had to be prepared for rapid response scenarios, ensuring that supplies could be delivered swiftly to support ongoing operations.

Despite these challenges, the USS Sacramento's tour was marked by notable achievements. The ship successfully completed numerous supply missions, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness as a support vessel. The logistics it provided enabled the Navy to conduct operations efficiently, highlighting the importance of supply chain management in modern naval warfare.

She sailed back and forth between Subic Bay and Yankee Station. We replenished a total of 301 units of the 7th Fleet, off the coast of Vietnam, for the next six and one-half months. Serving the strike group of the....

United State aircraft carriers:
USS Ranger CV-61
USS Enterprise CVN-65
USS Forrestal CV-59
USS Bonhomme Richard CV-31
USS Kitty Hawk CV-63
USS Oriskany CV-34
USS Midway CV-41
USS Hancock CV-19

On July twenty eighth, we transferred the 100,000th bomb to the Oriskany.

The Sacramento was nominated for ship of the year.

For the Sacramento's efforts, we were awarded a Unit Commendation.

Finally departing from Subic Bay on August fifth, when she got underway for Sasebo, Japan, on the first leg of her voyage back to the United States. After return stops at Long Beach, Seal Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco. On September the second she finished out 1971 on the west coast. Our last Unrep was with the USS Hancock on October 21st. The Sacramento entered her home port, Bremerton, Washington. Commencing overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard dry dock beginning December the ninth.

The USS Sacramento's 1971 overseas tour was a testament to the vital role of logistics in naval operations. As a fast combat support ship, it not only supported military operations but also played a significant role in American diplomacy during a critical period. The ship's ability to sustain naval forces in the Pacific underscored the importance of maintaining a robust maritime presence and the complexities of operating in a geopolitically sensitive environment. Through its achievements, the USS Sacramento exemplified the strength and adaptability of the U.S. Navy during a pivotal moment in history. 

The keel for the Sacramento was laid June 30th 1961, at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. It was 796 feet in length and 106 feet at the beam. The crew of the Sacrament was made up of 25 officers and 576 enlisted men. The Sacramento was commissioned 14 March 1964 and Decommissioned 1 Oct 2004 … 40 years 6 months and 17 days of service.

Dismantled and sold for scrap, Brownsville Texas, 2008.

 "Non sibi sed patriae" "Not self, but country"". It implies a dedication to serving one's nation and its goals, placing the collective good above individual desires or ambitions. 
                                                                                        The U.S. Navy’s unofficial motto.