Welcome to USS CALIENTE AO-53
WELCOME TO THE USS CALIENTE WEBSITE
As we approach Memorial Day we remember the words of Abraham Lincoln.
..."to care for him who shall have born the battle and for his widow and his orphan"..
There are two additional videos on the About Us page that show the Caliente in operation in 1955.
Please view the below video and enjoy a song while reading this page.
We hope that all persons who visit our site, whether it be a shipmate, family of a shipmate or anyone else, are safe and not suffering from Covid-19 or its effects. This site was made to provide a history of the USS Caliente AO-53 and its service to to our country and information about the USS Caliente crew and its Association's activities. Also included is a history of the US Navy and additional information that we hope adds to your understanding of our Navy. We have included pictures and videos that we hope enhance your visit. Thank you for visiting our site. Contact information is included herein.
The above song could represent the views of most military personnel. While devoted to defending their country most service personnel would rather the world be at peace and no one had to suffer the ravages of war. The song was written by Ed McCurdy in 1950. The song has been recorded in 76 languages and has been sung by most of the famous folk singers from the Weaavers to the Chad Mitchell trio and probably most popularly by Bob Seeger.
The USS Caliente, and its crews, served in three wars as well as the peaceful times between them. This site provides provides an overview of its 30 years of service and also presents other Naval history and facts. In reviewing the Cal's 30 years of service and events that have happened over the almost 50 years that have passed since she was decommissioned we are reminded of how tenuous life and peace are.
The USS Caliente (AO-53) (Cal) was a fleet auxiliary oiler that proudly served our country in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The Cal carried a crew varying in number between 200 and 300 and during her 30 years of service earned 14 battle stars and eight campaign ribbons. The Cal not only provided fuel for the fleet she bought mail, movies and supplies to ships that were unable to visit port as often as the Cal. Fuel was transferred between ships during underway replenishments (unreps). During unreps ships were about 75 feet apart and could be on both sides of the Cal. The crew had to maintain station (keep on course and speed), keep fuel lines taut, keep fuel pumps running and transfer necessary mail, supplies and often personnel to the alongside ship(s).
Note a) The videos embedded in this site may have "pop up" ads for various and sundry items. This is not intended to imply an endorsement of any of the advertisements they merely reflect the fact that the ads cannot be removed from the videos by this webmaster. If an ad comes up you will notice an x in the upper right hand corner. To close the ad just click on the x and enjoy the videos.
Note b) The USS Caliente was decommissioned prior to Naval policy that allowed females on board our vessels. If you see non "gender neutral" terms it is not intended to reflect chauvinism it is merely reflective of the times.
