USS Maumee (AO-2)-- Part 2: Service in World War I and Pioneering Refueling Operations

After the Declaration of War on 6 April 1917, the Maumee was ordered to refuel destroyers being sent to Britain in the North Atlantic.  She was stationed 300 miles south of Greenland.

The Maumee refueled the second group of six destroyers on 28 May 1917 and in so doing pioneered  the Navy's underway refueling operations.  This established the pattern of mobile logistic support which enables the Navy to keep  fleets at sea for extended periods of time.  No need to go to a port and lose time.

The ship was under the command of William Victor Tomb at the time.  Fleet Admiral Nimitz was executive officer of the Maumee at the time and he applied this to fleet use during World War II.

By July 5, the Maumee had refueled 34 destroyers in such manner.

The Maumee made two other  ocean crossings to Europe where she refueled naval units attached to the American Expeditionary Force.  After the end of the war, the Maumee operated off the U.S. east coast until decommissioned 9 June 1922 and layup in reserve in Philadelphia.

I also wrote about the Maumee's service in the next war in my Tattooed On Your Soul:  World War II blog.  Also, there was a USS Maumee in the Civil War and that one is covered right now in my Running the Blockade: Civil war Navy blog.

--Cooter

WW I, October 18, 1918: Shoulder Patches for AEF

One hundred years ago today.

A "shoulder patch" is authorized for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF).

Division also create patches.

I found a picture of every army and division insignia patch at the roadstothegreat war-ww1.blogspot site.

I wish I had known about this site earlier.  A good one and much better than my poor little effort.

--Cooter

World War I Chronology, 100 Years Ago This Month

SEPTEMBER 5, 1917

FIRST AEF WIA ON FRONT

Two members of the 11th Engineers of teh American Expeditionary Force (AEF) are wounded in action (WIA) by German shellfire at Gouzeaucourt --  the first Americans wounded while serving with a United States on the front lines of battle.

--Cooter

The 21st U.S. Infantry: 1905 to World War I

Yesterday I wrote about the 21st U.S. Infantry at the Plattsburgh Barracks in Plattsburgh, New York.

From 1905-1906, the regiment was on garrison duty in the Philippines.  From 1909 to 1912 they were back in the Philippines.  Then they were based at Vancouver Barracks. From March 1916, they were on the Arizona-California border protecting citizens from Villista raids.

In December 1916, the 21st participated in the Panama-California Exposition defending against a simulated attack by U.S. Navy cruisers Frederick and San Diego and several aircraft.

With U.S. entry into World War I, in April 1917, they were transferred to Camp Kearney and were subordinated to the 16th Division's 31st Infantry.  Not quite sure what subordinated means.  Perhaps it has something to do with training soldiers.  They trained troops for fighting in France with the American Expeditionary Force.

In March, they returned to the Vancouver Barracks.

--DaCoot

World War I Chronology, June 1917-- Part 1: Americans Arriving in France

One Hundred Years Ago.

JUNE 5-6--  The Navy's 1st Aeronautical Detachment arrives in Pauillac, France, for training in Caudron aircraft.  Naval aviation eventually sends 18,000 men to 27 overseas air naval stations.

JUNE 13--  The first echelon --  177 staff members -- of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) lands on French soil.

Lafayette, We Are Here.  --Cooter