USS Elkhorn (AOG-7)

USS Elkhorn (AOG-7) was a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of transporting gasoline to warships in the fleet, and to remote Navy stations.

Elkhorn had the distinction of serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and returned home proudly with battle and campaign stars to her credit.

Elkhorn was launched 15 May 1943 by Cargill Inc., Savage, Minnesota; sponsored by Mrs. J. A. Flynn; and commissioned 12 February 1944, Lieutenant (junior grade) T. A. Norris, USNR, in command.

World War II service
Elkhorn sailed from New Orleans, Louisiana, 25 February 1944 for the South Pacific Ocean, and arrived at Milne Bay, New Guinea, 29 May for duty as station tanker. She made several voyages to Manus to reload and fueled ships in the invasion of Morotai in September 1944, otherwise serving at Milne Bay until March 1945 when she arrived at Leyte. Elkhorn served throughout the Philippines until 1 December, then returned to the U.S.West Coast for overhaul.

Korean War operations
Elkhorn remained on active service with the US Pacific Fleet through 1962. From her base at Pearl Harbor she alternated tours of duty in the Far East with cruises among the islands of the South and central Pacific. During the Korean war she operated in Japanese waters and off the Korean coast twice, in 1951 and 1953, and in 1956 and 1957 she sailed from the west coast to Icy Cape and Point Barrow as a part of the Arctic resupply missions.

Vietnam War operations
No data currently available. Delivered fuel up and down the coast and in the inland water ways from Da Nang south and to the north. Her Motto You Call We Haul 24-7

Decommissioning
Elkhorn was sold to the Republic of China on 1 May 1972 under the Security Assistance Program. Prior to her transfer to the Republic of China, she was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy on 1 July 1972 and struck from the American Naval Vessel Register on 15 April 1976.

Military awards and honors
Elkhorn earned one battle star for Korean War service: She received eight campaign stars for Vietnam War service: Elkhorn’s crew was eligible for the following medals and commendations:
 * Korean Summer-Fall 1953
 * Vietnam Defense
 * Vietnam Counteroffensive
 * Vietnam Counteroffensive - Phase II
 * Vietnam Counteroffensive - Phase III
 * Vietnam Counteroffensive - Phase V
 * Vietnam Counteroffensive - Phase VI
 * Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969
 * Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970
 * China Service Medal (extended)
 * American Campaign Medal
 * Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
 * World War II Victory Medal
 * Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)
 * National Defense Service Medal (2)
 * Korean Service Medal (1)
 * Antarctica Service Medal (2)
 * Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2-Vietnam)
 * Vietnam Service Medal (8)
 * Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (6)
 * Philippine Liberation Medal
 * United Nations Service Medal
 * Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
 * Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)

Republic of China Navy service
Elkhorn was sold to the Republic of China on 1 May 1972. In Republic of China Navy service, she was renamed ROCS Hsing Lung with the pennant number AOG-517, later changed to AOG-515. Her final disposition is unknown.