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Uss Mississinewa (Ao-59)The USS Mississinewa (AO-59) was a T3-S2-A3 Auxiliary Oiler of the United States Navy, commissioned on May 18, 1944 and used to refuel ships during World War II in the South Pacific. Oilers were critical in providing fuel to ships en route and near battle areas to keep them functional. The ship was the first to be hit by a Japanese manned Kaiten torpedo, on November 20, 1944. Her cargo quickly burst into flames and the ship sank with a loss of 63 hands as well as the Japanese torpedo pilot. Of the 5 kaiten sent against US ships, only one was successful, but the explosion and fire from the Mississinewa was so great that the Japanese Naval Command back in Tokyo were erroneously informed that 3 aircraft carriers were hit. This resulted in an expansion of the kaiten program, yet it would not significantly affect the war. The Mississinewa was hit in the front starboard bow area, the kaiten probably released by Japanese mother sub I-36 just outside Ulithi Lagoon, Palau. The Mississinewa was 553 feet long, 25,425 tons, and had 21 officers and 278 enlisted sailors. It was commanded by Captain Philip G. Beck. On April 6, 2001, after a search, the hulk of the ship was found again. It is treated as a memorial of over 50 sailors whose remains are still there. Survivors from the Mississinewa still hold periodic reunions.
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