The USS Aucilla (AO-56) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler constructed during World War II to provide fuel or water to ships in the war theaters. The ship was laid down in 1943 by Bethlehem Steel Co. and was launched and commissioned in 1943. The oiler began dispensing fuel to warships in 1944 and was transferred to the Pacific Fleet, Service Squadron 10. Until the suspension of hostilities, the vessel supported the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations, fulfilled extensive occupation duty at multiple locations in the Far East, and underwent repairs at the Portsmouth Navy Yard in 1950. Before being reassigned to the 6th Fleet, the vessel was in for an overhaul at the Norfolk Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. in 1962. The oiler completed another overhaul in 1968 and fueled the ships of the 6th Fleet for almost five months afterward. In 1970, she was placed out of commission and was stricken from the Navy List in 1976. The USS Auscilla received five battle stars for her services. Naval shipyards used hundreds of tons of asbestos until the 80s in building and repairing maritime vessels, which posed serious health risks for the veterans working onboard or close to these ships. Former Navy service members may qualify for financial compensation if diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer.
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