USS Sangamon

USS Sangamon (AVG/ACV/CVE-26), was a US Navy escort carrier of World War II. She was originally built as Esso Trenton, one of twelve tankers built to a joint Navy-Maritime Commission design; this design was later duplicated and designated a T3-S2-A1 oiler. She was acquired by the Navy in October 1940, renamed Sangamon, and used as a Cimarron-class fleet oiler. In 1942, she was converted into the lead ship of the Sangamon-class escort carrier. Originally classified as an "Aircraft Escort Vessel", and designated AVG-26, in February 1942, she was reclassified as an "Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier", ACV-26, in August 1942. When the US Navy had another major reclassification on 15 July 1943, Sangamon was again reclassified, this time as an "Escort Carrier", CVE-26. She was named after the Sangamon River, in Illinois.