USNS Navasota (T-AO 106)

• Second Ship Named Navasota: USNS Navasota (T-AO-106) was the second U.S. Navy ship to be named after Texas’ Navasota River. • Launched During World War II: She was launched on 19 August 1945, just days after the official end of World War II, by the Marinship Corporation in Sausalito, California. • Type of Ship: Navasota was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, designed to refuel ships at sea and extend the operational range of naval fleets. • Active in Three Conflicts: The ship saw service in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and supported operations during the Cold War. • Vietnam War Service: Navasota played a critical role during the Vietnam War, conducting hundreds of underway replenishments to keep the 7th Fleet supplied. • Major Modernization: In the mid-1960s, she underwent significant modernization including lengthening and automation upgrades to increase fuel capacity and efficiency. • Transition to MSC: In 1975, Navasota was transferred to the Military Sealift Command (MSC), redesignated as USNS Navasota (T-AO-106), and was operated by a civilian crew. • Nickname "Nasty Navasota": Sailors affectionately dubbed her the "Nasty Navasota" due to her tough, reliable service and the challenges faced during underway replenishments. • Global Operations: Navasota supported U.S. naval operations around the world, including the Indian Ocean, Pacific, and Mediterranean, proving vital during crisis situations. • Decommissioning and Fate: After nearly 50 years of service, USNS Navasota was taken out of service in 1992, struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1994, and eventually scrapped.