About this Unit
USS Kansas City (AOR-3) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1970. Designed to provide fuel, ammunition, and supplies to ships at sea, she played a crucial logistical role during the Vietnam War and later Cold War operations. Throughout her service, Kansas City participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting carrier battle groups and other naval forces. After over two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in October 1994 and ultimately struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
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Commissioned During the Vietnam War: USS Kansas City (AOR-3) was commissioned on June 6, 1970, at the height of the Vietnam War, and quickly became involved in supporting U.S. naval operations in Southeast Asia.
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Fast Combat Support Ship: As a Wichita-class replenishment oiler, Kansas City was designed to simultaneously supply fuel, ammunition, and stores to carrier battle groups at sea, enabling extended operations without returning to port.
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Named After a Major City: The ship was named after Kansas City, Missouri, following the tradition of naming fleet oilers and support ships after American cities.
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First Operation: Shortly after commissioning, Kansas City’s maiden deployment was to the Western Pacific, where she supported combat ships off the coast of Vietnam.
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Operation Frequent Wind: In April 1975, Kansas City participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Americans and at-risk Vietnamese from Saigon during the final days of the Vietnam War.
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Gulf War Service: Kansas City saw action in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing vital logistical support to coalition naval forces.
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Versatile Capabilities: The ship could carry over 180,000 barrels of fuel and had facilities for helicopters, making her a versatile asset for underway replenishment and vertical replenishment operations.
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Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat support, Kansas City also participated in humanitarian missions, such as aiding Vietnamese boat people and providing disaster relief.
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Decommissioned After 24 Years: After a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Kansas City was decommissioned on October 7, 1994, and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
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Legacy and Honors: The ship earned nine campaign stars for Vietnam War service and two for the Gulf War, reflecting her active and decorated operational history.
