USS Kansas City (AOR-3)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat support, Kansas City also participated in humanitarian missions, such as aiding Vietnamese boat people and providing disaster relief. • 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. • 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.