About this Unit
The USS Mispillion (AO-105) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Serving through the final stages of World War II, she played a vital role in refueling ships at sea, thus extending the operational range of U.S. naval forces. The Mispillion saw extensive service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, supporting combat operations by providing logistical support to the fleet. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1974 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command before being scrapped in the early 21st century.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Mispillion (AO-105) was named after the Mispillion River in Delaware, following the Navy tradition of naming oilers after rivers with Native American names.
• Class and Launch: She was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, launched on 10 October 1945, just after the end of World War II, at Bethlehem-Sparrows Point Shipyard, Maryland.
• Post-WWII Service: Although commissioned too late for WWII, Mispillion provided critical logistical support to the U.S. Navy during the post-war occupation of Japan and throughout the Pacific region.
• Korean War Operations: Mispillion played a vital role during the Korean War, fueling U.S. and allied vessels at sea, which was crucial for sustained naval operations during the conflict.
• Mare Island Overhaul: In 1953, she underwent a major overhaul at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, improving her operational capabilities and extending her service life.
• Vietnam War Service: Mispillion was heavily engaged during the Vietnam War, performing underway replenishments and supporting combat operations, including the massive naval build-up in the Gulf of Tonkin.
• Jumboization: In 1965, Mispillion underwent a "jumboization" conversion at the Puget Sound Bridge and Dry Dock Company, where her midsection was replaced with a new, larger one, increasing her fuel capacity significantly.
• Longevity: Mispillion served the U.S. Navy for over 30 years, from 1945 to 1974, making her one of the longest-serving oilers of her class.
• Service with the Military Sealift Command: After decommissioning from the U.S. Navy, she was transferred to the Military Sealift Command as USNS Mispillion (T-AO-105) and continued serving with a civilian crew until 1994.
• End of Service: Mispillion was finally struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1994 and was scrapped in 2007, closing the chapter on a ship that served across five decades and three major conflicts.
