USS Mispillion AO-105

• 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.