USS Neosho (AO-143)

• Fleet Oiler Legacy: USS Neosho (AO-143) was a Neosho-class fleet oiler, commissioned in 1954, designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel to US Navy ships, extending their operational range and endurance at sea. • Named After a Predecessor: She was the fourth Navy ship to bear the name "Neosho," following a tradition that honors the original USS Neosho, a Civil War-era river gunboat. • Cold War Workhorse: AO-143 played a critical logistical role during the Cold War, supporting both the Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets and participating in numerous NATO exercises. • Innovative Replenishment System: Neosho was equipped with advanced underway replenishment gear for her time, allowing her to refuel multiple ships simultaneously while underway—vital during fleet operations. • Lebanon Crisis 1958: She supported the US naval response during the Lebanon Crisis, supplying fuel and logistics to ships enforcing stability in the region. • Cuban Missile Crisis: Neosho played a behind-the-scenes but essential role during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, keeping the US naval quarantine force supplied and operational. • Vietnam War Support: Although primarily based in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Neosho made deployments to support operations related to the Vietnam War, showcasing her global reach. • Transition to Military Sealift Command: In 1978, Neosho was decommissioned from the active Navy and transferred to the Military Sealift Command, becoming USNS Neosho (T-AO-143) and operated by a civilian crew. • Long Service Life: She served for over 36 years before being taken out of service in 1992, a testament to her robust design and importance in fleet logistics. • Final Fate: After deactivation, USNS Neosho was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1994 and was eventually scrapped, but her service record remains a point of pride among her former crew and naval historians.