About this Unit
USS Passumpsic (AO-107) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Serving primarily in the Pacific, she provided vital refueling support to U.S. and allied ships during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and throughout the Cold War. Passumpsic played a crucial role in sustaining naval operations, enabling extended deployment of combat and support vessels at sea. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command, continuing her support role as USNS Passumpsic (T-AO-107) before eventual retirement.
Historical Facts
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Launched in 1945: USS Passumpsic (AO-107) was launched on 15 March 1945 by Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Chester, Pennsylvania, marking her entry during the closing months of World War II.
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Named After a River: She was named for the Passumpsic River in Vermont, continuing the tradition of naming oilers after rivers.
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Service in the Korean War: Passumpsic played a critical role during the Korean War, providing essential fuel to ships of the 7th Fleet and supporting United Nations operations.
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Vietnam War Operations: The oiler was heavily engaged in the Vietnam War, supplying fuel and cargo to US Navy ships operating in the combat zone, often under threat of enemy fire.
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Collision Incident: In 1952, the ship was involved in a collision with the destroyer USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) near Japan, suffering damage but managing to avoid a catastrophic fuel spill.
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Replenishment at Sea Pioneer: Passumpsic was among the early adopters and practitioners of underway replenishment, a technique that allowed ships to refuel while moving, increasing fleet endurance and operational reach.
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Awards and Honors: The ship and her crew earned several campaign stars and commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation and multiple battle stars for Korean and Vietnam service.
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Transition to Military Sealift Command: In 1974, Passumpsic was transferred to the Military Sealift Command, redesignated as USNS Passumpsic (T-AO-107), and crewed by a combination of civilian mariners and Navy personnel.
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Decommissioning: After nearly five decades of service, she was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1991, ending a distinguished career.
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Legacy: USS Passumpsic is remembered as a steadfast support vessel, enabling countless naval operations across three major conflicts and earning her place in US Navy history.
