USS Passumpsic (AO-107)

• 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. • Named After a River: She was named for the Passumpsic River in Vermont, continuing the tradition of naming oilers after rivers. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Decommissioning: After nearly five decades of service, she was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1991, ending a distinguished career. • 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.