About this Unit
USS Navasota (AO-106) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. She played a crucial logistical role, supplying fuel to naval vessels during major operations, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War deployments. Throughout her service, Navasota conducted numerous underway replenishments, ensuring sustained fleet operations across the Pacific and other theaters. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1975 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command as USNS Navasota (T-AO-106), before being retired and scrapped.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Navasota (AO-106) was named after the Navasota River in Texas, following the Navy tradition of naming oilers after rivers.
• World War II Construction: The ship was laid down late in World War II, on November 6, 1944, by the Marinship Corporation in Sausalito, California.
• Commissioning: She was launched on February 17, 1945, and commissioned into service on June 14, 1945, just months before the end of World War II.
• Shuttle Runs for the Pacific Fleet: In her early service, USS Navasota made several shuttle runs transporting fuel oil and aviation gasoline across the Pacific, supplying bases and other vessels.
• Korean War Service: During the Korean War, she supported United Nations forces by refueling ships at sea, helping maintain the naval blockade and bombardment of North Korea.
• Operation "Passage to Freedom": In 1954, Navasota participated in Operation "Passage to Freedom," assisting in the evacuation of Vietnamese civilians, troops, and non-Vietnamese from North to South Vietnam following the country's partition.
• Underway Replenishment Pioneer: Navasota helped pioneer the modern concept of underway replenishment, where ships are refueled at sea, greatly increasing the operational range and endurance of the U.S. Navy fleet.
• Vietnam War Deployments: She made multiple deployments to Vietnam, providing crucial fuel support to U.S. Navy and allied ships during combat operations in the South China Sea and Gulf of Tonkin.
• Jumboization: In 1963-1964, the USS Navasota underwent "jumboization," where the original midsection was replaced with a larger one, significantly increasing her fuel capacity and overall length.
• Decommissioning and Final Fate: After distinguished service spanning four decades, Navasota was decommissioned on September 20, 1975, and ultimately struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1992. She was scrapped in 1995.
