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USNS Passumpsic (T-AO 107)

USNS PASSUMPSIC originally was a MARAD standard type T3-S2-A3 oiler. She received a "jumboization" conversion at American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, Ohio, from November 26, 1964 to January 10, 1966. The conversion involved transferring her existing midships superstructure to a newly constructed tank section. The original hull was cut and the bow and stern sections were added to the new tank section. Conversion modifidations increased PASSUMPSIC’s length by 91 feet, her full load displacement from 25,500 to 34,750 tons, and her maximum draft from 32 to 36 feet.

Commissioned in 1946, the PASSUMPSIC was the first ship in the Navy named after the river in Vermont. Transfered to the Military Sealift Command in 1975, the PASSUMPSIC was eventually stricken from the Navy list on December 17, 1991. On December 19, 1991, PASSUMPSIC was sold to Trusha Investments Pte. Ltd. of Singapore. The vessel was subsequently resold on July 1, 1992, to Apollo Uikas Steels Pvt. Ltd. of India for scrapping.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard the PASSUMPSIC. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

• Click here to view the list.

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• Click here to see which PASSUMPSIC memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS / USNS PASSUMPSIC Cruise Books:

• WestPac Cruise Book 1968-69
• WestPac Cruise Book 1970

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USS / USNS PASSUMPSIC History:

USS PASSUMPSIC was a MISPILLION-class fleet replenishment oiler built for the United States Navy during the final months of World War II. She was the first and only U.S. Navy ship named for the Passumpsic River in northeastern Vermont. The name derives from a Native American expression meaning "clear running water". Constructed as a Maritime Commission type T3-S2-A3 tanker, she was laid down as Maritime Commission hull number 2703 by Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock Company at Chester, Pennsylvania, on March 8, 1945. She was launched on October 31, 1945, sponsored by Mrs. M. F. Draemel, wife of Rear Admiral Milo F. Draemel, then Commandant of the Fourth Naval District. PASSUMPSIC was commissioned on April 1, 1946, with Captain Charles M. Ryan recorded as her first commanding officer in the Navy's official ship history. Her commissioning took place after the end of World War II, when the Navy was reorganizing its logistical forces to support the occupation of former enemy territories and maintain a continuing presence in the Pacific.

After commissioning, PASSUMPSIC conducted her shakedown cruise in the Caribbean Sea. She subsequently proceeded to the Pacific coast and began operating from Long Beach, California, under the operational control of Commander, Service Force, Pacific Fleet. During her early career, she was assigned to Service Squadrons 1 and 3, providing petroleum support to ships operating throughout the Pacific. Her assignments eventually took her to Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and numerous islands in the central and western Pacific.

PASSUMPSIC began supporting American occupation forces in the western Pacific during 1946. Her qualifying occupation service included September 3-8, 1946, while her recorded China service began on September 14 and continued through September 25. These activities formed part of the Navy's substantial logistical commitments following Japan's surrender. American naval forces maintained bases and operating facilities in Japan while also supporting the evacuation, transportation and redistribution of military personnel and equipment throughout East Asia.

During 1947, PASSUMPSIC continued operating in the Far East. Her recorded occupation service included March 10-April 4, April 8-18, June 13-July 13 and September 24-30. She also received China Service Medal credit for June 11-12, July 20-September 14 and October 1-3. The American naval presence in Chinese waters during this period coincided with the intensification of the Chinese Civil War between Nationalist and Communist forces. PASSUMPSIC's assignments involved fuel support for naval vessels maintaining an American presence in the region.

PASSUMPSIC continued her western Pacific service during 1948 and 1949. Her documented China service included June 20-September 12, 1948, and March 3-17, 1949. Further occupation service was recorded during February 23-March 2 and March 18-April 16, 1949. These deployments took place while the political and military situation in China was changing rapidly. Communist forces achieved major victories during 1948 and 1949, leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in October 1949 and the withdrawal of the Nationalist government to Taiwan. American naval forces continued operating in the western Pacific, and PASSUMPSIC remained part of the supporting logistical organization.

By 1950, PASSUMPSIC was an established unit of the Pacific Fleet's underway replenishment force. Following the North Korean invasion of South Korea on June 25, 1950, she was assigned to support United States and allied naval forces operating around the Korean Peninsula. The expanding United Nations naval effort required a continuous supply of fuel for aircraft carriers conducting combat air operations, cruisers and destroyers carrying out bombardment and blockade duties, and other vessels protecting maritime communications.

PASSUMPSIC began receiving Korean War campaign credit on August 8, 1950. Her documented participation in operations during the initial North Korean offensive extended through September 12. She was also credited with supporting the Inchon landing campaign from September 13 through September 17. The amphibious landings at Inchon began on September 15 and opened a new front behind North Korean forces advancing toward the United Nations defensive perimeter around Pusan. PASSUMPSIC continued supporting naval operations from September 18 through November 1 as United Nations forces advanced northward following the landings.

The intervention of Chinese forces in the Korean War during the autumn of 1950 substantially altered the military situation. PASSUMPSIC continued supplying American and allied warships during the period of Chinese intervention, with recognized campaign service extending from November 6, 1950, through January 24, 1951. She remained in the theater during the subsequent United Nations counteroffensive, receiving campaign credit for January 25-March 19, 1951.

During the summer and autumn of 1951, PASSUMPSIC supported further United Nations naval operations. Her documented campaign service included August 16-25, September 6-15 and September 25-30. Naval forces operating around Korea continued blockade, coastal bombardment, mine warfare and carrier aviation missions while negotiations aimed at ending the conflict were underway. The prolonged presence of ships near the Korean Peninsula placed considerable demands on the fleet's oilers, which transported petroleum products from supporting ports to the operating areas.

PASSUMPSIC continued her Korean War deployments into 1952. Her recognized service during the second Korean winter included periods in December 1951 and December 27, 1951-January 3, 1952, followed by January 12-16. During the autumn of 1952, she received campaign credit for October 4-7 and October 16-25, as well as November 4-15 and November 27-30. Further qualifying service occurred during December 1-8, 1952, and February 2-9 and February 19-20, 1953.

During the final months of the Korean War, PASSUMPSIC remained available to support naval units operating in the theater. Her last recorded Korean War campaign period extended from July 10 through July 23, 1953, shortly before the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27. Although she did not come under enemy fire during her Korean War service, PASSUMPSIC received nine battle stars for her participation in the conflict.

Between June 1950 and February 1954, PASSUMPSIC spent approximately 34 of 44 months outside the continental United States. Her extensive overseas assignments reflected the continuous requirement for replenishment ships during the Korean War and the subsequent maintenance of American forces in East Asia. Her operating areas included Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and the central Pacific. She also visited ports and anchorages in Southeast Asia, North Borneo, Australia, the Fiji Islands, Ceylon and Arabia during her wider Pacific and Indian Ocean service.

Following the Korean Armistice, PASSUMPSIC resumed the regular pattern of Pacific Fleet deployments. Her responsibilities included supplying ships of the Seventh Fleet, maintaining logistical support for American operations around Taiwan and Korea, and participating in fleet exercises. Further recognized China service was recorded during September 11-16, 1954, and February 3-22, 1955. The continued American naval presence reflected the security commitments undertaken by the United States in East Asia during the early Cold War.

During the middle and late 1950s, PASSUMPSIC alternated western Pacific deployments with maintenance and training periods along the California coast. Her regular duties included underway replenishment exercises in the southern California operating areas, supporting aircraft carriers and their escorts during fleet maneuvers, and supplying ships assigned to the Seventh Fleet. She received the Battle Efficiency Award for 1956, recognizing her performance within the fleet's operational and training program.

An accident occurred during replenishment operations off southern California on August 1, 1956. At approximately 5:43 p.m., USS VAMMEN (DE 644) collided with PASSUMPSIC's starboard quarter while approaching the tanker. According to the contemporary operational record, neither vessel sustained serious damage. At 6:00 p.m., only seventeen minutes after the collision, the aircraft carrier USS SHANGRI-LA (CVA 38) began an underway replenishment from PASSUMPSIC, receiving approximately 104,800 gallons of fuel.

PASSUMPSIC continued operating with SHANGRI-LA during the following days. The two ships conducted further exercises and fuel transfers on August 2, August 6, August 7 and August 8, 1956. On August 7, the carrier received approximately 60,000 gallons of fuel oil, while an ammunition-transfer exercise followed on August 8. These operations were part of the regular fleet training program off southern California, which emphasized safe maneuvering and the transfer of fuel and other supplies while underway.

PASSUMPSIC was also photographed underway off San Clemente Island during 1956 while fully rigged for replenishment operations. San Clemente Island and the surrounding waters formed an important training area for the Pacific Fleet, allowing ships to practice maneuvering, underway refueling and other operational procedures before overseas deployment. PASSUMPSIC continued supporting the Seventh Fleet during 1957, 1958 and 1959. The Taiwan Strait remained an area of particular American naval concern, especially during the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1958. PASSUMPSIC's general assignments continued to involve supporting American naval forces in East Asian waters.

In February 1960, PASSUMPSIC departed for another western Pacific deployment, arriving at Sasebo, Japan, in March. During May, she participated in Operation Sea Lion, a major exercise conducted under the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. The exercise involved naval units from several participating nations and was intended to improve cooperation among allied maritime forces operating in the region. During Operation Sea Lion, PASSUMPSIC replenished vessels of the French, British, Pakistani and Australian navies. Her work involved supplying fuel to ships operating as part of the multinational force and practicing replenishment procedures with allied vessels. These activities demonstrated the Navy's use of its logistical ships to support combined operations involving different national navies. After completing her western Pacific duties, PASSUMPSIC returned to Long Beach on July 2, 1960.

PASSUMPSIC received another Battle Efficiency Award for 1960, followed by a third in 1961. On March 21, 1961, PASSUMPSIC was photographed replenishing the Seventh Fleet flagship USS SAINT PAUL (CA 73) in the Pacific Ocean. The cruiser was serving as a command ship for American naval forces in the western Pacific.

Between 1960 and 1964, PASSUMPSIC completed three additional western Pacific deployments. During these assignments she continued supporting Seventh Fleet carriers, cruisers, destroyers and smaller vessels. Her operations reflected the increasing American military presence in Southeast Asia, where the United States was providing assistance to the government of South Vietnam while maintaining its broader commitments to Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines. PASSUMPSIC received Vietnam-related expeditionary service credit for April 18-20 and April 25-27, 1963. Another qualifying period followed on March 5-12, 1964. These operations preceded the large-scale American military intervention that began in 1965 and formed part of the Navy's expanding presence in the waters surrounding South Vietnam.

During March 1963, PASSUMPSIC participated in replenishment operations involving American warships operating south of Japan. On March 26, USS FRANK KNOX (DD 742) rendezvoused with PASSUMPSIC at Yokosuka, Japan. Together with USS MANSFIELD (DD 728), the destroyer accompanied the tanker toward the operating area south of Honshu. On March 29, the ships joined the carrier group centered on USS RANGER (CVA 61) and conducted underway replenishment operations. The exercise provided fuel support to the carrier formation during its western Pacific activities.

Additional photographs from 1963 document PASSUMPSIC replenishing USS TICONDEROGA (CVA 14) during the carrier's deployment between January and July. On May 11, PASSUMPSIC was photographed from RANGER. By this time, modifications to her replenishment stations were visible, including strengthened fueling equipment and an enlarged goalpost-type mast arrangement.

PASSUMPSIC returned to Long Beach in April 1964. Following her return, the Navy began preparing the ship for an extensive reconstruction intended to increase her cargo capacity and modernize her replenishment equipment. The project formed part of a wider program to enlarge selected fleet oilers rather than replace them with newly constructed ships. The reconstruction, commonly known as jumboization, involved removing the existing central cargo section and inserting a substantially larger replacement section. PASSUMPSIC was selected for conversion at the American Shipbuilding Company yard in Lorain, Ohio, on Lake Erie. Construction of the new midbody had begun at Lorain on March 2, 1964, before PASSUMPSIC herself arrived at the yard.

On October 12, 1964, PASSUMPSIC departed Long Beach for Lorain. The voyage took her through the Panama Canal and toward the Atlantic coast before she proceeded through the St. Lawrence Seaway into the Great Lakes. During the journey, she called at Boston Naval Shipyard, where preliminary work and preparations associated with the conversion were undertaken. At Boston Naval Shipyard, a Supply Overhaul Assistance Program was established to process the ship's extensive stock of repair parts and equipment. Existing material was examined, identified and prepared for continued use or replacement, while additional components supplied by the conversion contractor and the Navy were received and organized. This work was necessary because the reconstruction would alter major parts of the ship's cargo, engineering and replenishment systems.

PASSUMPSIC arrived at Lorain and was placed in commission, in reserve, on November 26, 1964. Most of her original crew was detached, leaving a nucleus party of four officers and 28 enlisted personnel under Lieutenant Commander James K. Beates. The vessel was then turned over to the American Shipbuilding Company for the major structural conversion. During the following year, PASSUMPSIC underwent an extensive reconstruction. Her original hull was divided into major sections, and the existing central cargo section was removed. A newly constructed tank section was installed between the original bow and stern. The existing midships superstructure was transferred to the new central portion of the hull.

The enlarged cargo section incorporated additional tank capacity and modernized cargo-handling arrangements. New replenishment equipment included improved pumping installations, larger fuel pipelines and revised transfer arrangements intended to permit more efficient underway fueling. The reconstruction also involved the installation of additional machinery for operating the ship's cargo-handling equipment. The conversion increased PASSUMPSIC's length by approximately 91 feet, bringing her overall length to about 644 feet. Her full-load displacement increased from approximately 25,500 tons to about 34,350 tons, and her maximum operating draft increased from approximately 32 feet to 36 feet. The enlarged tanker had a substantially greater capacity for carrying petroleum products.

Following reconstruction, PASSUMPSIC was capable of carrying approximately 110,000 barrels of naval fuel oil, 50,000 barrels of JP-5 aviation turbine fuel and 8,700 barrels of aviation gasoline. Her propulsion machinery developed approximately 13,500 shaft horsepower, driving twin propellers and providing a maximum speed of approximately 18 knots. The ship retained twin rudders, and her normal sustained operating speed was approximately 16 knots. Under favorable conditions she could conduct underway replenishment at speeds approaching 15 knots.

The enlarged ship was designed to transfer large volumes of fuel rapidly. Her port-side fuel oil system could deliver approximately 540,000 gallons per hour using three pumps, while the starboard system could deliver approximately 360,000 gallons per hour. The JP-5 system also provided substantial transfer capacity, with separate port and starboard pumping arrangements. These figures represented maximum pumping capabilities under suitable conditions rather than the quantities normally transferred.

PASSUMPSIC departed Lorain on November 22, 1965, under the control of a merchant marine master and civilian crew for the passage from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast. She arrived at the Boston Army Base piers in South Boston on December 1. Final work associated with the conversion continued at Boston, where she was prepared for acceptance and subsequent operational service. The Navy accepted PASSUMPSIC at Boston on January 10, 1966. She remained at Boston Naval Shipyard during February and into March for fitting out, equipment installation and final preparations. On March 5, she departed Boston for Norfolk, Virginia, where she loaded petroleum products and underwent degaussing inspection.

PASSUMPSIC departed Norfolk on March 11, 1966, for her homeport at Long Beach, California. She passed through the Panama Canal and continued north along the Pacific coast. During the voyage she visited Manzanillo, Mexico, for recreation. On March 29, Vice Admiral Mangana, Commandant of the local Mexican Naval Zone, and the American consul were received aboard. PASSUMPSIC departed Manzanillo on March 31.

During the passage north, PASSUMPSIC conducted her first underway replenishments following reconstruction. On April 4, 1966, she replenished USS DALE (DLG 19). The following day she conducted replenishments with USS CONSTELLATION (CVA 64) and USS ORISKANY (CVA 34). During the transfer of JP-5 aviation fuel, however, water contamination was discovered in the product. Water remaining in the pipelines and pumping arrangements after ballasting had contaminated the fuel. Following her arrival at Long Beach on April 6, the affected JP-5 was discharged at the San Pedro Fuel Depot, and the cause of the contamination was corrected.

On April 8, PASSUMPSIC proceeded to San Pedro for upkeep and restricted availability at Todd Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. The work concentrated on deficiencies identified during preliminary acceptance trials and preparations for refresher training. She departed for San Diego on April 28 and began refresher training under the Fleet Training Group on April 30.

An accident occurred on May 12, 1966, while PASSUMPSIC was proceeding from the Coronado Roads anchorage toward the entrance of San Diego Channel. A developing collision situation involving a sailboat caused the tanker to maneuver toward the eastern side of the channel, where she ran aground near buoy 7. She was freed with assistance after several hours and suffered no apparent damage. An investigation into the grounding was conducted by Captain G. R. Brines of the Pacific Fleet training organization.

PASSUMPSIC successfully completed her final training battle problem on May 26, 1966, and returned to Long Beach. She subsequently conducted further operations for the Fleet Training Group, San Diego, between May 31 and June 3. Additional upkeep followed at Long Beach from June 4 through June 12, and she resumed training support from June 13 through June 21. Preparations for final acceptance trials continued during June, although an engineering problem involving a steam stop valve in No. 4 boiler delayed part of the testing program.

Final Navy acceptance of the converted tanker occurred on August 24, 1966. On September 1, she was designated a ready unit under Commander Task Group 13.1. The successful completion of the reconstruction restored PASSUMPSIC to the Pacific Fleet's operational replenishment force at a time when the Vietnam War was creating a rapidly increasing demand for naval fuel supplies. PASSUMPSIC departed Long Beach on September 22, 1966, beginning her first western Pacific deployment following the conversion. She arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines on October 15. Subic Bay served as one of the principal American naval support facilities in Southeast Asia, providing fuel, ammunition, repair services and other logistical resources for Seventh Fleet ships operating off Vietnam. From Subic Bay, PASSUMPSIC proceeded on repeated replenishment assignments to the Gulf of Tonkin and the coastal waters of North and South Vietnam. Her responsibilities included supplying aviation fuel to aircraft carriers operating from Yankee Station and fuel oil to destroyers, cruisers and escort vessels supporting air operations and naval gunfire missions.

PASSUMPSIC's qualifying Vietnam campaign service during this deployment included October 24-November 4, 1966, followed by December 10-20 and December 25-29. The operations occurred during the continuing expansion of the American air campaign against North Vietnam and the increasing employment of naval forces in support of military operations in South Vietnam. During the deployment, PASSUMPSIC operated with a variety of Seventh Fleet vessels. Photographic documentation records her conducting a fuel transfer with USS CALIENTE (AO 53) in waters off Vietnam during approximately 1967. The operation illustrates that fleet oilers could transfer petroleum products between one another when operational circumstances required redistribution of cargo.

PASSUMPSIC also conducted underway replenishment operations with aircraft carriers, including USS HANCOCK (CVA 19), during her 1967 western Pacific service. During the deployment that began in September 1966, PASSUMPSIC replenished 367 ships and transferred approximately 47 million gallons of fuel. The figures demonstrate the demands placed on the tanker during her first major period of service following reconstruction. Her performance resulted in the award of the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

PASSUMPSIC continued supporting Seventh Fleet vessels until May 1967, when she returned to Long Beach. Following the deployment, she underwent the normal cycle of maintenance, crew leave, training and preparations for renewed overseas service. Her replenishment equipment and propulsion machinery required continued attention after months of frequent fueling operations.

In November 1967, PASSUMPSIC departed Long Beach for another western Pacific deployment. She again operated primarily from Subic Bay, providing fuel to ships supporting American military operations in Vietnam. The deployment coincided with a period of continued air strikes against North Vietnam and increasing American military activity ashore. PASSUMPSIC's credited campaign periods included December 24, 1967-January 7, 1968, and January 13-26. The Tet Offensive began at the end of January 1968, producing widespread fighting throughout South Vietnam. PASSUMPSIC continued supplying naval forces during this period, receiving campaign credit for February 1-12 and February 21-March 7. Further qualifying Vietnam service followed during April 21-30, May 5-14 and May 23-29, 1968. Her duties continued to involve the supply of petroleum products to carriers and surface combatants operating from the Gulf of Tonkin and the South China Sea. Between operating periods the tanker returned to supporting ports for refueling, maintenance and crew rest.

PASSUMPSIC returned to Long Beach in June 1968 after approximately seven months overseas. She subsequently underwent upkeep and preparation for another deployment. On August 30, 1968, Captain Henry Peter Glindeman Jr. assumed command of the tanker, relieving Captain Robert Rose Hale.

In November 1968, PASSUMPSIC began another western Pacific deployment. Her duties once again involved supporting the Seventh Fleet during the Vietnam War. The American naval air campaign continued despite changes in bombing policy following the partial and later complete halt of Operation Rolling Thunder against North Vietnam during 1968. PASSUMPSIC's documented campaign service included December 26, 1968-January 8, 1969, January 14-February 2 and February 4-13 and 20-22. Further qualifying service occurred during February 23-March 2, March 23-April 1, April 5-13, April 19-May 1, and May 9-16 and 22-28, 1969.

During the deployment PASSUMPSIC continued carrying out underway replenishments of carriers, destroyers and other naval vessels. Her support was necessary for maintaining the operational endurance of ships engaged in American naval activities in Southeast Asia. The policy of Vietnamization introduced during 1969 began transferring more responsibility for the war to South Vietnamese forces, but the Seventh Fleet continued conducting substantial operations. PASSUMPSIC returned to Long Beach on June 27, 1969. Following her arrival, she underwent a period of yard availability, repairs and equipment modifications, followed by local training operations and preparations for further deployment. Captain Edward Brien Rogers assumed command on November 26, 1969, relieving Captain Glindeman.

During the opening months of 1970, PASSUMPSIC returned to western Pacific operations. Her qualifying Vietnam service included February 12-22, March 1-23 and March 27-28, followed by April 4-21. These periods coincided with the continuation of American naval and air operations in Southeast Asia and the expansion of military activity into Cambodia. On April 12, 1970, PASSUMPSIC was photographed conducting underway replenishment and helicopter-supported vertical replenishment operations involving CONSTELLATION, USS McKEAN (DD 784) and USS HENDERSON (DD 785) in the Gulf of Tonkin. The operation included fuel transfers alongside the tanker while helicopters carried cargo between ships. This combination of alongside replenishment and vertical transfer enabled the supporting force to move different types of supplies during the same operational period.

PASSUMPSIC continued supporting Seventh Fleet units during May and June 1970. Her recorded campaign service included May 5-13 and May 17-24, June 7-16 and June 29-30. The tanker also conducted replenishment operations with destroyers and other surface vessels in the western Pacific during the year. After completing her overseas assignments, she returned to California for further fleet training and maintenance.

The beginning of 1971 found PASSUMPSIC at Long Beach under the command of Captain Edward B. Rogers. On January 4, she departed for the southern California operating area and reached San Diego on January 5, mooring to harbor buoys. She conducted underway training from January 6 through January 14 and subsequently returned to Long Beach, arriving on January 15. On January 18, 1971, PASSUMPSIC conducted a replenishment training period involving USS BRINKLEY BASS (DD 887), USS MIDWAY (CVA 41), USS SHIELDS (DD 596) and USS HENRY B. WILSON (DDG 7). She returned to Long Beach on January 19 and remained in port until January 25.

On January 26, PASSUMPSIC departed Long Beach for further replenishment exercises off southern California. During the day, she supplied USS ROWAN (DD 782), USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8), USS GALLANT (MSO 489) and USS EXCEL (MSO 439). Captain Frederick Bruns Bromley, who was to become the ship's next commanding officer, arrived aboard by helicopter during these operations.

On January 27, PASSUMPSIC replenished a group of destroyers and escorts that included USS O'CALLAHAN (DE 1051), USS BERKELEY (DDG 15), USS BRADLEY (DE 1041), USS KING (DLG 10), USS ROBISON (DDG 12), USS ROGERS (DD 876), USS GRAY (DE 1054), USS SHELTON (DD 790) and USS EDSON (DD 946). The following day, she supplied the combat stores ship USS SAN JOSE (AFS 7) before returning to Long Beach.

PASSUMPSIC remained at Long Beach from January 29 through February 2, 1971. She departed for another training period on February 2, during which a steering casualty occurred while leaving port. She nevertheless conducted a replenishment exercise with USS FORTIFY (MSO 446) before returning to Long Beach. Captain Frederick B. Bromley relieved Captain Edward B. Rogers as commanding officer on February 6, 1971. PASSUMPSIC remained at Long Beach through early March, conducting preparations for her next western Pacific deployment. On March 4, she proceeded to the fuel pier at San Pedro to load petroleum products and returned to Long Beach the following day.

PASSUMPSIC departed Long Beach for the western Pacific on March 9, 1971. During the passage to Hawaii, she replenished ROWAN and USS HAMNER (DD 718) on March 11. She arrived at Pearl Harbor on March 16 and departed the following day for Subic Bay. On March 21, while proceeding westward, PASSUMPSIC experienced a split-rudder casualty. She continued the voyage and conducted replenishment operations on March 23 involving USS MEYERKORD (DE 1058), TICONDEROGA, USS BRONSTEIN (DE 1037), USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 36), USS SCHOFIELD (DEG 3) and USS JAMES E. KYES (DD 787).

PASSUMPSIC joined Commander Seventh Fleet on March 27, 1971. Another split-rudder casualty was recorded on March 28. On March 29, she replenished TICONDEROGA, JAMES E. KYES, MEYERKORD, JOHN S. McCAIN, BRONSTEIN and SCHOFIELD. She subsequently proceeded to Subic Bay, arriving on April 3 after operations in the surrounding area.

After several days in port, PASSUMPSIC departed Subic Bay on April 10 for Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin. On April 12, she conducted replenishment and consolidation operations with the fast combat support ship USS SACRAMENTO (AOE 1) and replenished USS TOWERS (DDG 9). The following day, she supplied USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY (DLG 32), USS ROARK (DE 1053), USS GRIDLEY (DLG 21) and USS HEPBURN (DE 1055). After further operations with SACRAMENTO, PASSUMPSIC returned to Subic Bay on April 16.

PASSUMPSIC departed again on April 20, 1971, for the South China Sea operating area. During April 21-26, she carried out an extensive series of replenishments involving USS EVERETT F. LARSON (DD 830), USS THEODORE E. CHANDLER (DD 717), HANCOCK, JAMES E. KYES, TOWERS, ROARK, BERKELEY, HEPBURN, WILLIAM H. STANDLEY, USS ANCHORAGE (LSD 36), USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7), USS FLOYD B. PARKS (DD 884), USS DENNIS J. BUCKLEY (DD 808), USS SOMERS (DDG 34), USS TURNER JOY (DD 951) and BRADLEY. Her work included supplying ships at Yankee Station and other Seventh Fleet vessels operating in the South China Sea.

PASSUMPSIC returned to Subic Bay on April 28 and departed again on May 2. During the following days, she conducted replenishments with USS EVERSOLE (DD 789), SACRAMENTO, FLOYD B. PARKS, DUBUQUE, USS RATHBURNE (DE 1057), TOWERS and GRAY. On May 7, she completed her operations in the South China Sea and proceeded toward Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

PASSUMPSIC arrived at Kaohsiung on May 10, 1971, and remained until May 12. After departing Taiwan on May 13, she conducted practice underway replenishments with two vessels of the Republic of China Navy, identified in her command history as DD 2 and APR 36. She then proceeded to Subic Bay, where she remained from May 14 through May 17. On May 18, PASSUMPSIC departed Subic Bay for another operating period in the South China Sea. On May 20, she replenished MEYERKORD, MIDWAY, ROARK and USS LANG (DE 1060). The following day, she supplied the Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS BRISBANE (D 41) and USS OKLAHOMA CITY (CLG 5), while also receiving stores from USS REGULUS (AF 57).

Further replenishments followed during May 22-26, including additional transfers to MIDWAY, ROARK, LANG and DENNIS J. BUCKLEY. PASSUMPSIC returned to Subic Bay on May 28 and remained through May 29 before departing again on May 30.

On June 1, 1971, PASSUMPSIC replenished MIDWAY, TOWERS, ROARK and LANG. The following day, she supplied OKLAHOMA CITY, USS HANSON (DD 832), USS COCHRANE (DDG 21), USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63) and HMAS BRISBANE. On June 3, she conducted replenishments with WILLIAM H. STANDLEY, GRAY and COCHRANE. She also carried out fuel consolidation operations with USS TOLOVANA (AO 64) on June 4 and USS HASSAYAMPA (AO 145) on June 5.

PASSUMPSIC continued operating in the South China Sea during the first part of June, replenishing KITTY HAWK, MIDWAY, ROARK, LANG, OKLAHOMA CITY, EDSON, WILLIAM H. STANDLEY, GRAY, COCHRANE and other vessels. On June 8, she supplied USS VESUVIUS (AE 15), HMAS BRISBANE, KITTY HAWK and HANSON. On June 9, she replenished MIDWAY, EDSON and LANG before returning to Subic Bay on June 11.

After a short stay in port, PASSUMPSIC departed Subic Bay on June 14, 1971, for further South China Sea operations. On June 16, she supplied TURNER JOY and USS HULL (DD 945). The following day, she replenished WILLIAM H. STANDLEY, HENDERSON, ROARK, TURNER JOY, GRAY, COCHRANE, FLOYD B. PARKS, HANSON and KITTY HAWK. The tanker then proceeded to Hong Kong, arriving on June 19.

PASSUMPSIC remained in Hong Kong from June 19 through June 24, 1971. The visit provided a break between periods of intensive underway replenishment. She departed on June 25 and returned to the South China Sea operating area. On June 28, PASSUMPSIC operated off An Thoi, South Vietnam, where she conducted helicopter-supported transfers with USS NIAGARA FALLS (AFS 3) and replenished HMAS BRISBANE. The following day she supplied USCGC RUSH (WHEC 723), and on June 30 she replenished USCGC MORGENTHAU (WHEC 722), DENNIS J. BUCKLEY and WILLIAM H. STANDLEY.

During early July, PASSUMPSIC continued carrying out fuel transfers and consolidation operations with SACRAMENTO and other Seventh Fleet vessels. She returned to Subic Bay on July 8 and remained until July 12. PASSUMPSIC departed Subic Bay again on July 13, 1971. On July 16, she replenished HMAS BRISBANE and USCGC MORGENTHAU. The following day, she supplied BRINKLEY BASS and USS RUPERTUS (DD 851). On July 19, she replenished USS HENRY W. TUCKER (DD 875) and EDSON, followed by MIDWAY and O'CALLAHAN on July 20.

After returning to Subic Bay on July 22, PASSUMPSIC departed again on July 25. During a fuel consolidation operation with SACRAMENTO on July 27, she experienced another split-rudder casualty. She returned to Subic Bay on July 29, after conducting gunnery exercises in the operating area. PASSUMPSIC departed Subic Bay on July 31 and resumed replenishment operations in the South China Sea. On August 2, she supplied MIDWAY, HENRY W. TUCKER and ROBISON. On August 4, she replenished ORISKANY, BRADLEY, USS REEVES (DLG 24), USS DAVIDSON (DE 1045), USS SOUTHERLAND (DD 743) and USS HORNE (DLG 30).

On August 6, 1971, PASSUMPSIC carried out further replenishments with MIDWAY, HENRY W. TUCKER, ROBISON, ORISKANY and BRADLEY. She then proceeded toward Sasebo, Japan, and refueled BRADLEY on August 8. PASSUMPSIC arrived at Sasebo on August 11 and remained in port until August 12.

PASSUMPSIC departed Sasebo on August 13 for operations in the Sea of Japan. On August 14, she replenished HENRY B. WILSON and USS BROOKE (DEG 1) before returning briefly to Sasebo. She remained there until August 19 and departed again on August 20 for northern Pacific surveillance operations. During August 21-31, PASSUMPSIC supported naval units operating in the northern Pacific. Her replenishments included repeated fuel transfers to HENRY B. WILSON and BROOKE, which were engaged in the surveillance mission. The operations required the tanker to remain available to the accompanying surface combatants as they continued their assigned activities.

On September 1, 1971, PASSUMPSIC conducted an underway replenishment with HMCS PROVIDER (AOR 508) and KING. She also carried out helicopter-supported transfers with the Canadian replenishment ship on September 2. During the helicopter operations on September 2, a helicopter operating from Naval Station Adak, Alaska, made a forced landing on PASSUMPSIC's helicopter deck. The aircraft was subsequently carried aboard during the continuing operations. PASSUMPSIC continued supporting KING and conducting surveillance-related activities during the following days.

On September 12, 1971, the helicopter departed PASSUMPSIC for Naval Air Station Alameda, California. The tanker subsequently proceeded toward Long Beach, arriving on September 14 and completing her western Pacific and northern Pacific deployment. PASSUMPSIC remained at Long Beach through October 17, 1971. On October 18, she shifted to Anchorage 34 to offload ammunition, and on October 19 proceeded to the fuel pier at San Pedro to discharge fuel and prepare her cargo tanks for shipyard work. She returned to Long Beach on October 29.

On November 1, 1971, PASSUMPSIC entered Bethlehem Steel Shipyard at San Pedro for a restricted availability. The maintenance period continued through the end of the year. Work was directed toward preserving the ship's operational readiness following the long deployment and addressing equipment requiring repair or overhaul. During calendar year 1971, PASSUMPSIC conducted 183 underway replenishment operations with 70 different ships. She delivered 30,184,098 gallons of naval fuel oil, 16,938,553 gallons of JP-5 aviation fuel and 90,174 gallons of aviation gasoline, for a total of more than 47 million gallons of petroleum products.

PASSUMPSIC remained at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in San Pedro during the opening weeks of 1972. Her restricted availability continued until February 21. On February 22, she conducted dock trials, followed by sea trials off Long Beach on February 23. She loaded petroleum products at San Pedro from February 24 through February 27 and departed for the southern California operating area on February 28. On February 29, 1972, PASSUMPSIC conducted a practice replenishment with USS OGDEN (LPD 5). She returned to Long Beach on March 1 and remained at Pier E through March 5. On March 6, she shifted to the San Pedro fuel pier, where her cargo tanks were subjected to Butterworth cleaning, a high-pressure washing process used to clean tanker tanks. She returned to Long Beach on March 10.

During March 10-19, 1972, PASSUMPSIC remained at Long Beach while defective cargo valves were repaired. She departed on March 20 for operations off southern California, returned to Long Beach on March 22 and loaded additional petroleum products at San Pedro on March 23. On March 24, 1972, Commander Samuel William Monk relieved Captain Frederick B. Bromley as commanding officer of PASSUMPSIC. The change of command occurred as the tanker was preparing for another western Pacific deployment.

PASSUMPSIC departed Long Beach on March 27 for additional training. On March 28, she conducted replenishment exercises with USS ENHANCE (MSO 437) and USS HOEL (DDG 13). The following day, she practiced fuel transfers with USS OZBOURN (DD 846), EVERSOLE, USS JOUETT (DLG 29), SOMERS, USS HAROLD E. HOLT (DE 1074) and USS PROVIDENCE (CLG 6). On March 30, she conducted further training with USS RAMSEY (DEG 2) and ENHANCE.

PASSUMPSIC returned to San Pedro on March 31 and remained through April 2. On April 3, she departed for additional training. The following day, she supplied the Canadian ships HMCS GATINEAU (DDE 236), HMCS CHAUDIERE (DDE 235) and HMCS COLUMBIA (DDE 260), as well as USS MARS (AFS 1) and USS KANSAS CITY (AOR 3). On April 5, 1972, PASSUMPSIC continued underway replenishment exercises with MARS, KANSAS CITY, USS BAUER (DE 1025) and the participating Canadian destroyers. She replenished ORISKANY on April 6 before returning to Long Beach.

On April 13, 1972, PASSUMPSIC received orders to prepare for an early deployment to the western Pacific. The change in schedule occurred as North Vietnamese forces were conducting the major conventional offensive against South Vietnam that had begun on March 30. The offensive, generally known as the Easter Offensive, resulted in a substantial increase in American naval and air operations in Southeast Asia.

PASSUMPSIC departed Long Beach on April 17, 1972. During the westbound passage she conducted replenishments with USS BIDDLE (DLG 34), USS SARSFIELD (DD 837), USS MULLINNIX (DD 944), USS GLENNON (DD 840) and USS NEWPORT NEWS (CA 148). She entered the Seventh Fleet operating area in early May and arrived at Subic Bay on May 11. PASSUMPSIC remained at Subic Bay until May 17, 1972. On that day, she replenished FORTIFY before departing for the Gulf of Tonkin. She reached the operating area on May 20 and commenced a period of sustained support for ships conducting combat operations off Vietnam.

On May 21, PASSUMPSIC conducted a fuel consolidation with KANSAS CITY. The following day, she replenished USS IMPERVIOUS (MSO 449), USS CAMDEN (AOE 2) and USS CHIPOLA (AO 63). She returned to Subic Bay on May 24 and remained until May 30. PASSUMPSIC departed Subic Bay again on May 31, 1972, for the Gulf of Tonkin. On June 1 she replenished USS SARATOGA (CVA 60) and USS OUELLET (DE 1077). The following day, she operated at Yankee Station, where American carriers were conducting air operations against targets in North Vietnam.

On June 3, PASSUMPSIC replenished USS ASHTABULA (AO 51) and USS McMORRIS (DE 1036). She supplied EVERETT F. LARSON on June 4 and CONSTELLATION, USS HIGBEE (DD 806) and GLENNON on June 5. Further replenishments with CONSTELLATION and HIGBEE followed on June 7. PASSUMPSIC returned to Subic Bay on June 10 and remained until June 14. She departed again on June 15 and replenished CAMDEN on June 17. The following day, she supplied BERKELEY, PROVIDENCE, USS BUCHANAN (DDG 14), ROWAN and EVERETT F. LARSON.

During June 19-21, 1972, PASSUMPSIC conducted an extensive series of underway replenishments involving JOHN S. McCAIN, USS WHIPPLE (DE 1062), USS FRANCIS HAMMOND (DE 1067), EVERSOLE, USS GURKE (DD 783), PROVIDENCE, ROWAN, BERKELEY, BUCHANAN, USS CHICAGO (CG 11), CAMDEN and USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19).

The range of vessels supported during these operations included aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, escorts and command ships. BLUE RIDGE was operating as a major amphibious command and control vessel, while the cruisers and destroyers were assigned to air defense, naval gunfire support and other missions associated with the Seventh Fleet.

PASSUMPSIC returned to Subic Bay on June 23 and departed again on June 28. On June 29, she replenished TICONDEROGA and USS MARVIN SHIELDS (DE 1066). Further operations on June 30 included the ammunition ship USS MOUNT KATMAI (AE 16), GURKE, BERKELEY, USS DENVER (LPD 9), EVERETT F. LARSON, DAVIDSON and USS WORDEN (DLG 18).

On July 1, 1972, PASSUMPSIC supplied USS STERETT (DLG 31), HAROLD E. HOLT, USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 32) and USS ENGLAND (DLG 22). The following day, she replenished USS SAVANNAH (AOR 4). Further replenishments during July 3-4 included MULLINNIX, HAMNER, USS LOCKWOOD (DE 1064), USS BADGER (DE 1071), PROVIDENCE, WHIPPLE, ROBISON, GURKE, EVERETT F. LARSON, ASHTABULA and BERKELEY.

PASSUMPSIC returned to Subic Bay on July 7 and remained until July 10. She departed again on July 11 for the Gulf of Tonkin. On July 12, she replenished USS SURIBACHI (AE 21), followed by operations at Yankee Station. On July 14, PASSUMPSIC supplied CAMDEN, GLENNON and SHELTON. On July 15, she replenished McMORRIS, USS LONG BEACH (CGN 9), ROARK, STERETT, BIDDLE, GRAY and USS JOSEPH HEWES (DE 1078). The following day, she supplied WORDEN, KANSAS CITY and DENVER before proceeding toward Subic Bay.

PASSUMPSIC remained in Subic Bay from July 18 through July 24, 1972. She departed again on July 25. On July 27, she replenished HANCOCK and OZBOURN. Further transfers on July 28-30 included PROVIDENCE, USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS (DD 950), USS DAVIS (DD 937), OUELLET, USS MOUNT HOOD (AE 29), BADGER, USS WHITFIELD COUNTY (LST 1169), DAVIDSON and USS PARSONS (DDG 33).

During August 2-5, 1972, PASSUMPSIC continued operating at Yankee Station and in the surrounding waters. She replenished MOUNT HOOD, HANCOCK, PARSONS, LOCKWOOD, GLENNON, USS TRIPPE (DE 1075), MULLINNIX, KANSAS CITY, SHELTON, HENRY B. WILSON, USS HOLLISTER (DD 788), CLEVELAND, TOWERS, HOEL, OZBOURN and USS PYRO (AE 24). The intensity of these operations reflected the large American naval presence off Vietnam during the summer of 1972. Aircraft carriers continued flying missions associated with Operation Linebacker, while cruisers and destroyers carried out air defense, naval gunfire support and other assigned operations.

PASSUMPSIC returned to Subic Bay on August 8 and remained until August 11. She departed again on August 12 and replenished HANCOCK and WORDEN on August 14. Further replenishments followed with BAUSELL, SURIBACHI, SOMERS, USS MISPILLION (AO 105) and ORISKANY. After another brief stay at Subic Bay from August 19 through August 20, PASSUMPSIC departed for Hong Kong. She arrived on August 23 and remained through August 28 for rest and recreation. The port visit provided a break between operational periods and allowed the crew time ashore before returning to the Gulf of Tonkin.

PASSUMPSIC departed Hong Kong on August 29 and resumed Seventh Fleet replenishment operations. During August 31 and September 1, she supplied SOMERS, HOEL, MARVIN SHIELDS, HEPBURN, SARSFIELD, RATHBURNE, BADGER, ROBISON, RUPERTUS, RICHARD S. EDWARDS, USS LAWRENCE (DDG 4), USS PREBLE (DLG 15) and ROWAN.

On September 2-3, 1972, PASSUMPSIC maneuvered in the South China Sea to avoid a typhoon. She resumed replenishment operations on September 4, supplying RICHARD S. EDWARDS, MEYERKORD and USS WILTSIE (DD 716). The following day, she replenished HANSON, EVERSOLE, ROWAN and USS CACAPON (AO 52). Further replenishments continued through September 6, after which PASSUMPSIC returned to Subic Bay. She remained in port from September 9 through September 12 and departed again on September 13.

During September 14-17, PASSUMPSIC replenished RICHARD S. EDWARDS, USS BENJAMIN STODDERT (DDG 22), HANSON, USS CHARLES H. ROAN (DD 853), USS WILLIAM R. RUSH (DD 714), USS WICHITA (AOR 1), JOUETT and WORDEN. On September 18, PASSUMPSIC supplied HENRY B. WILSON, COCHRANE, RUPERTUS, WILTSIE, EVERSOLE and DAVIS. The following day, she replenished WICHITA. On September 20, she supplied ROBISON, LANG, HOEL, GRAY, DAVIDSON and SHELTON.

PASSUMPSIC's operations intensified during September 21-25, 1972. During these five days, she replenished numerous vessels, including SAVANNAH, CLEVELAND, JOHN S. McCAIN, RAMSEY, HENRY W. TUCKER, OZBOURN, PROVIDENCE, HANCOCK, MOUNT KATMAI, BAUSELL, SOMERS, TOWERS, HENRY B. WILSON, BADGER, MEYERKORD, DENNIS J. BUCKLEY, RICHARD S. EDWARDS and other destroyers and escorts.

Following this period of sustained operations, PASSUMPSIC departed the Gulf of Tonkin on September 26 for Sasebo, Japan. She arrived on September 30 and remained until October 12 for upkeep and maintenance. The availability provided an opportunity to inspect and repair equipment following months of intensive fueling operations. PASSUMPSIC departed Sasebo on October 13, 1972, and returned to the Gulf of Tonkin. On October 18, she conducted replenishments involving USS MANITOWOC (LST 1180), USS ST. LOUIS (LKA 116), USS POINT DEFIANCE (LSD 31), USS OKINAWA (LPH 3) and USS VERNON CITY (LST 1161). These operations involved amphibious warfare vessels supporting American and allied naval activities in Southeast Asia. Although large American ground-force commitments were being reduced, amphibious ships remained deployed in the region for contingency operations, personnel movement and other assignments.

On October 19, PASSUMPSIC replenished SCHOFIELD, EVERSOLE, JOUETT, REEVES, BAUSELL and PREBLE. The following day, she supplied ORISKANY and JOSEPH HEWES, followed by DAVIS on October 21 and HOEL, COCHRANE and JAMES E. KYES on October 22. She replenished SAVANNAH on October 23 before returning to Subic Bay on October 26.

PASSUMPSIC remained at Subic Bay until October 30 and departed again on October 31 for the Gulf of Tonkin. On November 3, she replenished FORTIFY, KING, USS GOLDSBOROUGH (DDG 20), BAUSELL, COCHRANE and SACRAMENTO. During November 4-6, PASSUMPSIC continued supplying the fleet. Her replenishments involved KANSAS CITY, TOLOVANA, PREBLE, HENRY B. WILSON, LANG, ENGLAND, REEVES, KING, JOUETT, FORTIFY, HEPBURN, GOLDSBOROUGH, RUPERTUS, NEWPORT NEWS and CLEVELAND.

On November 7-9, PASSUMPSIC maneuvered in the South China Sea to avoid an approaching typhoon. She subsequently resumed operations and replenished USS WACCAMAW (AO 109) on November 10. On November 11, 1972, PASSUMPSIC supplied ENGLAND, HEPBURN, SCHOFIELD, JOUETT and ROBISON. She replenished WICHITA on November 13 before returning to Subic Bay on November 15. PASSUMPSIC remained at Subic Bay through November 23. She departed on November 24 for the Gulf of Tonkin but suffered a main feed pump casualty. The engineering problem required her to return to Subic Bay, where she remained from November 26 through December 1 while repairs were carried out.

After completing the repairs, PASSUMPSIC departed Subic Bay on December 2 and resumed operations in the Gulf of Tonkin. On December 4, she replenished USS MILWAUKEE (AOR 2) and RATHBURNE, followed by SACRAMENTO on December 5. She then returned to Subic Bay on December 7. PASSUMPSIC departed Subic Bay again on December 11, 1972. On December 14, she replenished GOLDSBOROUGH and WICHITA. On December 15, she supplied GOLDSBOROUGH, HOEL, SHELTON, DUBUQUE and HASSAYAMPA. She returned to Subic Bay on December 18.

On December 19, PASSUMPSIC departed for Sattahip, Thailand. During the passage, she replenished USS EPPERSON (DD 719) on December 22. She arrived at Sattahip on December 23 and remained until December 28 for rest and recreation. The port visit occurred shortly after the beginning of Operation Linebacker II, the intensive American bombing campaign against North Vietnam that began on December 18.

PASSUMPSIC departed Sattahip on December 29, 1972, and returned toward the Gulf of Tonkin. On December 30, she replenished EPPERSON, followed by USS RICHARD E. KRAUS (DD 849) on December 31. She completed the year at sea, continuing to provide fuel support to Seventh Fleet units. During her western Pacific deployment from April 17 through December 31, 1972, PASSUMPSIC conducted 266 underway replenishment operations and delivered approximately 68.3 million gallons of petroleum products. Her command report recorded transfers of 601,814 barrels of naval special fuel oil, 477,110 barrels of naval distillate, 22,859,276 gallons of JP-5 aviation fuel and 136,542 gallons of aviation gasoline. The quantities amounted to a combined total of approximately 68,310,626 U.S. gallons. She also transferred 54,584 pounds of fleet freight, 350,000 gallons of fresh water, 5,236 movies and transported 389 passengers between Seventh Fleet vessels. These figures demonstrate the range of logistical services performed by the tanker beyond the transportation of petroleum products.

PASSUMPSIC remained deployed in the western Pacific during the opening months of 1973. Her recognized Vietnam campaign service included December 29, 1972-January 7, 1973, January 15-23 and February 6-12. The Paris Peace Accords were signed on January 27, 1973, establishing a ceasefire and providing for the withdrawal of American combat forces from Vietnam. Although the withdrawal reduced the scale of direct American military involvement, naval vessels remained active in the region. Their assignments included support for the implementation of the peace agreement, naval presence, logistics and mine-clearance operations. PASSUMPSIC continued her replenishment duties during this transitional period.

On July 24, 1973, PASSUMPSIC was decommissioned from the United States Navy and subsequently continued under the Military Sealift Command as USNS PASSUMPSIC (T-AO 107). Her transfer was part of the Navy's expanding reliance on civilian-operated auxiliary ships for fleet replenishment and transport. The new arrangement replaced her commissioned Navy ship's company with civilian merchant mariners supported by a Navy detachment responsible for military communications and other assigned functions. The transfer did not substantially alter PASSUMPSIC's primary mission. She continued carrying petroleum products and replenishing naval ships underway, using the enlarged cargo section and modernized transfer equipment installed during her reconstruction. Her civilian complement numbered approximately 108 personnel, substantially fewer than her commissioned Navy crew.

On July 26, 1973, two days after decommissioning, PASSUMPSIC was photographed being maneuvered into a berth at the Naval Supply Center in Oakland, California. She subsequently returned to supporting American naval operations in the Pacific and Indian Ocean as a civilian-crewed Military Sealift Command vessel. PASSUMPSIC remained active in western Pacific replenishment operations during 1974. On February 25, she was photographed by aircraft operating from KITTY HAWK in the South China Sea. The photograph documented her appearance shortly after the transfer to the Military Sealift Command, when she no longer carried her former armament used during her commissioned service.

On March 16, 1974, PASSUMPSIC was photographed conducting a simultaneous underway replenishment with USS MORTON (DD 948) and ORISKANY. The destroyer was positioned alongside the tanker's starboard side while the aircraft carrier received fuel on the port side. During the summer of 1974, PASSUMPSIC supported an American naval deployment to the Indian Ocean. On June 30, she passed through the Strait of Malacca in company with CHICAGO, USS GEORGE K. MacKENZIE (DD 836) and USS FANNING (DE 1076). The passage formed part of a deployment intended to maintain an American naval presence in the Indian Ocean, where the Soviet Navy had increased its activity.

The task group conducted a deployment lasting approximately three months, with its principal Indian Ocean operating period extending from late July through August 1974. The group visited ports in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, Kenya and Mauritius. These visits formed part of American naval diplomatic and operational activities in the region.

During early 1975, PASSUMPSIC supported another American naval deployment to the Indian Ocean. Between January 12 and February 21, she was assigned to the group centered on USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN 65), accompanied by LONG BEACH, BENJAMIN STODDERT, RATHBURNE and CAMDEN. The group operated in the Indian Ocean and conducted visits to East African and island ports during a period of expanding American maritime activity in the region.

In April 1975, the military situation in South Vietnam deteriorated rapidly as North Vietnamese forces advanced toward Saigon. The United States initiated evacuation operations involving American and South Vietnamese personnel. PASSUMPSIC received Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal credit for April 29-30, 1975, associated with Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon. Her recognized participation was connected with the naval support arrangements for the operation.

Following the end of the Vietnam War, PASSUMPSIC continued operating from Subic Bay in support of Seventh Fleet units. During late 1975 and early 1976, she participated in a further Indian Ocean deployment with a surface group led by USS FOX (CG 33), accompanied by HEPBURN and GRAY. The group departed the western Pacific through the Strait of Malacca and operated in the Indian Ocean from January 10 through March 13, 1976. Its assignments included surveillance of Soviet naval forces, maintaining an American presence in the Arabian Sea and conducting port visits intended to support diplomatic and military relations with countries around the Indian Ocean.

During this deployment, the ships conducted surveillance operations near Socotra, where Soviet naval units were operating. The task group gathered information on Soviet warships, including vessels of the KRIVAK-class, and operated in the Arabian Sea during a period of increasing Soviet naval activity outside traditional Soviet operating areas. The deployment included visits by the group to Karachi, Pakistan; Mombasa, Kenya; the Seychelles; Mauritius; and other Indian Ocean locations. The group also operated near Diego Garcia, where the United States and United Kingdom were developing facilities intended to support a continuing American naval presence in the Indian Ocean. PASSUMPSIC's contribution was to provide replenishment support to the deployed naval force.

After returning to the western Pacific, PASSUMPSIC resumed her regular logistical assignments. Her operation under the Military Sealift Command demonstrated the Navy's developing practice of using civilian-crewed replenishment ships to support deployed combat units. The arrangement allowed the Navy to employ civilian maritime personnel in logistical roles while retaining military command and operational control of the supported naval missions.

On March 14, 1978, PASSUMPSIC was photographed replenishing CHICAGO in the western Pacific. The operation was documented by a Navy photographer aboard KITTY HAWK and provides a dated record of her continuing association with Seventh Fleet surface forces. During November 1978, PASSUMPSIC deployed to the Indian Ocean with a Seventh Fleet task group consisting of USS STERETT (CG 31), USS WADDELL (DDG 24) and BRADLEY. The group entered the Indian Ocean on a routine deployment at a time when the United States was maintaining an increasingly regular naval presence in the region.

PASSUMPSIC received a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation for service during November 10, 1978-February 3, 1979. She also received Navy Expeditionary Medal credit for December 8, 1978-February 4, 1979. The recognized service occurred during a period of major political upheaval in Iran, where demonstrations and unrest were undermining the government of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the United States increased its naval attention to the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. PASSUMPSIC continued providing logistical support to American naval units operating in the region. After the seizure of the United States embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, American naval forces maintained a prolonged presence in the northern Indian Ocean during the hostage crisis.

PASSUMPSIC's recognized Navy Expeditionary Medal service included December 3, 1979-February 29, 1980, followed by April 29-August 4 and November 5, 1980-January 15, 1981. These periods corresponded to American naval deployments associated with the Iranian crisis and the broader security situation in Southwest Asia. The outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War on September 22, 1980, further increased the importance of naval operations in the region. American forces continued operating in the Arabian Sea and near the approaches to the Persian Gulf, while fleet replenishment ships supplied the fuel needed to sustain the deployed formations.

On August 22, 1980, PASSUMPSIC participated in a rescue operation involving Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea. Patrol aircraft from the U.S. Navy's Patrol Squadrons 1 and 26 located a boat carrying 28 refugees and directed PASSUMPSIC toward the vessel. The tanker reached the distressed craft and rescued all 28 people. The operation formed part of the considerable number of rescues undertaken by American naval and civilian vessels during the refugee crisis that followed the end of the Vietnam War. The rescue is recorded in the Navy's historical compilation of humanitarian operations.

PASSUMPSIC received further qualifying expeditionary service credit during March 18-31 and August 9-20, 1981. Her duties continued to involve logistical support for deployed surface forces. During the early 1980s, PASSUMPSIC remained assigned to the Military Sealift Command's Pacific support force. She continued supplying the Seventh Fleet and other American naval units operating in East Asian and Indian Ocean waters. Her work involved repeated loading, transportation and transfer of fuel, with maintenance periods conducted at supporting naval facilities.

On June 15, 1982, PASSUMPSIC was photographed alongside USNS HASSAYAMPA at Subic Bay, Philippines. The photograph provides a precisely dated record of her presence at one of the principal American naval support bases in the western Pacific. PASSUMPSIC was photographed underway during 1984, showing her enlarged hull and modified replenishment equipment. During the same period, she continued supporting American ships visiting ports in the western Pacific. Accounts of the submarine USS BREMERTON (SSN 698) visiting Hong Kong in 1984 identify PASSUMPSIC as a supporting vessel providing mooring facilities.

The tanker continued operating throughout the middle of the 1980s. Her duties remained associated with the logistical support of American carrier groups, surface combatants and other vessels deployed in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean. These operations were conducted against the background of continuing Cold War naval competition and regional security commitments in Asia. On January 2, 1987, PASSUMPSIC was photographed moored alongside MISPILLION at the Naval Ship Repair Facility in Subic Bay. The photograph confirms PASSUMPSIC's continuing use of Subic Bay as a major logistical support facility during the final years of the Cold War. The naval station provided repair services, fuel storage, cargo-handling facilities and sheltered berthing for American support ships operating throughout the western Pacific.

PASSUMPSIC remained in active service during 1988 and 1989. Her principal responsibility continued to be underway replenishment and the transportation of petroleum products in support of the United States Navy.

In August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, prompting the United States and a coalition of other nations to assemble forces in Southwest Asia. The naval component of the deployment required extensive logistical support, including the delivery of fuel to aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare vessels and other ships operating in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and surrounding waters. PASSUMPSIC supported American naval forces during Operation Desert Shield and subsequently during Operation Desert Storm, which began on January 17, 1991. Her recognized Southwest Asia service extended from January 24 through March 25, 1991. The ship also received Combat Action Ribbon eligibility for the Desert Storm period from January 17 through February 28 under a special authorization covering specified naval vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region. Her participation during the Gulf War represented one of the final operational assignments of her long career. The tanker continued performing fleet-support duties while American naval forces conducted air, surface and amphibious operations connected with the campaign to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

On April 3, 1991, PASSUMPSIC was photographed conducting a simultaneous underway replenishment in the Persian Gulf. The receiving vessels were USS RANGER (CV 61) and the French Navy frigate FS LATOUCHE-TREVILLE (D 646). The photograph is among the final precisely dated records of her underway replenishment activities. Following the end of major coalition combat operations in February 1991, PASSUMPSIC received another assignment involving humanitarian assistance. On April 29, 1991, a powerful cyclone struck the coast of Bangladesh, producing extensive flooding and causing more than 100,000 deaths. The United States subsequently organized a major relief effort known as Operation Sea Angel.

PASSUMPSIC proceeded to Bangladesh to assist in the international response to the disaster. Her work formed part of the logistical arrangements supporting the movement and distribution of relief supplies to communities affected by the cyclone. The American relief effort involved naval vessels, Marines, helicopters and supporting personnel transporting food, water, medical supplies and other materials to areas where roads, ports and other infrastructure had been damaged. During Operation Sea Angel, PASSUMPSIC supplied fuel to USS JUNEAU (LPD 10), one of the amphibious ships supporting the relief effort. The official operational history of JUNEAU documents replenishments from PASSUMPSIC on May 6, May 13 and May 24, 1991. These operations allowed the amphibious vessel to continue its humanitarian assignment while supporting helicopter flights, landing operations and the distribution of relief supplies along the devastated Bangladeshi coast.

After her Bangladesh assignment, PASSUMPSIC was involved in another humanitarian incident when she assisted a drifting Burmese trading vessel. Contemporary accounts record the rescue but do not establish the exact date or precise location. The operation occurred during the period between the Bangladesh relief mission and the events surrounding the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines. PASSUMPSIC subsequently returned to Subic Bay, where the eruption of Mount Pinatubo created a major emergency for American military installations in the Philippines. On June 15, 1991, the volcano produced one of the largest eruptions of the twentieth century. Heavy volcanic ash fell over much of central Luzon, while rainfall associated with a passing tropical cyclone intensified the damage.

The eruption severely affected Subic Bay Naval Base and nearby Clark Air Base. American military personnel and dependents were evacuated from threatened and damaged facilities, and ships at Subic Bay participated in the emergency response. PASSUMPSIC assisted in the evacuation of Air Force dependents during this period. The ship was directly affected by the volcanic ash. A contemporary report stated that approximately 800 tons of ash accumulated aboard PASSUMPSIC. The mixture of volcanic material and rainwater caused extensive damage to her underway replenishment equipment, rendering essential parts of the fuel-transfer system unusable. The damage was particularly serious because PASSUMPSIC's primary mission depended upon the reliable operation of her replenishment rigs, pumps, winches and associated equipment. The deterioration of these systems meant that the aging tanker could no longer perform her principal logistical function without substantial repairs.

PASSUMPSIC received Joint Meritorious Unit Award credit for June 10-28, 1991, reflecting her participation in operations associated with the emergency in the Philippines. Her final months of service were therefore marked by a combination of humanitarian activities, disaster-response operations and the consequences of the damage sustained at Subic Bay.

By the summer of 1991, the Military Sealift Command had decided to withdraw PASSUMPSIC from service. The decision followed the damage caused by the volcanic ash and the assessment of the ship's remaining operational usefulness. After approximately forty-five years in service, her propulsion machinery, hull components and supporting systems represented several generations of naval engineering and required substantial maintenance. A contemporary report published in September 1991 confirmed that PASSUMPSIC was undergoing deactivation. The ship was subsequently photographed at the United States military pier in Yokohama, Japan, during November 1991, providing a final documented location during the disposal process.

PASSUMPSIC was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in December 1991. Her custody was transferred to the United States Maritime Administration for disposal. On December 19, 1991, PASSUMPSIC was sold to Trusha Investments Pte. Ltd. of Singapore. The vessel was subsequently resold on July 1, 1992, to Apollo Uikas Steels Pvt. Ltd. of India for scrapping. The disposal transaction was valued at approximately $1.36 million.

During her career, PASSUMPSIC received nine battle stars for Korean War service and eleven campaign stars for service during the Vietnam War. Her other awards included the Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, three Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, China Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and several American and foreign campaign and service medals.

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