USS Kawishiwi (AO-146)

USS Kawishiwi (AO-146) was an oiler ship in the United States Navy, providing vital refueling support to various fleets. She was launched on 11 December 1954 by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey, and commissioned on 6 July 1955.

Following shakedown training and initial operations, Kawishiwi was sent to the Far East to refuel the ships of the 7th Fleet in April 1956. This deployment pattern continued, with Kawishiwi being involved in significant moments during the Cold War. The oiler was present during tense situations involving Taiwan and the Chinese Nationalist-held islands of Quemoy-Matsu in 1958 and 1959, as well as Communist pressure in Laos.

Her ability to refuel ships at a rapid rate added to the flexibility and readiness of the U.S. Navy, particularly the 7th Fleet, in various strategic areas. Kawishiwi was involved in SEATO exercises and other peacekeeping missions, reflecting the growing U.S. military commitment in Southeast Asia.

During the 1960s, Kawishiwi's deployments increasingly focused on Vietnam, where she provided refueling services to the Navy's ships involved in fighting Communist aggression. This support continued through mid-1967, with the oiler operating out of Subic Bay in the Philippines.

Kawishiwi played a crucial role in maintaining the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy's ships, allowing them to stay at sea longer and respond quickly to emerging situations. Her deployments across the Pacific showcased the essential nature of logistical support in modern naval warfare, enabling more extended missions and a more robust naval presence in key strategic areas during a period of global tension.