USS Anacostia (AO-94)

USS Anacostia (AO-94) was a Kennebec-class fleet oiler acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Her purpose was to carry fuel and oil to ships in the fleet, and she participated in operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

Anacostia was laid down on 13 March 1943 at Sparrows Point, Maryland, by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation; launched on 19 August 1943; sponsored by Mrs. R. Earl Anderson; and commissioned on 15 January 1944, Commander E.A. McShane in command.

After shakedown, Anacostia operated out of Norfolk, Virginia, supplying fuel oil and diesel oil to ships along the eastern seaboard. In April 1944, she sailed to Aruba, Dutch West Indies, to load fuel oil and then transited the Panama Canal to join the Pacific Fleet.

In the Pacific, Anacostia served as a vital mobile fueling station, supporting operations throughout the theater. She participated in the Mariana Islands campaign, the Leyte Gulf operation, and the Okinawa campaign. Her duties involved replenishing warships at sea, allowing them to maintain their operational tempo without returning to port.

Following the end of World War II, Anacostia continued to serve with the Pacific Fleet. She supported occupation duties in Japan and participated in post-war training exercises.

Anacostia was decommissioned on 11 October 1946 and placed in reserve. She was reactivated on 17 May 1948 and assigned to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) as USNS Anacostia (T-AO-94). In MSTS service, she continued to transport fuel to naval bases and ships around the world.

She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 15 December 1975 and sold for scrap.

Anacostia received five battle stars for her World War II service.