USS Housatonic (AO-35)

USS Housatonic (AO-35) was a Kennebec-class oiler built for the United States Navy during World War II. She was named for the Housatonic River, a river in western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Laid down on December 16, 1941, by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation at Sparrows Point, Maryland, Housatonic was launched on June 6, 1942, sponsored by Mrs. Frederick W. Wood, and commissioned on December 23, 1942, Commander G. L. Menocal in command.

Following shakedown and training, Housatonic began her service career supplying fuel and other petroleum products to naval vessels throughout the Pacific Theater. She operated primarily in support of the Fast Carrier Task Force (Task Force 38/58), refueling destroyers, cruisers, battleships, and aircraft carriers at sea, allowing them to maintain continuous operations. She participated in numerous major operations, including the Gilbert Islands campaign, the Marshall Islands campaign, the Marianas and Palau Islands campaign, the Philippines campaign, and the Battle of Okinawa.

Housatonic earned nine battle stars for her World War II service.

Following the end of the war, Housatonic continued to serve with the Navy, participating in various peacetime operations. She was decommissioned on June 27, 1950, and placed in reserve. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on October 1, 1959, and sold for scrap on August 17, 1960.