USNS Spica (T-AFS-9)

The USNS "Spica" (T-AFS-9) was a combat "stores" ship acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1981. The "Spica" served the Navy fleet until she was deactivated in 2008.

Built in England

The "Spica", originally known as RFA "Tarbatness" (A-345) was built at Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend-On-Tyne, England, for the Royal Navy. She was laid down on 1 April 1965 and was launched on 1 February 1967.

Purchased by the U.S. Navy

The "Spica" was purchased by the U.S. Navy, and was then placed into service as a combat supply ship on 1 November 1981 as the USNS "Spica" (T-AFS-9), a unit of the Military Sealift Command (MSC), MSC Naval Auxiliary Force.

Mission

The "Spica’s" mission was to provide underway replenishment in support of naval forces by providing refrigerated supplies, dry supplies, spare parts, general ssupplies, fleet freight, mail, and replacement personnel by alongside or by vertical replenishment processes.

Operational history

There is no current operational history on "Spica".

Honors and awards

Qualified USS "Spica " personnel are authorized the following medals:
* Joint Meritorious Unit Award
* Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
* Navy Battle Efficiency E Ribbon
* National Defense Service Medal
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
* Southwest Asia Service Medal
* Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

Note

There is no journal entry on "Spica" (T-AFS-9) at DANFS.

References

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/52/5209.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - USNS Spica (T-AFS-9) – ex - RFA Tarbatness (A-345) (1967 - 1981)]