USNS Mission Los Angeles (T-AO-117)

The USNS "Mission Los Angeles" (AO-117) was one of twenty-seven "Mission Buenaventura" Class fleet oilers built during World War II for service in the United States Navy. Named for the Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles Asistencia (a "sub-mission" to Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, one of the twenty-one California missions), she was the only U.S. Naval Vessel to bear the name.

Originally laid down as SS "Mission Los Angeles" on 25 April 1945 as a Maritime Commission type (T-2-SE-A2) tanker hull under a Maritime Commission contract by Marinship Corporation, Sausalito, California; launched 10 August 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Daniel J. Johnston; and delivered 29 October 1945. Operated by Los Angeles Tanker Operators, Inc. under charter, her period of service was short, for on 16 July 1946 she was returned to the Maritime Commission and laid up in the Maritime Reserve Fleet at Beaumont, Texas. Acquired by the Navy on 24 October 1947 she was placed in service with the Naval Transportation Service as "Mission Los Angeles" (AO-117). Absorbed into the new Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) on 1 October 1949 she was designated USNS "Mission Los Angeles" (T-AO-117) and continued her services in support of the fleet until 12 November 1957 when she was returned to the Maritime Administration and laid up in the Maritime Reserve Fleet at Beaumont. Struck from the Naval Vessel Register on the same date, she was still berthed at Beaumont into 1969 waiting for the call to duty.

During her active military service she was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal (twice), the United Nations Service Medal and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactively). She also received 2 Battle Stars for her Korean War service.

The ship's final disposition in unknown.

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ee also

* Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles Asistencia