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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive
Contributed by Mike Smolinski

USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196)


International Radio Call Sign:
November - Papa - Tango - Delta
 NPTD
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons


Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Navy Unit Commendation - Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2)
Bottom Row - National Defense Service Medal - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2) - Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Henry J. Kaiser Class Fleet Oiler:
  • Laid down, 13 July 1989, at Avondale Industries, Westwego, LA.
  • Launched, 22 September, 1990
  • Delivered to the Navy and placed in service with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) as USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196), 6 December 1991
  • USNS Kanawha is a unit of the MSC Naval Auxiliary Force, MSC Europe
    Specifications:
    Displacement 9,500 t.(lt) 42,382 t.(fl)
    Length 677'
    Beam 97' 5"
    Draft 35' (max.)
    Cargo Capacity 178,000-bbls
    Speed 20 kts.
    Armament none
    Complement Civilians, 18 Officers, 64 Merchant Seamen, Navy, 1 Officer, 20 Enlisted
    Aircraft helicopter platform only
    Propulsion two medium speed Colt-Pielstick PC4-2/2 10V-570 diesel engines, twin shafts, 16,000 hp per shaft
    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image    		Size Image Description Contributed
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    Kanawha
    091900160    		 315k
    Namesake
    Kanawha - The Kanawha River is a tributary of the Ohio River, approximately 97 mi long, in West Virginia. The largest inland waterway in West Virginia, its valley has been a significant industrial region of the state since early in the 19th century.(Wikipedia)
    The confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers. The Kanawha River flows in from the left of the picture and joins the Ohio, meandering off in the distance. The town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia is in the foreground on the right. Henderson, West Virginia is on the left. The Ohio River forms the boundary between West Virginia and Ohio. The town of Gallipolis, Ohio lies in the far distance across the Ohio River. The view is to the west-southwest down the river.(Wikipedia) US Army Corp of Engineers photo    		 Tommy Trampp
    Kanawha 172k Principles at the launching and christening of USNS Kanawha (T-196), 22 September 1990, at Avondale Industries, Westwego, LA. Tommy Trampp
    Kanawha 141k Overhead view of USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) under way, date and location unknown. Tommy Trampp
    Kanawha 72k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) moored pierside at Naval Station Norfolk, spring 1992. John Chiquoine
    Kanawha 258k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) underway, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo    		 MSC web site
    CVN-69 Eisenhower 59k

    USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) refuels USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and the guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG-71) during Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), 2 October 1999.
    US Navy Photo (# 991002-N-7750C-011) by PH3 David E. Carter II

    		 US Navy Newsstand web site
    Kanawha 49k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) during a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and USS The Sullivans (DDG-68), 3 March 2002, eastern Mediterranean Sea. Photo taken from USS Hue City (CG-66). Photo by Lt. Steve Dundas, CHC USNR USS Hue City
    Kanawha 50k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) during a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), 3 March 2002, eastern Mediterranean Sea. Photo taken from USS Hue City (CG-66). Photo by Lt. Steve Dundas, CHC USNR USS Hue City
    CVN-73 George Washington 112k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) conducts a replenishment at sea with USS George Washington (CVN-73), in the Atlantic Ocean, 11 September 2003. The carrier was conducting carrier qualifications.
    US Navy photo # 030911-N-6278K-002 by PHAN Joan Kretschmer    		 US Navy Newsstand
    Kanawha 58k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) entering Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta in September 2004 Robert Hurst
    Kanawha 69k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196), assisted by tugs, as she enters Valletta Port, Malta for repairs at Malta Shipyards Anthony Vella, Senglea, Malta
    Kanawha 75k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) berthed at Malta Shipyards, ex Malta Drydocks, for repairs, 22 September 2004. Astern of Kanawha is her sister ship USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201). Anthony Vella, Senglea, Malta
    Kanawha 62k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) departing Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta, circa September-October 2004 Robert Hurst
    Kanawha 86k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) pulls alongside USS Nimitz (CVN 68) prior to conducting an underway replenishment (UNREP).
    US Navy photo # 070510-N-0890S-036 INDIAN OCEAN (May 10, 2007) by MCSA David L. Smar.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 1243k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) positions herself for a replenishment operation with the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during an underway replenishment exercise. USS George H.W. Bush is currently underway off the coast of Virginia.
    US Navy photo # 090604-N-4938S-015 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 4, 2009) by MCSA J. Scott St.Clair.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 1006k CDR. Christopher Stopyra, commanding officer of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) points to show the distance of the phone and distance lines during a replenishment at sea with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). Fort McHenry is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 091008-N-5345W-205 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 8, 2009) by MC2 Kristopher Wilson.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 1063k USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) conducts a replenishment at sea with the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD-15) and the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 091008-N-9740S-014 U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 8, 2009) by MCC Tony Sisti.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 2008k Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG-65) stand by as USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) approaches for a replenishment at sea. Chosin is the flagship of Combined Joint Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
    US Navy photo # 100105-N-2600H-014 GULF OF ADEN (Jan. 5, 2009) by MC2 Matthew A. Hepburn.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 1128k Religious Programs Specialist Seaman Michael A. Papineau observes the refueling lines from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland as she conducts a replenishment at sea with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). Ashland is deployed as part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group with Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (NAS ARG/24th MEU) supporting maritime security operations and theater security operations efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 100223-N-1082Z-071 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Feb. 23, 2010) by MC2 Jason R. Zalasky.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 1250k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) pulls away after conducting a replenishment at sea with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland. Ashland is deployed as part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group with Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (NAS ARG/24th MEU) supporting maritime security operations and theater security operations efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.US Navy photo # 100223-N-1082Z-102 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Feb. 23, 2010) by MC2 Jason R. Zalasky. Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 1152k Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) heave to on a line connected to USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) during a replenishment at sea. Arleigh Burke is continuing independent deployer certifications after completing Exercise Joint Warrior 2011-2.
    US Navy photo # 111019-N-FI736-198 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 19, 2011) by MC3 Scott Pittman.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 1021k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) shortly after refueling USS The Sullivans (DDG-68), 9 February 2012, near Souda Bay, Crete. Photo taken from The Sullivans. Charles L. Tompkins
    Kanawha 148k The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG-72) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). Mahan, homeported in Norfolk, VA., is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the US 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 130427-N-KA046-232 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 27, 2013) by MC2 James Turner.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 162k The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG-103) conducts an underway replenishment with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). Truxtun is conducting its final pre-deployment evaluation with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group to achieve mission readiness and the ability to work alongside international allies in the execution of the Navy's maritime strategy.
    US Navy photo # 131216-N-EI510-458 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 16, 2013) by MC3 Scott Barnes.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 177k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) refueling a Dock Landing Ship as the guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) comes alongside for a drink. Donald Cook is underway in preparation for a homeport shift to Rota, Spain.
    US Navy photo # 140116-N-QM905-023 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 16, 2014) by MCSA Shelby Tucker.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha
    140130-N-KU391-178    		 215k A SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dragonslayers of Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS-11) picks up a pallet of supplies from USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) and will deliver it to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) during a vertical replenishment. Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting training in preparation for future deployments.
    US Navy photo #'s
    140130-N-KU391-178 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 30, 2014)     by MC3 Joshua D. Petrosino
    140130-N-IE511-196 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 30, 2014) by MC3 Brian Flood.    		 Robert M. Cieri and
    Lee Wahler
    Kanawha
    140130-N-IE511-196    		 136k
    Bataan 187k The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) approaches USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) for a replenishment-at-sea (RAS). The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility..
    US Navy photo # 140211-N-HQ940-059 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 11, 2013) by MCSN Nicholas Frank Cottone.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Kanawha 102k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) underway during rough seas, as the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) prepares to pull along side to conduct a replenishment-at-sea. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility
    US Navy photo # 140211-N-JX484-129 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 11, 2014) by MCSN Nicholas Frank Cottone.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Kanawha 161k The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) alongside USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) to conduct a replenishment-at-sea. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility
    US Navy photo # 140211-N-XJ695-176 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 11, 2014) by MCSN Jesse A. Hyatt.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Kanawha 154k The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) receives fuel during a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 140211-N-XJ695-176 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 11, 2014) by MCSN Jesse A. Hyatt.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Kanawha 263k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) conducts an underway replenishment with the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78).
    US Navy photo # 140908-N-SM479-007 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 8, 2014) by MCC Lori Steenstra.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 272k Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG-67) maneuver the ship into position to fire lines across during a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). Cole and Kanawha are conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
    US Navy photo # 141221-N-IY142-024 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 21, 2014) by MC2 John Herman.    		 Ron Reeves
    Kanawha 255k The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43), front, and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD-21), conduct an underway replenishment with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). Fort McHenry, deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
    US Navy photo # 150109-N-DQ840-205 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Jan. 9, 2015) by MC3 Austin.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 224k The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG-68) rendezvous with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) for a replenishment-at-sea. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is underway participating in a composite training unit exercise in preparation for a future deployment.
    US Navy photo # 150909-N-MW280-364 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 9, 2015) by MC2 C. A. Hawley.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 306k The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG-61) participates in a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). Ramage is underway participating in a composite training unit exercise with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.
    US Navy photo # 150910-N-NK123-133 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 10, 2015) by MC3 Jacob Richardson.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 235k The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) pulls alongside USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) for a replenishment-at-sea. Gravely is underway participating in a composite training unit exercise with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.
    US Navy photo # 150922-N-MW280-048 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 22, 2015) by MC2 C. A. Hawley.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 281k The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) conduct an underway replenishment with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). Dwight D. Eisenhower is under way conducting carrier qualifications.
    US Navy photo # 151008-N-KK394-174 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 8, 2015) by MCSN Anderson W. Branch.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 281k An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 retrieves cargo from USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) during a replenishment at sea with the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). Dwight D. Eisenhower, with embarked Carrier Air Wing 3, is underway conducting the Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) as part of the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan.
    US Navy photo # 151129-N-FI568-108 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 29, 2015) by MC3 Taylor L. Jackson.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 233k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) prepares to receive the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). alongside prior to a replenishment at sea. Dwight D. Eisenhower, with embarked Carrier Air Wing 3, is underway conducting the Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) as part of the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan.
    US Navy photo # 151129-N-QD363-184 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 29, 2015) by MC3 Jameson E. Lynch.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 335k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with USS Carney (DDG-64). Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol in the U. S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
    US Navy photo # 160202-N-FP878-872 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Feb. 2, 2016) by MC1 Theron J. Godbold.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 291k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) arrives in Souda Bay for a scheduled port visit. Kanawha, a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler is forward-deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of national security interests in Europe and Africa.
    US Navy photo # 160209-N-IL474-178 SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 9, 2016) by Heather Judkins.    		 Robert Hurst
    Kanawha 208k USS Ross (DDG-71) prepares to conduct a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196). Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
    US Navy photo # 160220-N-XT273-085 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Feb. 20, 2016) by MC2 Justin Stumberg.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 961k The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) transit alongside USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) (center), during a replenishment-at-sea (RAS). Kearsarge, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group/26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
    US Navy photo # 160407-N-TT202-044 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 7, 2016) by MCSN Daniel E. Gheesling.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 269k The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) pull alongside USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) (center), during a replenishment-at-sea (RAS). Kearsarge, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group/26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
    US Navy photo # 160407-N-AX638-050 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 7, 2016) by MC2 Tyler Preston.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 329k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) transits alongside USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) in the Mediterranean Sea, during a replenishment-at-sea. Mount Whitney, the U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. National security interests in Europe.
    US Navy photo # 160410-N-VY489-077 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 10, 2016) by MC1 Mike Wright.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 182k USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) arrives at Souda Bay, Greece. Kanawha is conducting naval operations in the US 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
    US Navy photo # 161103-N-FP878-052 SOUDA BAY, GREECE (Nov. 3, 2016) by MC1 Theron J. Godbold.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 280k Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Chad Beall signals USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) during a replenishment-at-sea aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG-72). Mahan is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security operation efforts.
    US Navy photo # 161229-N-CS953-051 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 28, 2016) by MC1 Tim Comerford.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 249k The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG-72) comes alongside USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) during a replenishment-at-sea. Mahan is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security and theater security operation efforts.
    US Navy photo # 170111-N-CS953-082 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 11, 2017) by MC1 Tim Comerford.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha 191k An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 delivers retrograde from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) to the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) during a vertical replenishment. Bataan and her amphibious ready group are deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.
    US Navy photo # 170806-N-ME988-0082 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Aug. 6, 2017) by MC1 Darren M. Moore.    		 Lee Wahler
    Kanawha
    091919647    		 267k The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98), left, and USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) conduct a replenishment-at-sea, as the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) makes her approach toward Kanawha 16 April 2020.
    US Navy photo # 200415-N-PC620-0018 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 15, 2020) by MC2 Michael H. Lehman.    		 Yu Chu
    USS Kanawha (T-AO-196)
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)
    Crew Contact And Reunion Information
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    U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation - Navy Log
    Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
    Navy Fact File - Underway Replenishment Oilers - T-AO
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    Last Updated 18 December 2020