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Extra Page Mission Santa Ynez
Footnote :
The only remaining T2 in its original condition is "Mission Santa Ynez", lying in the Suisan Bay Reserve site in the USA.
Various plans for its preservation have come and gone, but she is still there. She is not quite a standard T2, as had
more powerful engines, and was used by MSTS and later Military Sealift Command in the USA.
The USNS Mission Santa Ynez is one of twenty-seven Mission Buenaventura Class fleet oilers built during World War II
for service in the United States Navy, named for the Franciscan mission located in Solvang, California.
Mission Santa Ynez was laid down 9 September 1943 under a Maritime Commission contract by Marinship Corporation,
Sausalito, California; launched 19 December 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Ralph K. Davies; and delivered 13 March 1944.
Chartered to Pacific Tankers, Inc., for operations, she spent the remainder of the War carrying fuel to our forces overseas.
She remained in this capacity until 28 March 1946 when she was returned to the Maritime Commission and laid up in
the Maritime reserve Fleet at James River, Virginia.
Acquired by the Navy 22 October 1947 she was placed in service with the Naval Transportation Service as Mission Santa
Ynez (AO-134). Taken over by the newly created Military Sea Transportation Service 1 October 1949 she was redesignated
USNS Mission Santa Ynez (T-AO-134). Chartered to Mathiasens Tanker Industries, Inc., for operations, she still serves
MSTS, the only ship of her class to serve MSTS continuously, since its establishment.
During her active duty, she was awarded the National Defense Service Medal (twice), the Korean Service Medal, the
United Nations Service Medal and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactively).
"Mission Santa Ynez", lying in the Suisan Bay Reserve site.
"Mission Santa Ynez", lying in the Suisan Bay Reserve site.