The USS Truckee (AO-147) was a Neosho-class fleet oiler from 1955 to 1994. The ship was laid down in 1953 by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, launched in 1955, and commissioned in 1955. She was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and served with Service Squadron 4 from 1956 to 1980, fulfilling duties like acting as flagship, carrying fresh water, and supplying fuel and repairs. The vessel took part in NATO exercises inside the Arctic Circle and was on a series of Mediterranean deployments serving as flagship for Commander, Service Force, 6th Fleet. The oiler was damaged by a collision with the anti-submarine aircraft carrier USS Wasp in 1968 and underwent repairs at Norfolk. In 1977 she had an overhaul of the entire Mk 56 gun fire control system. After ending operations as a fleet oiler in 1979 and decommissioning, the ship was turned over to MSC as USNS Truckee (T-AO-147) a year later. The fleet oiler was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1997. Asbestos was used primarily as a thermal and fire insulator on Navy ships built before 1980. It was also used as a noise and vibration dampener in the ship's engine rooms, exposing everyone onboard to inhaling or ingesting the hazardous fibers. Navy veterans affected by asbestos exposure may be eligible for disability benefits through the VA.
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