USNS Provo

USNS Provo (T-AG-173) was a Phoenix-class miscellaneous auxiliary acquired by the United States Navy in 1962, crewed by a civilian crew from the Military Sea Transportation Service, and sent to the Philippines to serve as a delivery ship of parts and supplies to other Navy ships and stations in the Asian area. Provo remained in the Philippines, issuing parts and other supplies, until the early 1970s, being struck by the Navy in 1973. She was built as a Victory ship for World War II as the SS Drew Victory under the Emergency Shipbuilding program for the War Shipping Administration.

History
United States
Name1945 Drew Victory
1962 USS Provo
NamesakeProvo, a city in north central Utah, population 115,919, settled by Mormons in 1849.
BuilderOregon Shipbuilding Corporation, Portland, Oregon
Laid down28 April 1945, as Drew Victory, MCV-691
Launched17 June 1945
Sponsored byMiss Anna P. Burkhalter
Completedas Drew Victory, 14 July 1945
Acquiredby the Navy on 2 March 1963
In service20 November 1962 as USNS Provo (T-AG-173)
Out of servicec. 1970
RenamedProvo, 20 November 1962
Stricken15 June 1973
HomeportSubic Bay, Philippines
FateSold, 31 August 1973 and scrapped
General characteristics
TypePhoenix-class miscellaneous auxiliary
Displacement
  • 6,700 ton light
  • 15,900 tons full load
Length455' 3"
Beam62'
Draft28' 1" (max.)
Propulsionsteam turbine, single shaft, 8,500hp
Speed17 knots
Complement50 officers and enlisted

Victory ship built in Oregon

Provo, a special projects ship, was laid down 28 April 1945; launched 17 June 1945 by Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation, Portland, Oregon; sponsored by Miss Anna P. Burkhalter; and delivered as SS Drew Victory 14 July 1945 and operated by the Weyerhaeuser Steamship Company. While in merchant marine service, she was subsequently renamed California and Utah.

Assigned to the U.S. Navy

On 2 March 1963, she was acquired by the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) from the U.S. Maritime Administration, and renamed Provo, 20 November 1962, with the designation of Special Project Ship (AG–173).

In July 1963, she and two other MSTS ships, Cheyenne and Phoenix, were stationed at Subic Bay, Philippines, as Forward Floating Depots. This mission concept involved the use of depot ships for floating storage and issuance of vital military materials in meeting contingencies. The operational application of the concept was tested in 1964 in operation “Quick Release.”

The ship acted as a point to point cargo carrier, delivering military supplies to Okinawa and Viet Nam from stocking points in Japan and Subic Bay.

Inactivation

Provo was transferred to the U.S. Maritime Commission, and was sold 31 August 1973 for scrapping.

References
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