The USNS Spica (T-AFS-9) was a combat stores ship operated by the United States Navy's Military Sealift Command from 1981 until her deactivation in 2008. Originally built for the United Kingdom's Royal Fleet Auxiliary, she was known as RFA Tarbatness (A345). Her construction was carried out by Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd. in Wallsend-On-Tyne, England, with her keel laid on April 1, 1965, and her launch occurring on February 1, 1967. In 1981, the vessel was acquired by the U.S. Navy and placed into non-commissioned service as USNS Spica. As a combat stores ship, her primary role was to provide underway replenishment to naval forces, supporting fleet operations by delivering refrigerated and dry supplies, spare parts, general provisions, fleet freight, mail, and personnel replacements. She could perform both alongside and vertical replenishment operations, ensuring that deployed naval units remained supplied during extended missions. Throughout her service, USNS Spica participated in notable operations, including Operation Fiery Vigil in 1991, where she aided in evacuating personnel from Clark Air Base following the Mount Pinatubo eruption. Her operational history and contributions to naval logistics earned her several awards, reflecting her importance to fleet support. Spica was deactivated on January 26, 2008, and transferred to the Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia for disposal. Her end came on May 6, 2009, when she was sunk as a target, marking the conclusion of her nearly three-decade service life. Her career exemplifies the critical logistical role played by auxiliary ships in maintaining naval readiness and operational capability.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.