Kawishiwi (AO-146) was launched 11 December 1954 by New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, N.J.; sponsored by Mrs. Edmund T. Wooldridge; and commissioned 6 July 1955, Captain Joseph B. Swain in command. Kawishiwi cleared Philadelphia 18 November 1955, and arrived at home port Long Beach 8 December for shakedown training. Upon completion of the training, she departed Long Beach 25 April 1956 to replenish ships of the 7th Fleet. She remained in the Far East on refueling operations until returning to Long Beach 10 October.