the berlin crisis of 1961 necessitated the reactivation of ships and "kaskaskia" was reinstated 8 september. following overhaul and alterations she recommissioned at hoboken, new jersey, 6 december, captain john d. howell in command. after shakedown operations in the caribbean, the oiler arrived mayport, florida, 1 may 1962. throughout the summer she engaged in exercises off the florida coast, and sailed to the azores to participate in project mercury, manned orbital flights. she was in company with during the latter's recovery of astronaut walter schirra 3 october, demonstrating the large role of the navy in space operations.