On March 24, 1989 the "Exxon Valdez" ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska creating one of the largest oil spills in American history. On April 13, 1989 "Essayons" was ordered to Astoria, Oregon to prepare to assist in the spill response. There she took on fuel and supplies, oil boom, a small oil-skimming vessel and crew to run it, pumps, hoses, oil absobing pads, oil boom, chemicals, anf fire-control equipment. She left Astoria on April 17, 1989 and arrived in Prince William Sound on April 21, 1989.