USS Cowanesque (AO-79) was a Type T2-SE-A1 Suamico-class fleet oiler of the United States Navy during World War II.

From 15 June 1943 to 1 March 1944, Cowanesque carried gasoline from the Texas oil ports to east coast bases.

She continued to the forward area calling at Eniwetok, Ulithi, and Hollandia, and arrived in San Pedro Bay, Philippines, on 1 January 1945 to fuel units of the 7th Fleet.

Cowanesque fired at several planes and shot down at least two before a single-engine fighter crashed into her port side and disintegrated violently (believed to be a kamikaze attack), spreading burning gasoline over the deck.

Cowanesque fueled ships at Mindoro, Lingayen Gulf, and San Pedro Bay until 25 February when she sailed for Ulithi.