About this Unit
COMSERVGRU 3, or Commander Service Group Three, was a United States Navy logistics command responsible for providing vital support services to the fleet in the Pacific. Established during World War II, COMSERVGRU 3 managed repair ships, tenders, and supply vessels, ensuring that combat ships could remain operational far from home ports. The unit played a crucial role during major conflicts such as World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, orchestrating underway replenishments and maintenance at sea. Through its dedicated service, COMSERVGRU 3 contributed significantly to the sustained naval presence and effectiveness of the U.S. Pacific Fleet throughout the mid-20th century.
Historical Facts
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Name and Role: COMSERVGRU 3 stands for Commander, Service Group Three. It was a key U.S. Navy logistics command responsible for supporting Pacific Fleet operations, particularly during and after World War II.
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World War II Formation: Service Group Three was established in 1944, as the U.S. Navy recognized the need for robust underway replenishment and logistics to sustain fast carrier task forces advancing across the Pacific.
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Mobile Logistics: COMSERVGRU 3 pioneered the concept of "mobile service squadrons," which could provide fuel, ammunition, repairs, and supplies at advanced anchorages, keeping the fleet operational far from established bases.
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Support at Ulithi: Ulithi Atoll became a giant floating base under COMSERVGRU 3's management, hosting hundreds of ships and serving as the Pacific Fleet’s primary staging area in the final year of WWII.
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Kamikaze Attacks: Ships under COMSERVGRU 3’s purview were sometimes targeted by Japanese kamikaze attacks, underscoring the logistical fleet’s vulnerability and importance.
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Operation Crossroads: After WWII, COMSERVGRU 3 provided logistical support for the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, known as Operation Crossroads in 1946.
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Korean War Service: The group was reactivated for the Korean War, ensuring that U.S. and allied naval forces had the necessary supplies to conduct sustained operations off the Korean Peninsula.
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Vietnam War Contributions: COMSERVGRU 3 played a significant role in the Vietnam War, supporting carrier operations in the Gulf of Tonkin and providing mobile logistics to ships on "Yankee Station."
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Innovations: The unit helped develop and refine the "replenishment at sea" (UNREP) techniques, which became a standard for modern navies worldwide.
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Legacy: Though the specific designation and structure have changed over time, the legacy of COMSERVGRU 3 lives on in today’s U.S. Navy Combat Logistics Force, which continues to sustain fleet operations globally.
