COMSERVGRU-3

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About COMSERVGRU-3

**Combat Service Group Three (COMSERVGRU-3)** was a United States Navy logistics and support command, established to provide essential supply, repair, and administrative support to fleet units operating in the Pacific Ocean. Formed during the post-World War II era, COMSERVGRU-3 played a significant role during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring that combat ships received fuel, ammunition, and provisions while at sea. The unit was headquartered at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and managed a variety of auxiliary vessels, including oilers, tenders, and supply ships. Over the decades, COMSERVGRU-3 contributed to the Navy’s sustained operational readiness before being reorganized as part of modern fleet support structures.

Unit Members

Algin Bradford

U.S. Navy (1961 - 1986)

COMSERVGRU-3View Profile

Rich Buko

U.S. Navy

COMSERVGRU-3View Profile

Photos

A School

U.S. Navy • 1979

Buddies

U.S. Navy

All P-3 retired

VP Squadrons • U.S. Navy • 2024

My book

USS Lawrence DDG-4 • U.S. Navy • 1972

About COMSERVGRU-3

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: COMSERVGRU-3 stands for Commander, Service Group Three, a key logistics unit of the United States Navy established during World War II to support fleet operations in the Pacific Theater. • World War II Role: COMSERVGRU-3 was responsible for supplying, repairing, and maintaining combat ships at advanced bases, often under threat from Japanese forces. • Mobile Support: The unit was renowned for its use of mobile service squadrons, which could set up forward bases rapidly, sometimes on newly captured or remote islands. • Battle of Leyte Gulf: During October 1944, COMSERVGRU-3 played a pivotal role in supporting the massive Allied fleet involved in the largest naval battle of World War II. • Innovative Repairs: The unit’s repair ships and floating drydocks enabled war-damaged vessels to return to action quickly, sometimes within days of sustaining damage. • Fleet Oilers: COMSERVGRU-3 managed the crucial underway replenishment operations, keeping the fast carrier task forces fueled and supplied at sea without returning to port. • Postwar Transition: After WWII, Service Group Three continued to provide logistics support during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, adapting to new challenges and technology. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat support, COMSERVGRU-3 units assisted in disaster relief and humanitarian missions, showcasing the versatility of naval logistics. • Decorated Leadership: Several commanders of COMSERVGRU-3 received distinguished service medals for their innovative and effective management of complex support operations. • Legacy: The methods and organizational concepts pioneered by COMSERVGRU-3 continue to influence modern naval logistics, demonstrating the enduring importance of robust support units.