USNS Mount Baker (T-AE-34)

• Namesake: USNS Mount Baker (T-AE-34) was named after Mount Baker, a prominent volcanic peak in Washington State, continuing the tradition of naming ammunition ships after volcanoes. • Class and Type: She was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship, designed to carry and deliver all types of naval ordnance, including missiles, rockets, torpedoes, and conventional ammunition. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on 22 July 1972 and served actively for more than three decades. • Initial Service: Originally commissioned as USS Mount Baker (AE-34), she was later transferred to the Military Sealift Command in 1996, redesignated as USNS Mount Baker (T-AE-34), and operated by civilian mariners. • Vietnam and Beyond: Although built near the end of the Vietnam War, she supported U.S. naval operations through the Cold War, Gulf War, and numerous other exercises and deployments. • Replenishment-at-Sea Excellence: Mount Baker specialized in underway replenishments, known as "UNREP," which allowed her to deliver ammunition to combat ships while both were moving at sea—a vital logistical capability. • Global Reach: The ship operated in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Persian Gulf, supporting U.S. and allied naval forces worldwide. • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to military duties, Mount Baker at times provided disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, demonstrating the versatility of U.S. naval logistics ships. • Decommissioning: After 35 years of service, USNS Mount Baker was deactivated and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 29 October 2010. • Legacy: Throughout her career, Mount Baker won numerous awards for operational excellence, safety, and efficiency, and her crews were known for their professionalism and dedication.