About this Unit
USS Arcturus (AF-52) was an Alstede-class stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1950. Originally built as SS Golden Eagle in 1942, she served in the Pacific during World War II before being acquired by the Navy and renamed. Throughout the Korean War and into the Cold War era, Arcturus played a crucial role in replenishing fleet units at sea, delivering food, refrigerated stores, and other supplies to U.S. and allied ships. She was decommissioned in 1972 after more than two decades of support operations, contributing significantly to the Navy’s sustained readiness during major conflicts and peacetime deployments.
Historical Facts
• Origins: USS Arcturus (AF-52) was originally laid down as Meteor, a cargo ship, in 1941 for the United States Maritime Commission before her acquisition by the Navy.
• Converted for Military Service: The vessel was converted into a stores ship, designed to supply fleet units at sea with fresh and frozen provisions, a vital logistical role.
• Named After a Star: The ship was named after Arcturus, the brightest star in the constellation Boötes, continuing a tradition of naming naval supply ships after celestial bodies.
• Korean War Service: USS Arcturus saw significant service during the Korean War, providing essential supplies to U.S. and allied naval forces operating off the Korean peninsula.
• Operation "Passage to Freedom": In 1954, Arcturus participated in Operation "Passage to Freedom," supporting the evacuation of Vietnamese civilians, soldiers, and non-Vietnamese members of the French Army from North to South Vietnam.
• Peacetime Operations: Between conflicts, Arcturus played a steady role in resupplying bases and ships across the Atlantic and Mediterranean, keeping the fleet operational during the Cold War.
• Multiple Homeports: Over her years of service, she was homeported at various locations, including Norfolk, Virginia, and later Mayport, Florida, reflecting the changing needs of the Atlantic Fleet.
• Modernization: The ship underwent periodic updates and overhauls, including improvements to her refrigeration and cargo handling equipment to keep pace with changing Navy requirements.
• Decorations: USS Arcturus earned multiple campaign and service medals, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal, recognizing her valuable contributions.
• Decommissioning and Fate: Arcturus was decommissioned in 1973 after more than two decades of service, and was subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register and scrapped, but her legacy as a logistical lifeline endures in naval history.
