About this Unit
USS Camden (AOE-2) was a Sacramento-class fast combat support ship commissioned into the United States Navy on April 1, 1967. Designed to provide rapid replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to carrier battle groups at sea, Camden served extensively in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The ship played a critical logistical role during the Vietnam War and later supported operations during the Gulf War and various other deployments. After nearly 37 years of distinguished service, USS Camden was decommissioned on October 14, 2005.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Camden (AOE-2) was named after the city of Camden, New Jersey, honoring its shipbuilding heritage and contributions to the U.S. Navy.
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First in Her Class: Camden was the second ship in the Sacramento-class of fast combat support ships, designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to carrier task forces.
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Commissioning: USS Camden was commissioned on April 1, 1967 at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey.
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Pacific Fleet Service: After commissioning, Camden sailed to her homeport in Long Beach, California, and primarily served with the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
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Vietnam War Operations: Camden provided vital logistics support during the Vietnam War, supplying fuel, ammunition, and food to the fleet operating in the Gulf of Tonkin.
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Flagship Role: At times, USS Camden served as flagship for Commander, Task Force 73, supporting U.S. Seventh Fleet operations in the Western Pacific.
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Persian Gulf Deployments: Camden took part in multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf, supporting U.S. naval operations during the Iran Hostage Crisis and later during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
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Record-Setting Replenishments: The ship set several records for the number of underway replenishments conducted in a single deployment, at times supplying more than 60 ships in a few months.
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9/11 Response: USS Camden was underway in the Pacific during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and quickly joined the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) battle group to support initial operations in the Global War on Terror.
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Decommissioning: After nearly 37 years of service, USS Camden was decommissioned on October 14, 2005, at Naval Station Bremerton, Washington, marking the end of an era for the fast combat support ships of her class.
