About this Unit
**USS Castor (AKS-1)** was a Castor-class general stores issue ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1940. She provided vital logistics support throughout World War II, supplying fleet units during major Pacific campaigns, including Guadalcanal and Okinawa. After the war, Castor continued service during the Korean War, ensuring the steady flow of supplies to U.S. and allied forces. **USS Vega (AF-59)**, a stores ship commissioned in 1955, succeeded Castor in this vital role, supporting Navy operations through the Cold War and Vietnam War before her decommissioning in 1977. Both ships exemplified the essential role of naval logistics in sustaining combat operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
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USS Castor (AKS-1) and USS Vega (AF-59) were both supply ships – While the USS Castor was a general stores issue ship (AKS), the USS Vega was a stores ship (AF), both playing crucial roles in keeping the fleet supplied with food, equipment, and other essentials.
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USS Castor was launched in 1939 – Built at the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey, she was commissioned into the U.S. Navy in March 1940, just before the U.S. entered World War II.
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USS Castor was present during the attack on Pearl Harbor – On December 7, 1941, Castor was moored at Pearl Harbor, and her crew manned anti-aircraft guns to help repel the Japanese attack.
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USS Castor supported multiple Pacific campaigns – She delivered supplies to American forces at Midway, Eniwetok, Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, playing a vital role in sustaining combat operations during World War II.
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USS Vega (AF-59) was launched much later, in 1954 – Built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation, USS Vega was originally a civilian ship (SS Lebanon Victory) before conversion and commissioning into the Navy in 1955.
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USS Vega served in the Vietnam War – She supplied fresh and frozen provisions to the U.S. 7th Fleet and other units operating in the Vietnam combat zone, supporting lengthy deployments at sea.
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USS Castor received 6 battle stars during World War II – These awards were for her significant service in combat areas, highlighting her hazardous and vital support missions.
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USS Vega had a globe-trotting career – Besides Vietnam, Vega supplied U.S. naval forces in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and North Atlantic, making several cruises to support NATO operations.
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USS Castor participated in Operation Magic Carpet – After WWII, she helped transport returning U.S. servicemen from the Pacific back to the United States.
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Both ships were eventually scrapped – USS Castor was decommissioned in 1950 (with brief recommissioning for the Korean War) and sold for scrap in 1969; USS Vega was decommissioned in 1977 and also sold for scrap, marking the end of their long service lives.
