About this Unit
USS Detroit (AOE-4) was a Sacramento-class fast combat support ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed to provide rapid underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to carrier battle groups, Detroit played a vital role in maintaining fleet readiness. Throughout her service, she supported operations during the Cold War, including deployments to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and participated in multiple NATO exercises. After over three decades of distinguished service, USS Detroit was decommissioned in 2005.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Detroit (AOE-4) was the sixth U.S. Navy ship named after the city of Detroit, Michigan.
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Class and Type: She was a Supply-class fast combat support ship, designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to U.S. Navy ships at sea.
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Keel Laid and Commissioning: Her keel was laid on November 10, 1967, at Puget Sound Bridge and Dry Dock Company in Seattle, and she was commissioned into service on March 28, 1970.
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Vietnam War Era: Though commissioned as the Vietnam War was winding down, USS Detroit was initially homeported in Newport, Rhode Island, and provided support to U.S. fleet activities in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Desert Storm Service: USS Detroit played a vital logistics role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, replenishing U.S. and coalition warships in the Mediterranean and Red Sea.
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Diverse Cargo Capabilities: She could simultaneously deliver fuel, ammunition, provisions, and spare parts using both connected replenishment (CONREP) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) via embarked helicopters.
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Notable Commanders: Several of USS Detroit's commanding officers went on to flag rank, reflecting her reputation as a prestigious command.
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Collision Incident: In 1979, USS Detroit collided with the destroyer USS Fife (DD-991) during a replenishment operation, causing minor damage and spurring improvements in replenishment protocols.
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Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat support, Detroit participated in several humanitarian and rescue operations, including assistance to Cuban refugees during the Mariel boatlift in 1980.
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Decommissioning and Fate: After 35 years of service, USS Detroit was decommissioned on February 17, 2005, and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register, her legacy remembered by crew and the city she was named for.
