About this Unit
USS ESTES (AGC-12) was an amphibious force flagship commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1944. Serving as a command ship, she played a pivotal role in coordinating amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably participating in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns. After the war, USS ESTES supported occupation forces in Japan and later served during the Korean War, aiding in the Inchon landings and other key operations. She continued to serve as a flagship in the Pacific until her decommissioning in 1969, earning multiple battle stars for her distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Flagship Role in World War II: USS ESTES (AGC-12) served as an amphibious force flagship and played a vital command and control role during major Pacific campaigns in World War II, including the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
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Named After a Mountain: The ship was named after Mount Estes, a peak in Colorado, following the U.S. Navy tradition of naming amphibious command ships after mountains.
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Commissioned in 1944: USS ESTES was launched on October 1, 1943, and commissioned on October 9, 1944, joining the fleet in the latter stages of World War II.
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Survived Kamikaze Attacks: During the Okinawa campaign, USS ESTES was frequently under threat from Japanese kamikaze attacks but survived without serious damage, showcasing the resilience of her crew.
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Present at Japanese Surrender: After the end of World War II, USS ESTES was present in Tokyo Bay for the official Japanese surrender, supporting occupation activities.
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Korean War Service: The ship was recommissioned for the Korean War, where she served as flagship for amphibious operations, including the Inchon landing, one of the most decisive maneuvers of the conflict.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS ESTES played a role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, serving as command ship for U.S. amphibious forces ready to respond if an invasion of Cuba had been ordered.
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Vietnam War Operations: The ship was active during the Vietnam War, supporting amphibious operations, troop movements, and serving as a floating command post during key campaigns.
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Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, USS ESTES participated in humanitarian efforts, such as providing assistance to the survivors of natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS ESTES was finally decommissioned on November 21, 1969, after 25 years of service, and was later sold for scrap in 1977, closing a storied chapter in U.S. Navy history.
