USS ESTES (AGC-12)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.