About this Unit
USS Flint is the name given to two ships in the United States Navy. The first, USS Flint (CL-97), was a Cleveland-class light cruiser commissioned in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa and providing anti-aircraft support for carrier task forces. The second, USS Flint (AE-32), was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned in 1971, tasked with carrying and transferring ammunition and explosives to other ships at sea, supporting fleet operations during the Vietnam War and later global deployments. Both vessels played vital roles in their respective eras, contributing to the Navy's logistics and combat capabilities. The legacy of the USS Flint reflects the importance of both combat and support ships in U.S. naval history.
Historical Facts
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Two Ships Named USS Flint: The name USS Flint has been given to two different US Navy ships: USS Flint (CL-97), a Cleveland-class light cruiser, and USS Flint (AE-32), a Kilauea-class ammunition ship.
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Named After a City: Both ships were named after Flint, Michigan, a city known for its contributions to the American automotive industry.
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World War II Service: USS Flint (CL-97) was commissioned in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater during the final stages of World War II, providing anti-aircraft protection for fast carrier task forces.
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Atomic Bomb Witness: USS Flint (CL-97) was present in Tokyo Bay during the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945, marking the end of World War II.
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Operation Magic Carpet: After the war, USS Flint (CL-97) participated in Operation Magic Carpet, helping to transport US servicemen back home from the Pacific.
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Ammunition Ship Service: USS Flint (AE-32) was commissioned in 1971 and served as an ammunition ship, capable of transferring ammunition and explosives to other ships at sea.
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Vietnam War Support: USS Flint (AE-32) supported US naval operations during the Vietnam War, supplying ammunition to ships engaged in combat operations off the Vietnamese coast.
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Gulf War Participation: USS Flint (AE-32) played a key logistical role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, ensuring that US and coalition warships remained fully supplied with ammunition.
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Innovative Replenishment: USS Flint (AE-32) was equipped with advanced underway replenishment systems, allowing her to transfer ammunition to other ships while both were moving at sea.
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Decommissioning: USS Flint (CL-97) was decommissioned in 1947, while USS Flint (AE-32) was decommissioned in 1995, ending over five decades of Navy service under the Flint name.
