About this Unit
**USS Mount Katmai (AE-16)** was an ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1945. Named after Mount Katmai in Alaska, she was launched near the end of World War II and served as a vital logistics vessel, providing ammunition and explosive ordnance to fleet units at sea. The ship played a significant support role during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, ensuring combat ships remained supplied during extended operations. After decades of service, USS Mount Katmai was decommissioned in 1973 and later sold for scrap.
Historical Facts
•
USS Mount Katmai (AE-16) was an ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy, named after Mount Katmai, a volcano in Alaska.
•
Commissioned in 1945, the USS Mount Katmai was launched on November 9, 1944, and officially commissioned on July 21, 1945, just before the end of World War II.
•
Korean War Service: The ship played a vital role during the Korean War, supplying ammunition to U.S. and allied ships at sea, supporting combat operations.
•
Vietnam War Operations: USS Mount Katmai was heavily involved in Vietnam, providing ordnance and logistical support for naval gunfire missions and aircraft carriers.
•
Fast Replenishment Capability: The ship was equipped for underway replenishment, allowing her to transfer ammunition to other ships at sea, keeping the fleet operational without returning to port.
•
Visited Many Ports: During her career, the USS Mount Katmai visited ports across the Pacific, including in Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Subic Bay.
•
Humanitarian Missions: In addition to supplying ammunition, she sometimes delivered humanitarian aid and mail to allied forces and civilian populations.
•
Nickname "Katmai": The crew affectionately referred to the ship as "Katmai," and she was known for her reliability and the camaraderie among her crew.
•
Decommissioned in 1973: After nearly 28 years of service, USS Mount Katmai was decommissioned on August 14, 1973, following the reduction in naval ammunition ship needs after the Vietnam War.
•
Awarded Multiple Battle Stars: The ship earned several battle stars for her service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, recognizing her significant contributions to U.S. military operations.
