About this Unit
USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) was a Mars-class combat stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1967. Designed to provide underway replenishment of food, stores, and ammunition, she played a vital logistical role during the Vietnam War, supporting Seventh Fleet operations. Throughout her service, Niagara Falls participated in numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, ensuring sustained fleet readiness during both peacetime and conflict. After over 27 years of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Namesake: USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) was commissioned on April 29, 1967. She was named after the famous Niagara Falls, symbolizing her power and endurance.
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Class and Role: She was a Mars-class combat stores ship, designed to provide underway replenishment of food, stores, and ammunition to ships at sea, enhancing fleet sustainability.
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Vietnam War Service: Niagara Falls played a crucial support role during the Vietnam War, making multiple deployments to provide supplies to the U.S. Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific.
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First Mars-class to Serve with the Atlantic Fleet: After initial operations in the Pacific, she became the first Mars-class ship to serve with the Atlantic Fleet in 1970, before returning to the Pacific.
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Helicopter Operations: The ship was equipped with two CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, which were essential for vertical replenishment (VERTREP) missions, delivering supplies directly to other ships.
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Supporting Operation Frequent Wind: In April 1975, Niagara Falls supported Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, providing vital logistical support during the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War.
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Service in the Persian Gulf: During the 1990-91 Gulf War, the ship was deployed to the Persian Gulf to support coalition naval forces during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
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Lifesaving Rescue: In 1978, Niagara Falls rescued 25 Vietnamese refugees, known as "boat people," off the coast of Vietnam, a humanitarian act amid her regular operations.
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Lengthy Service: The USS Niagara Falls served for over 34 years, making her one of the longest-serving ships of her class before being decommissioned on September 12, 1994.
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Final Fate: After years in reserve, she was used as a target ship and sunk during the RIMPAC 2012 exercises off the coast of Hawaii, ending her service as part of a live-fire training event.
