USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3)

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