USS Procyon (AF-61)

• Namesake: USS Procyon (AF-61) was named after Procyon, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Minor and one of the brightest stars in the night sky. • Original Ship: The vessel was originally built as SS Flying Scud in 1942 for the United States Maritime Commission before being acquired by the U.S. Navy. • Acquisition and Conversion: The Navy acquired her in 1961, and she was converted into a stores ship (AF), designed to carry and deliver provisions and refrigerated goods to fleet units. • Service in Vietnam War: Procyon played a vital role in the Vietnam War, supplying U.S. Navy ships with essential food and equipment off the coast of Vietnam. • Underway Replenishment: She was equipped to provide underway replenishment, allowing her to resupply other vessels while both ships were moving at sea—a critical capability during combat operations. • Multiple Deployments: Procyon made numerous deployments to the Western Pacific (WestPac), supporting U.S. 7th Fleet operations throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. • Humanitarian Aid: In addition to military logistics, she sometimes delivered humanitarian aid and supplies to allies and friendly ports. • Notable Crew: Like many Navy supply ships, Procyon’s crew included both Navy sailors and civilian mariners, reflecting the importance of logistics expertise in military operations. • Decommissioning: USS Procyon was decommissioned in 1972 and returned to the Maritime Administration, ending a distinguished decade of Navy service. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, she was eventually scrapped, but her legacy lives on in the stories of the sailors she served and the vital role she played in sustaining U.S. naval power.