About this Unit
USS Regulus (AF-57) was a stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Originally launched as the civilian ship SS Escanaba Victory in 1944, she was acquired and converted for naval service to support fleet operations by transporting refrigerated stores and dry provisions. Throughout her career, Regulus played a vital logistical role in the Pacific, supplying ships and bases during the Cold War, Korean War, and Vietnam War. She was decommissioned in 1971 and later sold for scrap, remembered for her critical support in sustaining naval operations across decades.
Historical Facts
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USS Regulus (AF-57) Service: USS Regulus was an Alstede-class stores ship in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1954 and decommissioned in 1971, serving for 17 years.
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Namesake: The ship was named after Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, continuing a Navy tradition of naming stores ships after celestial bodies.
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Original Build: USS Regulus was originally laid down as the civilian cargo ship SS Escanaba Victory in 1944, as part of the World War II Victory ship program, before being acquired and converted by the Navy.
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Korean War Service: Before being commissioned as USS Regulus, the ship served as a merchant marine vessel supporting U.S. forces during the Korean War.
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Pacific Operations: The ship was primarily assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, providing vital supplies to American bases and ships across the Pacific Ocean, including Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
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Vietnam War Support: During the Vietnam War, USS Regulus played a critical logistical role, supplying food, refrigerated goods, and other essentials to combat and support ships operating off the coast of Vietnam.
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Replenishment at Sea: The ship specialized in underway replenishment, a complex operation where supplies are transferred to other ships while both are moving, keeping the fleet supplied without returning to port.
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Crew Life: Life aboard the Regulus was demanding but vital, with crew members working long hours to ensure the fleet received the supplies needed for sustained operations.
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Battle Stars: USS Regulus earned five battle stars for her service during the Vietnam War, recognizing her contributions under hazardous conditions.
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Final Fate: After decommissioning in 1971, USS Regulus was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1977 and later scrapped, but her legacy lives on in the annals of Navy logistics and supply operations.
