USS San Diego (AFS-6)

• Commissioned in 1969: USS San Diego (AFS-6) was commissioned on May 24, 1969, as a Mars-class combat stores ship, designed to deliver supplies, refrigerated cargo, and ammunition to ships at sea. • Named After the City: She was the fourth U.S. Navy ship named after San Diego, California, reflecting the city's rich naval heritage. • Vietnam War Service: Shortly after commissioning, USS San Diego deployed to the Western Pacific in support of U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, providing vital logistics to the fleet. • Innovative Automation: The ship featured advanced cargo handling systems for its time, including automated cargo elevators and conveyor belts, speeding up replenishment at sea. • Nickname: Her crew affectionately nicknamed her "The Supermarket to the 6th Fleet" due to her frequent supply runs in the Mediterranean. • Humanitarian Missions: USS San Diego participated in several humanitarian operations, including disaster relief missions and support during crises in the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions. • Support During the Cold War: The ship played a critical role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s global presence during tense periods of the Cold War, especially in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. • Extended Deployments: USS San Diego was known for lengthy deployments, often spending up to six months at sea resupplying carrier battle groups and other naval vessels. • Decommissioned in 1997: After nearly 28 years of service, USS San Diego was decommissioned on August 11, 1997, and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register. • Final Fate: The ship was eventually sold for scrap in 2006, but her legacy lives on in the memories of those who served aboard and the vital role she played in naval logistics.