About this Unit
USS Seattle (AOE-3) was a Sacramento-class fast combat support ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1969. Designed to provide rapid replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to carrier strike groups at sea, she played a crucial logistical role during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War. Over her distinguished career, Seattle participated in numerous deployments in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Persian Gulf, supporting operations such as Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After nearly 35 years of service, she was decommissioned in 2005 and eventually scrapped in 2011.
Historical Facts
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Fast Combat Support Ship: USS Seattle (AOE-3) was a Sacramento-class fast combat support ship, designed to resupply Navy carrier strike groups at sea with fuel, ammunition, and stores.
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Commissioned in 1969: Seattle was commissioned on April 5, 1969, at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, making her a Cold War-era vessel built to support the U.S. Navy's global operations.
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Vietnam War Service: Shortly after commissioning, USS Seattle provided vital logistics support to U.S. naval units off the coast of Vietnam, helping sustain combat operations.
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Unique Class Features: The Sacramento-class ships, including Seattle, were the largest replenishment ships ever built for the U.S. Navy, measuring over 793 feet in length.
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Operation Desert Storm: During the 1991 Gulf War, USS Seattle played a critical role in Operation Desert Storm by supplying the fleet in the Persian Gulf, earning the Navy Unit Commendation.
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First Female Officer: In 1994, USS Seattle became one of the first combatant ships to have a female officer, as the Navy began integrating women into combat roles.
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High-Speed Capability: Seattle was powered by steam turbines and could reach speeds up to 26 knots, allowing her to keep up with aircraft carrier battle groups.
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Multiple Deployments: Over her 35 years of service, Seattle completed numerous deployments to the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, supporting major NATO and U.S. operations.
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Decommissioned in 2005: After decades of service, Seattle was decommissioned on March 15, 2005, and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
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Honors and Awards: Throughout her career, USS Seattle earned numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Southwest Asia Service Medal.
