About this Unit
USS Suribachi (AE-21) was a Suribachi-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1956. Named after the iconic Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, the vessel played a critical role in supplying ammunition and explosives to the fleet during both peacetime operations and periods of conflict. Throughout her service, she supported U.S. naval operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean, participating in numerous exercises and deployments, including support missions during the Vietnam War. USS Suribachi was decommissioned in 1994 after nearly four decades of service, leaving behind a legacy of vital logistical support to the U.S. Navy.
Historical Facts
• Name Origin: USS Suribachi (AE-21) was named after Mount Suribachi, the iconic volcanic peak on Iwo Jima known for the famous flag-raising during World War II.
• Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on November 17, 1956, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York, joining the U.S. Navy as a Kilauea-class ammunition ship.
• Ammunition Ship: Designed to transport, store, and deliver ammunition and explosives to combat ships at sea, Suribachi played a crucial role in maintaining fleet readiness.
• Vietnam War Service: USS Suribachi supported U.S. Navy operations during the Vietnam War, delivering munitions to aircraft carriers and warships off the coast of Vietnam.
• First Fast Automatic Shuttle Transfer System (FAST): In 1963, she was converted to the first ammunition ship equipped with the FAST system, allowing for safer and more efficient underway replenishments.
• Cold War Operations: Throughout her career, Suribachi operated primarily with the Atlantic Fleet, supporting NATO operations and U.S. naval exercises during the Cold War.
• Humanitarian Missions: In addition to military duties, the ship participated in humanitarian efforts, providing aid and disaster relief during her deployments.
• Decommissioning: USS Suribachi was decommissioned on December 2, 1994, after nearly 38 years of service, and was later stricken from the Naval Vessel Register.
• Ship’s Motto: The ship’s motto was "Ready to Serve," reflecting her mission to support fleet operations around the world.
• Legacy: Parts of Suribachi’s equipment and technology influenced the design and operation of later ammunition ships, solidifying her place in naval logistics history.
