About this Unit
USS Vesuvius (AE-15) was an ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served during the latter part of World War II, supplying ammunition to combat ships in the Pacific Theater. After the war, Vesuvius was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing vital logistical support to naval operations. The ship remained active through numerous deployments until her final decommissioning in 1973.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Vesuvius (AE-15) was named after the famous volcano Mount Vesuvius in Italy, reflecting the ship's explosive cargo mission.
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Type and Class: She was a Mount Hood-class ammunition ship, designed for carrying and transferring explosives and ammunition to combat ships at sea.
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Commissioning: USS Vesuvius was launched on November 16, 1944, and commissioned on January 16, 1945, in the midst of World War II.
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World War II Service: In the final months of WWII, Vesuvius supplied ammunition to Pacific Fleet units, supporting operations at Okinawa and in the Philippines.
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Postwar Decommissioning: Following WWII, she was decommissioned in 1946, but reactivated in 1951 to support the Korean War effort.
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Korean and Vietnam Wars: USS Vesuvius played key roles in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, supplying ammunition to ships off Korea and later off the coast of Vietnam during major combat operations.
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Operation Rolling Thunder: During the Vietnam War, she supported the intense air campaigns like Operation Rolling Thunder by delivering vital ordnance to aircraft carriers and other vessels.
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Replenishment at Sea: Vesuvius was equipped for underway replenishment, allowing her to transfer munitions while both ships were moving—an essential and dangerous job.
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Decorations: The vessel earned five battle stars for World War II, two for the Korean War, and nine campaign stars for her service in Vietnam.
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End of Service: After decades of service, the USS Vesuvius was decommissioned for the final time in August 1973 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1978, concluding a long and distinguished career.
