The USS Mars AFS-1, a combat stores ship of the United States Navy, was built by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, in San Diego, California. Its keel was laid down on October 5, 1961. The ship was launched on March 15, 1963. Constructing this vessel involved coordinating teams and utilizing shipbuilding techniques of that time. The purpose of the ship was to serve as a floating warehouse, carrying a range of goods and supplies to support Navy operations at sea.
Named after Mars, the god of war, the USS Mars AFS-1 played a role in supporting combat operations- it was the ship in the US Navy to bear this name. Given its purpose and operational nature, selecting such a name was fitting. As part of the Mars class combat stores ships, it carried items like food, ammunition, fuel, and other supplies required to replenish fleet resources at sea.
Key attributes that set apart the USS Mars AFS-1 included its cargo capacity, state of the art replenishment systems, and an ability to operate helicopters from its flight deck. The ship had a range of cranes, conveyors, and other equipment to help transfer supplies to ships. It also had refrigeration and storage facilities to keep items fresh. The ship measured 581 feet in length with a width of 79 feet and weighed around 18,000 tons when fully loaded.
The USS Mars AFS-1 left a lasting impact on the US Navy. It was one of the ships designed specifically for replenishing supplies while underway, a capability that enables the Navy to maintain its presence worldwide. The design and capabilities of this ship set the standard for combat stores vessels. Lessons learned from operating the USS Mars AFS-1 have been incorporated into classes of replenishment ships, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Navy's operations.
This particular ship belonged to the Mars class group of combat stores vessels, which were the first in their category- designed exclusively for replenishment in the US Navy. These Mars class ships were larger and had cargo capacity compared to earlier replenishment vessels; enabling them to support larger task forces for extended periods. The class comprised six ships named after gods and goddesses from mythologies.
The USS Mars AFS-1 entered service on December 21, 1963 under the command of Captain D. K. Carpenter. This marked the ships duty in the US Navy, where it participated in operations and exercises. Serving the Navy for than thirty years, it was decommissioned in 1998. The commissioning of the USS Mars AFS-1 was a milestone in advancing the Navy's ability to resupply ships at sea.
The USS Mars AFS-1: A Ship of Strength and Duty
The USS Mars AFS-1 belonged to the Mars class of combat stores ships, which were specifically designed to carry supplies for supporting fleet vessels. This ship was propelled by a steam turbine, driving a propeller its maximum speed reached- up to 20 knots. The ship accommodated a crew consisting of 42 officers and 445 enlisted personnel.
Regarding technology, the USS Mars AFS-1 was equipped with cutting edge systems according to its time period. It featured radar and sonar systems for navigation and detecting other ships. The ship also had a communication system that enabled it to stay in touch with ships and command centers. Beside the ship had a cargo handling system that could efficiently load and unload supplies in unfavorable weather conditions.
Regarding armament, the USS Mars AFS-1 focused on defense. It featured four 3"/50 caliber guns, which were weapons against both air and surface targets. Additionally, the ship was equipped with .50 caliber machine guns for close range defense. However, the main role of the ship was not combat oriented, but rather support oriented. Its primary strength lay in providing supplies to ships for their ongoing missions.
The ships arsenal extended beyond guns, the USS Mars AFS 1 also boasted two CH 46 Sea Knight helicopters. These helicopters were instrumental in performing replenishment operations facilitating the transfer of supplies between ships while at sea. Additionally, these helicopters could be utilized for search and rescue missions or transporting personnel between ships. The ships operations saw a boost in flexibility and capability with this addition.
Upgrades, Mission Capabilities and Contribution to the Fleet
Throughout its service, the USS Mars AFS-1 benefited from upgrades that aimed to improve its operational abilities. Originally designed as a combat stores ship, it was equipped with systems for transfer of cargo, ammunition, and other supplies while at sea. However, as naval warfare evolved over time, so did the Mars. It underwent retrofitting that included cutting edge communication systems, enhanced propulsion mechanisms, and advanced navigation equipment. These modifications not only extended the ships lifespan, but also enhanced its efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling its mission.
The USS Mars AFS-1 possessed mission capabilities that played a role in supporting the operations of the US Navy. As a combat stores ship, its primary function was to provide replenishment of goods, mail services, and other essential supplies to ships within the Navy's fleet. This allowed the fleet to remain at sea for periods without requiring returns to port for resupplying purposes. Consequently, this bolstered the Navy's flexibility significantly. Additionally, the Mars was equipped for helicopter operations, which further augmented its capacity to deliver supplies to ships in the fleet.
The USS Mars AFS-1 played a role in the fleet providing support for resupplying ships at sea. Its efficiency and speed greatly improved the fleets readiness and sustainability. The ships contributions were particularly significant during operations such as the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, where it provided assistance to combat vessels. These contributions were recognized with awards including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
To summarize, the USS Mars AFS-1 was an asset to the US Navy. Through its upgrades, it ensured its relevance and effectiveness within the fleet. Its mission capabilities allowed for support during operations, significantly enhancing operational readiness and sustainability. The legacy of the Mars serves as a testament to just how important combat stores ships are in warfare.
Tales and Experiences From Sailors Aboard the USS Mars AFS-1
The USS Mars AFS-1 boasts a service record with deployments spanning across different regions of the world. Commissioned in 1963, it played a role during its deployment in the Vietnam War by supplying ammunition, food, and various other provisions to support the U.S. Navy's Fleet. The USS Mars AFS-1 served in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting U.S. operations in those areas. It also played a role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing support to the U.S. Navy's activities in the Persian Gulf.
Throughout its duty, the USS Mars AFS-1 was involved in conflicts. Aside from serving during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, it also took part in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During these missions, the Mars played a role by delivering supplies to U.S. forces, highlighting its importance as a combat logistics ship. Its ability to quickly resupply forces was instrumental to the success of these operations.
The USS Mars AFS-1 received awards and commendations throughout its service- underscoring its performance. The ship was honored with the Navy Unit Commendation for its actions during the Vietnam War, acknowledging its heroism against enemy forces. Additionally, it received recognition through the Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. These accolades reflect the ships contributions to U.S. Navy operations.
Although decommissioned in 1993, the legacy of USS Mars AFS-1 lives on.
The significance of the USS Mars AFS-1 in the history of the U.S. Navy is highlighted by its involvement in conflicts. The accolades it earned serve as evidence of the bravery and commitment displayed by its crew. This ship truly embodies the Navy's pursuit of excellence and dedication to serving our nation, making its story an integral part of our naval heritage.
USS Mars AFS-1 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Mars Class Combat Stores Ship |
| Commissioned | December 1, 1963 |
| Displacement | 18,962 tons |
| Length | 581 feet |
| Beam | 79 feet |
| Draft | 28 feet |
| Speed | 21 knots |
| Complement | 485 |
2 comments
I went to get my hair cut today by a barber whom I hadn’t been to before. It turned out the guy had been a MM on the Mars in 1977. Why does this matter? I spent about 30 days on the Mars in June, 1972 while in transit to my duty station, USS Joseph Hewes which was escorting the carrier Midway near Vietnam. About 100 of us in transit to various ships were given army cots (extremely uncomfortable) by the way and we had to sleep outside in the space that fork lifts navigated when conducting UNREPS. I spent most nights sleeping on a blanket on the deck right next to the draft coming through the bull nose. It helped reduce the humidity.
The Mars was a cool ship but we only got to go inside for chow.
I served on the USS Mars my 1st 4 years as a MM / hydraulic tech and had been appointed ships welder as our hull technicians were too busy with other jobs. For the majority of 3 years (and during desert shield / desert storm ) i rolled a heavy miller welding rig all over the ship fixing, mending, fabricating and in some cases performing emergency repairs of high risk conditions while underway. I knew every inch of the mars. She was our lady, our ride and our shield we happened to live on. So when I came across the video of her sinking by target practice…my heart sank with her. No one else touched as many spaces or worked within her many decks I feel as I did. What a privilege to have served on board the AFS1!