About this Unit
USNS Mount Baker (T-AE-34) was an ammunition ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in July 1972. Named after Mount Baker in Washington State, she was originally designated as USS Mount Baker (AE-34), serving actively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting fleet operations by delivering munitions at sea. In 1996, she was transferred to the Military Sealift Command and redesignated USNS Mount Baker (T-AE-34), operated by a civilian crew while continuing her vital logistics role. Mount Baker was deactivated in 2010, concluding nearly four decades of distinguished service in naval logistics and underway replenishment operations.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USNS Mount Baker (T-AE-34) was named after Mount Baker, a prominent volcanic peak in Washington State, continuing the tradition of naming ammunition ships after volcanoes.
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Class and Type: She was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship, designed to carry and deliver all types of naval ordnance, including missiles, rockets, torpedoes, and conventional ammunition.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on 22 July 1972 and served actively for more than three decades.
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Initial Service: Originally commissioned as USS Mount Baker (AE-34), she was later transferred to the Military Sealift Command in 1996, redesignated as USNS Mount Baker (T-AE-34), and operated by civilian mariners.
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Vietnam and Beyond: Although built near the end of the Vietnam War, she supported U.S. naval operations through the Cold War, Gulf War, and numerous other exercises and deployments.
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Replenishment-at-Sea Excellence: Mount Baker specialized in underway replenishments, known as "UNREP," which allowed her to deliver ammunition to combat ships while both were moving at sea—a vital logistical capability.
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Global Reach: The ship operated in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Persian Gulf, supporting U.S. and allied naval forces worldwide.
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Humanitarian Missions: In addition to military duties, Mount Baker at times provided disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, demonstrating the versatility of U.S. naval logistics ships.
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Decommissioning: After 35 years of service, USNS Mount Baker was deactivated and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 29 October 2010.
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Legacy: Throughout her career, Mount Baker won numerous awards for operational excellence, safety, and efficiency, and her crews were known for their professionalism and dedication.
