USS Seattle (AOE-3)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Decommissioned in 2005: After decades of service, Seattle was decommissioned on March 15, 2005, and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register. • 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.