NAVY FACT FILE 

MISSION:The mission of the combat stores ship is to conduct 
underway replenishment in support of operating forces by providing 
refrigerated stores, dry provisions, technical spares, general 
stores, fleet freight, mail and personnel by alongside or vertical 
replenishment means. 

COMMENTARY:The seven Mars class combat stores ships are 
augmented by three stores ships purchased from England. 

MARS CLASS (AFS-1) 
Displacement:   Approximately 16,000 tons full load 
Length:       581 feet 
Beam:          79 feet 
Speed:         20 knots 
Power Plant:  Three boilers, steam turbines, one shaft, 
              22,000 shaft horsepower 
Aircraft:  Two UH-46 Sea Knight helicopters 
Armament:  Four three-inch/50-caliber guns; two Phalanx 
           close-in weapons systems to be fitted 
Complement:     438 
Builder:   National Steel and Shipbuilding 
 
USS SYLVANIA (AFS-2) 
Units: 
USS Mars (AFS-1); Oakland, CA 
USS Sylvania (AFS-2); Norfolk, VA 
USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3); Guam, Marshall Islands 
USS White Plains (AFS-4); Guam, Marshall Island 
USS Concord (AFS-5); Norfolk, VA 
USS San Diego (AFS-6); Norfolk, VA 
USS San Jose (AFS-7); Guam, Marshall Islands  

SOURCE: Department of the Navy (OP-03PA); Washington, DC 
20350-2000; (202) 694-6049