USS Mars
AFS-1

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USS Mars was the first of a new class that was intended to replace three types of supply ships: the AF, AKS, and AVS.  Two innovations were Boeing UH‑46 helicopters and an automatic highline shuttle transfer system to make a fast transfer of supplies possible.

To speed replenishment processing, USS Mars became the first ship in the Pacific Fleet to be equipped with a 1004 Univac computer system.

USS Mars provided logistic support to the 7th Fleet at sea, especially off Vietnam.  Typical of the combat supply activities was a night vertical replenishment of USS Canberra (CAG‑2) while the heavy cruiser's guns were roaring.  USS Mars had taken an especially active part in similar operations helping block Vietcong aggression in South Vietnam.  She set several replenishment records in 1967 and 1968, and into 1969 continued to play an important role in the fleet operations in Southeast Asia.

USS Mars was decommissioned on 19 February 1998, and laid up in the Pacific Reserve Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  In July 1006, she was disposed of as a target during RIMPAC 2006 exercises off the coast of Hawaii.  She rests in 2,750 fathoms of water some 54 miles off the coast.

USS Mars received the Navy Unit Commendation and eleven campaign stars for Vietnam War service.

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This USS Mars model features:

- Plank-on-frame, hollow hull construction.  
 
- All parts are wood and metal. 

- "Rusted"  appearance that only master modelers can produce.
 
 37" long 6" wide x 13.5 tall      $1,900         S & H is $80