USS Shasta (AE-6)

USS Shasta (AE-6) was a Lassen-class ammunition ship of the United States Navy, named for Mount Shasta, a dormant volcano in California. She served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning several battle stars for her service.

Shasta was laid down on 21 July 1941 by the Tampa Shipbuilding Company in Tampa, Florida, and launched on 14 March 1942, sponsored by Mrs. Lyda M. Blow. She was commissioned on 3 September 1942, with Commander Robert W. Cary in command.

During World War II, Shasta operated primarily in the Pacific Theater, delivering ammunition to fleet units in forward areas. Her duties took her to various locations, including Guadalcanal, New Guinea, the Philippines, and Okinawa. She played a vital role in supplying the combatants, contributing significantly to the success of numerous operations.

After World War II, Shasta continued to serve with the U.S. Navy. She was deployed to the Far East during the Korean War, once again providing critical ammunition support to naval forces. Following the Korean War, she participated in various exercises and deployments.

In the 1960s, Shasta was again called upon to support operations in Southeast Asia, this time during the Vietnam War. She supplied ammunition to U.S. Navy ships operating off the coast of Vietnam, contributing to the war effort.

USS Shasta was decommissioned on 25 March 1969 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 September 1976. She was sold for scrap on 29 August 1977.

Shasta's awards include the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with multiple battle stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one star, the Korean Service Medal with one battle star, and the Vietnam Service Medal.