info@usssantabarbara.com

Ahoy Shipmate!

The Santa Barbara (aka The Santa B), was an Kilauea-class ammunition ship that served in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1998. This website was created to honor the ship and her crew. Currently, the website is going through some changes, so if the seas are a little rough, hang in there, calmer seas are on the horizon.

WE DELIVERED THE STING

The USS Santa Barbara (aka The Santa B) was a Fast-Attack Ammunition Warship.

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CREW’S RESOURCES

Access our resources database to learn about veteran services are availble to you.

COMING SOON!

Next Reunion is April 29 – May 1st, 2022

Our reunions are a great way to reconnect with our fellow shipmates. This year’s weekend-long event will be held in Charleston, South Carolina. Click on the Learn More button for more information. 

The USS Santa Barbara was a warship configured to deliver ammunition, supplies, personnel and fuel for the United States Navy.

Her cargo handling systems, designed with extreme safety in mind, include ammunition hoists with airlocks between decks, and mechanisms for flooding entire compartments with sea water in case of emergencies. She delivered her cargo to other ships using various forms of Underway Replenishment (UNREP). To a lesser extent, the ship transported ammunition from one shore-based weapons station to another.

ALONGSIDE CONNECTED REPLENISHMENT (CONREP)

Santa Barbara’s primary mission was Alongside Connected Replenishment (CONREP)- the process of delivering ammunition, ordnance, fuel, equipment, personnel and supplies via ship-to-ship cables and slings while underway.

VERTICAL REPLENISHMENT (VERTREP)

The Santa B featured two CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopters. The Sea Knights was essential in vertical replenishment (VERTREP), delivering ammunition, personnel, ordnance, equipment and supplies via flight operations.

LOGISTICS

The ship served as the logistics center for a battle group transporting personnel, supplies, fuel, equipment using small utility boats and helicopters. While in port she would transfer supplies and ammunition via cargo boom operations.

SECURITY AND DEFENSE

Santa Barbara’s defensive weapons included Phalanx CIWS Gun Mounts, 3″ / 50 Twin Gun Mounts, Chaff Launchers, 22mm Gun Mounts and Towed Anti-Torpedo Decoy. The ship also had an Explosive Ordnance Detachment, Ship Security Force and FIM-92 Stinger Missile Detachment.

FUN FACTS

Nos Numerus Unus.

Throughout the history of the Santa Barbara, the ship and crew have gained an outstanding reputation as a professional, “can do” team.

DEPLOYED IN TWO WARS

The Santa B delivered her cargo during Vietnam and The Persian Gulf War. 

NUMEROUS AWARDS

Her awards include Battle Efficiency “E” Awards won in 1979, 1980, 1989, and 1993.

RECORD HOLDER

In 1991, during The Persian Gulf War, she set a maritime record by delivering over 7,000 tons of ammunition.

MAKING HISTORY

She participated in the 1st Underway Replenishment with a civilian vessel, the SS Cape Archway.

Crew’s Comments

The men and women of the USS Santa Barabara are proud of their time onboard. 

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