The USS Alstede (AF-48) was an Alstede-class stores ship laid down and launched in 1944 and acquired and commissioned by the Navy in 1946. Designed to carry refrigerated supplies, dry stores, and equipment, the vessel supported fleet units and isolated military stations by delivering essential provisions at sea and in distant ports. She operated primarily in the Pacific Ocean during her early service, maintaining logistics links until the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. Following the start of hostilities, the ship began regular round-trip voyages between the US West Coast and Japanese ports, providing critical support for United Nations forces resisting North Korean aggression. In 1953, Alstede joined Seventh Fleet units operating off the Korean coast, extending her replenishment duties throughout the Korea and Taiwan operational areas. After returning to the US, she completed an overhaul in 1954, was reassigned to the Atlantic Fleet, and deployed to the Mediterranean. Additional overhauls preceded further Sixth Fleet deployments. In 1965, Alstede was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for logistics support before the vessel's decommissioning. Ships built during WWII were extensively fitted with asbestos products, placing personnel at high risk of exposure. Navy veterans who developed cancer due to asbestos contamination may apply for VA benefits and asbestos trust fund compensation.
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