Detroit is designed to replenish other fleet and NATO ships with rapid simultaneous delivery of petroleum products, ammunition, cargo, provisions and mail. The ship's advanced cargo handling equipment and the well planned layout of the decks allows her to do the duties and provide services in almost any weather condition. Her powerful propulsion plants enable her to move with the Carrier Battle Group, delivering supplies to its ships when and wherever needed. 

  Detroit's first cruise was a journey around the Horn of South America to her newly appointed homeport, Newport, Rhode Island. Shortly thereafter, DETROIT deployed for her first six-month Mediterranean cruise in the summer of 1970.

  After her from the Mediterranean in December 1971, DETROIT spent time servicing U.S. and NATO fleet units during their various operations in the Atlantic. DETROIT also toured the Artic Circle to the Cape of Good Hope.

  In January 1974, DETROIT left Newport, Rhode Island, changing her homeport to Norfolk, Virginia. Fiscal constraints and shore establishments realignments necessitated the move. In May 1990, DETROIT again changed her homeport to Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey, which is currently her home.

  DETROIT deployed for the 11th time since her commissioning in August 1990, but was diverted out of the Med in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. She remained on station in the Red Sea through the remainder of the year.

  On 17 January, Operation Desert Storm commenced and DETROIT was 1 of 2 Fast Combat Support Ships on station with the Sixth Fleet. During the Operation, DETROIT worked non-stop for the remaining three months of Desert Storm. The six-month Med turned into a nine month deployment.

  In May of 1992, DETROIT deployed for her 12th Med. cruise which again proved successful. She participated in the insertion and retrieval of U.S. Army and Navy Special Forces during exercise Ellipse Bravo, and rescue efforts to the TCG MAUVENET, a Turkish ship which was struck by a missile.

  USS DETROIT has completed 15 Med. cruises since her commissioning.  Though she may be in her later years, she still finishes her mission as planned.

1998. Responding to a national crisis, she sped her way from Earle, NJ to the Arabian Gulf to complete the fastest transit in Combat Logistics Force history. DETROIT was key in Operation Desert Fox by providing ammunition, combat stores, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fuel to battle group units participating in the operation. On Thanksgiving Day, DETROIT had the pleasure of hosting the Chief of Naval Operations for a brief visit while in-port Jebel Ali. During the deployment, DETROIT was notified that she was awarded four individual "E’s" for excellence during 1998 in supply and logistics, mission area excellence, engineering and damage control, and operations and communications - a clean sweep in all mission areas. In March, Lieutenant Commander Maddock relieved Commander J. V. Jarvis as Executive Officer. In May 1999, DETROIT returned to her homeport , Naval Weapons Station, Earle, New Jersey.

Through the past and to the present, the crew of DETROIT shows time and time again that they can live up to their motto- "SUPERARE OPTIMUM, To Surpass the Finest."