USS Vulcan (Collier No. 5/AC-5) was a coal-carrying vessel constructed for the United States Navy, serving primarily as a collier to support fleet operations in the early 20th century. She was laid down on October 5, 1908, at the Maryland Steel Company in Sparrows Point, Maryland, and launched on May 15, 1909. The ship was officially commissioned at the Norfolk Navy Yard on October 2, 1909. Designed as a collier, USS Vulcan measured a size suitable for transporting coal and supplies, supporting the Atlantic Fleet’s operational needs. She initially operated out of Norfolk, providing essential coal and stores to ships of the fleet along the east coast of the United States and in the West Indies. Her primary role was to refuel and resupply naval vessels, ensuring fleet readiness. Vulcan was placed out of service at Portsmouth Navy Yard on May 4, 1912, but was reactivated on February 25, 1914, resuming her coaling duties. During this period, she operated from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and from Melville, Rhode Island, to Vera Cruz, Mexico. Besides carrying coal, she transported stores and ordnance supplies for the Atlantic Fleet Cruiser Squadron. During World War I, USS Vulcan supported the Fleet Train by supplying coal to U.S. Navy ships engaged in wartime operations. After the war, she was transferred to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service on January 2, 1919, returning to the Fleet Train on June 23 of the same year. Her post-war service included a notable deployment to European waters in 1921, supporting American warships in postwar Europe. She visited Cherbourg, France, discharging passengers and coal to the cruiser Chattanooga, then proceeded to Malta to deliver coal to the cruiser Pittsburgh, and later to the Adriatic, visiting Pola and Naples before returning to Gibraltar and subsequently New York. USS Vulcan was decommissioned at Norfolk on July 20, 1921, after nearly a decade of service, and was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on April 26, 1923. She was sold later that year to N. Block and Co., marking the end of her operational history. Her service exemplified the vital logistical support role that colliers played in maintaining fleet operational capability during the early 20th century.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.