USS Fort Snelling Ceramic Mug - Cream Orange and Green

THIS is a perfect l example of why I love sourcing/researching items I run across. Thankful for the history “lesson” and thankful this item crossed my path. This vintage USS Fort Snelling tankard is in near new condition. The USS Fort Snelling was laid down in 1953 and commissioned roughly two years later. The ship had an absolutely fascinating history. Due to its deep well deck it was chosen to carry out a mission with the deep diving sub, Aluminaut. It also completed missions with the smaller, but well known submarine Alvin. It also played a key role in Operation Urgent Fury (The invasion of Grenada). The ship carried six frogmen from SEAL Team 4 on a night recon mission prior to the invasion. The team's goal was to survey the beach prior to the main force's landing. The beach was found unsuitable, so Marines were inserted by helicopter instead. The USS Fort Snelling was involved in a couple of collisions in her life. The last was in 1984 when she was struck by a merchant vessel. It would lead to the ship being decommissioned during the same year. That would make this beautiful piece at least 40 years old, possibly much older. ⚓ It weighs 1 lb 5 oz, and is 5" wide with the handle. It stands just over 4.5" tall. It would be a great addition to any military collection.