DAN VINING

USN

U.S. Navy

The USN stands for the United States Navy, which is the naval warfare branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is responsible for conducting operations at sea, on land, and in the air to protect and defend the United States and its interests. The USN operates a vast fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft to carry out its missions around the world. It plays a crucial role in maintaining national security and projecting American power globally.

USS Fort Snelling (LSD-30) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Named after the historic fort in Minnesota, she served primarily in amphibious operations, supporting the deployment of Marines, vehicles, and landing craft. Throughout her career, Fort Snelling participated in significant operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine in 1962 and the recovery of the Gemini VI and VII space missions in 1965. The ship remained active during the Vietnam War and other Cold War deployments before being decommissioned in 1984.