USN

USS **Steinaker (DD-863)** was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, named in honor of Private First Class Donald B. Steinaker, a Marine awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for heroism during World War II. Initially serving with the Atlantic Fleet, Steinaker participated in Cold War patrols, NATO exercises, and the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade. The ship underwent a major FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) overhaul in the 1960s, enhancing her anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Steinaker also served extensively during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support before being decommissioned in 1982 and later transferred to the Mexican Navy.

USS Thorn (DD-988) was a Spruance-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned on February 16, 1980. Built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Thorn served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, deployments, and operations including NATO exercises and Middle East Force deployments. The ship was notable for its roles in maritime interdiction and escort missions, especially during heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf. After over two decades of service, USS Thorn was decommissioned on August 25, 2004, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2006.

USS **Tidewater** (AD-31) was a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Serving primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, she provided vital repair and logistical support to destroyers and other ships, particularly during the Cold War era. Tidewater participated in numerous fleet exercises, NATO operations, and deployments to the Mediterranean with the 6th Fleet. After more than two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Venezuelan Navy, where she served as Puerto Santo (A-24).

USS Topeka (CLG-8) was a Cleveland-class light cruiser of the United States Navy, originally commissioned in 1944 during World War II. She served in the Pacific theater, participating in operations off Okinawa and supporting the occupation of Japan. After the war, Topeka was decommissioned but later modernized and recommissioned in 1960 as a guided missile cruiser (CLG-8), equipped with the Talos missile system. During the 1960s, she served extensively in the Western Pacific, including multiple deployments to Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and serving as flagship for various task groups before her final decommissioning in 1969.

USS **Virgo (AKA-20)** was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1943. She served prominently in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the invasions of Saipan, Leyte, and Okinawa, where she delivered troops, equipment, and supplies under combat conditions. After the war, Virgo supported occupation forces in Asia and was decommissioned in 1946, only to be recommissioned for service during the Korean War and later the Vietnam War, providing vital logistical support. The USS Virgo earned multiple battle stars for her distinguished service before being decommissioned for the final time in 1971.

USS Waldron (DD-699) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She saw active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa and supporting carrier task forces with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine duties. After the war, Waldron served in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. She continued to serve through the Cold War era, including deployments with the U.S. 6th and 7th Fleets, until her decommissioning in 1973.

The USS Willis A. Lee (DL-4) was a Mitscher-class destroyer leader commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Named after Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee, the ship was designed as a fast, heavily armed vessel capable of leading destroyer squadrons and performing anti-submarine warfare during the early years of the Cold War. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous training exercises, NATO operations, and goodwill visits, helping to demonstrate American naval power and cooperation with allied fleets. The USS Willis A. Lee was decommissioned in 1969, marking the end of her 15 years of active service.

Attack Squadron 172 (VA-172), known as the "Blue Bolts," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in August 1945 as VBF-82. The squadron was redesignated VA-172 in August 1948. VA-172 served with distinction during the Korean War, flying the F2H Banshee and later the A-4 Skyhawk on numerous combat missions from aircraft carriers. The squadron participated in several major deployments in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting U.S. interests during the Cold War. VA-172 was disestablished on January 15, 1971, after more than 25 years of service.

Attack Squadron 25 (VA-25), known as the "Fist of the Fleet," was originally established as Torpedo Squadron VT-17 in January 1943. The squadron saw significant action during World War II, participating in major Pacific campaigns including strikes against the Japanese home islands. Redesignated multiple times, it became VA-25 in 1959 and played a key role during the Vietnam War, flying A-1 Skyraiders and later A-7 Corsair IIs in close air support and strike missions. The unit was disestablished on 1 November 1996, marking over five decades of distinguished service.