USN

USS Thuban (AKA-19) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in February 1944. She played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key amphibious operations such as the invasions of Saipan, Guam, Leyte, and Okinawa. Throughout her service, Thuban transported troops, vehicles, and supplies, supporting frontline assault forces under combat conditions. After the war, she continued logistical duties before being decommissioned in 1956.

USS Tullibee (SSN-597) was a unique United States Navy submarine, commissioned in 1960 as the first submarine designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Incorporating innovative features such as a bow-mounted spherical sonar array and turbo-electric drive, Tullibee set the standard for future ASW submarine designs. The vessel served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, conducting numerous patrols, exercises, and research missions during the Cold War. After a distinguished career spanning over 28 years, USS Tullibee was decommissioned in 1988.

USS Vogelgesang (DD-862) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in April 1945. Named after Ensign Charles Vogelgesang, she served in the final stages of World War II and participated actively in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing naval gunfire support and screening for aircraft carriers. Throughout the Cold War, Vogelgesang took part in numerous NATO exercises and undertook Mediterranean and Atlantic deployments, showcasing American naval presence worldwide. After over three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she continued her career as ARM Quetzalcoatl.

USS W.S. SIMS (FF-1059) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1970. Named after Admiral William Sowden Sims, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare, convoy escort, and maritime patrol duties during the Cold War. W.S. SIMS participated in multiple exercises and deployments across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean, often operating with NATO allies. After nearly two decades of service, the frigate was decommissioned in September 1991 and later sunk as a target during naval exercises.

USS **Wexford County (LST-1168)** was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Designed to transport and deploy tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore, she played a significant role in amphibious operations during the Cold War era. The vessel supported training exercises, logistics operations, and participated in various deployments, including service in the Pacific Fleet and missions related to the Vietnam War. Decommissioned in 1971, USS Wexford County was later transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as *Martin Alvarez (L-12)* before being retired.

USS **Whale (SSN-638)** was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Designed for both anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare, she played a significant role during the Cold War, participating in vital surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions. Whale completed numerous deployments, including operations in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, and was recognized for her operational excellence. After nearly three decades of service, USS Whale was decommissioned in 1996 and later scrapped through the Navy’s Ship-Submarine Recycling Program.

USS **William M. Wood (DD-715)** was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in November 1945. Although she missed active World War II service, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, including multiple Mediterranean deployments and participation in the Korean War, where she provided naval gunfire support and screening duties. The destroyer also took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962 and later supported operations during the Vietnam War. Decommissioned in 1976, USS William M. Wood was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Kocatepe (D354) until 1995.

USS **Woodrow Wilson** (SSBN-624) was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1963. Named after the 28th President of the United States, she conducted numerous deterrent patrols during the Cold War, carrying Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Throughout her service, the submarine played a crucial role in maintaining America’s strategic nuclear deterrence. USS Woodrow Wilson was decommissioned in 1997 and subsequently scrapped, after more than three decades of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 212 (VA-212), known as the "Rampant Raiders," was established by the United States Navy on June 20, 1955. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Moffett Field and later at NAS Lemoore, flying a variety of attack aircraft, including the AD Skyraider and the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-212 participated in several major operations during the Vietnam War, conducting strike missions and close air support from aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. The squadron was disestablished on December 12, 1975, after two decades of distinguished service.