USN

USS John W. Weeks (DD-701) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1944. Named in honor of Rear Admiral John W. Weeks, the ship served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa and providing vital escort and gunfire support. Following the war, John W. Weeks was active during the Korean War and later assignments during the Cold War, including Mediterranean and Atlantic deployments. The ship was decommissioned in 1970, concluding over two decades of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.

USS *Kansas City* (LCS-22) is an Independence-class littoral combat ship commissioned into the United States Navy on June 20, 2020. Designed for operations close to shore, the ship features a trimaran hull and modular mission packages for surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine missions. Homeported in San Diego, California, *Kansas City* has participated in fleet exercises and operational deployments, contributing to maritime security and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. The vessel honors the city of Kansas City, Missouri, and is the third Navy ship to bear the name.

USS Kauffman (FFG-59) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on February 28, 1987. Named in honor of Vice Admiral James L. Kauffman and Rear Admiral Draper L. Kauffman, she served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet. Throughout her career, USS Kauffman participated in numerous operations, including drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean and deployments in support of maritime security and international exercises. The frigate was decommissioned on September 18, 2015, marking the end of nearly three decades of distinguished service.

USS Key West (SSN-722) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on September 12, 1987. Built at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, Key West has participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific and support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The submarine has conducted intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, as well as joint exercises with allied navies. Throughout its service, USS Key West has exemplified the versatility and endurance of the Los Angeles-class submarines in supporting U.S. maritime strategy.

USS Laws (DD-558) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in November 1943. Named after Alexander Laws, she served prominently in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in significant operations including the Marianas, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa campaigns. Laws provided vital anti-aircraft and fire support, screening aircraft carriers and assisting in shore bombardments. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946, briefly recommissioned during the Korean War, and finally decommissioned in 1964.

USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946, named in honor of Marine Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, a Medal of Honor recipient. The ship served extensively during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, Leonard F. Mason participated in operations such as "Sea Dragon" and performed search and rescue missions. Decommissioned in 1976, she was later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, serving as HS Leon until her final decommissioning.

USS Lester (DE-1022) was a Dealey-class destroyer escort commissioned into the United States Navy in 1957. As part of Escort Squadron Eight (Cortron Eight), she was frequently deployed to the Mediterranean, where she operated out of the Port of Naples, Italy, during the height of the Cold War. While stationed in Naples, USS Lester participated in numerous NATO exercises, conducted anti-submarine warfare patrols, and provided crucial support to allied naval forces in the region. Her service contributed to strengthening NATO maritime security and enhancing cooperation between U.S. and European naval units until her decommissioning in 1973.

The USS Lewis & Clark (SSBN-644) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1965. Named after famed American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, she played a critical role in the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. Equipped with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles, the USS Lewis & Clark conducted numerous deterrent patrols as part of the Navy’s “41 for Freedom” submarine force. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1992 and subsequently scrapped through the Navy’s Ship-Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, named in honor of legendary Marine Corps Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. Commissioned on 17 April 1982, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, escort duties, and maritime security operations throughout the 1980s and 1990s. FFG-23 also conducted deployments in support of U.S. interests in the Persian Gulf and other global hotspots, demonstrating versatility and reliability. After nearly two decades of service, USS Lewis B. Puller was decommissioned on 18 September 1998 and later transferred to Egypt.