USN

USS Strong (DD-758) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer in the United States Navy, commissioned on March 8, 1945. Named after Rear Admiral James H. Strong, the ship served during the final months of World War II, conducting operations in the Pacific theater. After the war, USS Strong participated in occupation duties in East Asia and supported United Nations forces during the Korean War, providing gunfire support and screening for carrier task forces. The destroyer continued to serve through the Cold War era, performing training and patrol missions, before being decommissioned in 1973.

USS Sunbird (ASR-15) was a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed for submarine rescue and salvage operations, Sunbird served along the U.S. East Coast and in the Caribbean, supporting submarine exercises and participating in fleet operations during the Cold War. She played a key role in training missions and rescue readiness, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the Navy’s growing submarine fleet. USS Sunbird was decommissioned in 1993 after nearly five decades of distinguished service.

USS Supply (AOE-6) was a fast combat support ship of the United States Navy, commissioned on 26 February 1994. As the lead ship of her class, she was designed to quickly deliver ammunition, fuel, and supplies to carrier strike groups at sea, thus extending their operational capability. USS Supply served in support of various fleet operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and participation in exercises to enhance fleet readiness. She was decommissioned in 2001 and transferred to the Military Sealift Command, where she continued her logistical support missions with a civilian crew as USNS Supply (T-AOE-6).

USS Topeka (CL-8) was an Omaha-class light cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1925. Throughout the interwar years, she primarily served with the Scouting Force in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, participating in fleet problems and training exercises. During World War II, Topeka was utilized mainly for patrol and escort duties in the Pacific, safeguarding convoys and supporting operations in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1949 and eventually sold for scrap in 1959.

USS Tulare (LKA-112) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1956. Originally designated AKA-112, she was reclassified as LKA-112 in 1969. Throughout her service, Tulare played a crucial role in logistical support, particularly during the Vietnam War, where she transported troops, equipment, and supplies to combat zones. The ship earned several battle stars before being decommissioned in 1986, marking three decades of distinguished service.

USS Vermilion (AKA-107) was a Tolland-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Built for service during World War II, she was too late for major combat but supported postwar occupation duties in the Pacific. During her career, Vermilion participated in various training exercises, amphibious operations, and Cold War deployments, including service during the Korean War. She was decommissioned in 1971 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her service.

USS Wabash (AOR-5) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Designed to provide at-sea logistical support, Wabash supplied fuel, ammunition, and stores to carrier battle groups and other naval vessels, significantly enhancing fleet endurance. Throughout her service, Wabash participated in critical operations including the Vietnam War, Cold War deployments, and exercises in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. She was decommissioned in 1994 after over two decades of service, having played a vital role in sustaining U.S. naval operations worldwide.

USS Walker (DD-517) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in April 1943. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the Solomon Islands campaign, the Marianas, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Walker provided vital escort, shore bombardment, and anti-aircraft defense, earning 11 battle stars for her wartime service. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and later transferred to the Italian Navy in 1959, where she served as Fante (D-561) until being scrapped in 1977.

USS Wasp (CV-7) was a United States Navy aircraft carrier commissioned in 1940. She played a vital role in the early years of World War II, notably delivering British Spitfire fighters to Malta during Operation Calendar and Operation Bowery in 1942. After joining the Pacific Fleet, Wasp supported the Guadalcanal campaign, providing crucial air cover for Allied operations. On September 15, 1942, USS Wasp was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-19 and, after catastrophic fires, was abandoned and scuttled, resulting in the loss of 193 crew members.