USN

USS Whetstone (LSD-27) was a Casa Grande-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed to support amphibious operations, she provided vital logistical and landing support during the Korean War, including the Inchon landing in 1950. Throughout her service, Whetstone also participated in Operation Passage to Freedom in Vietnam (1954) and later supported U.S. military efforts during the Vietnam War. Decommissioned in 1970, USS Whetstone earned several battle stars for her distinguished service before being sold for scrap.

USS Wilkinson (DL-5) was a Mitscher-class destroyer leader commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Designed as a flagship for destroyer squadrons, she was equipped with advanced radar and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities for her era. Throughout her service, Wilkinson participated in numerous fleet exercises, NATO operations, and served actively in the Pacific and Atlantic fleets during the Cold War. Decommissioned in 1969, USS Wilkinson contributed significantly to post-World War II naval innovation before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register and eventually scrapped.

Attack Squadron 44 (VA-44), known as the “Hornets,” was a United States Navy attack squadron established in September 1950. Initially flying the F4U Corsair, the squadron later transitioned to jet aircraft, including the F9F Panther and FJ Fury. VA-44 primarily served as a fleet replacement training squadron, responsible for preparing naval aviators and maintenance personnel for carrier-based attack operations. The unit was based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, until its disestablishment on 1 May 1970.

Attack Squadron 195 (VA-195), also known as the "Dambusters," was a distinguished U.S. Navy attack squadron established in 1943. It earned its nickname during the Korean War after a daring 1951 raid that destroyed the heavily defended Hwachon Dam using precision bombing from AD Skyraider aircraft. Throughout its service, VA-195 participated in numerous combat operations, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, flying a variety of attack aircraft. The squadron was redesignated as VFA-195 in 1985, transitioning to flying F/A-18 Hornets and continuing its legacy as a premier strike fighter squadron in the Pacific Fleet.

Attack Squadron 216 (VA-216), known as the "Black Diamonds," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on March 30, 1955. The squadron was primarily assigned to fly the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, operating from various Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers. VA-216 participated in several significant operations, including combat deployments during the Vietnam War, where it conducted air strikes against enemy targets in Southeast Asia. The unit was disestablished on August 1, 1970, after 15 years of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 55 (VA-55), also known as the "Warhorses," was a distinguished U.S. Navy attack squadron established in 1943. Initially designated as Torpedo Squadron VT-5, it served with distinction during World War II, participating in key Pacific campaigns aboard aircraft carriers such as USS Yorktown (CV-10). Over its history, VA-55 was re-designated multiple times and flew various aircraft, including the TBM Avenger, A-1 Skyraider, and A-4 Skyhawk. The squadron saw combat in the Korean and Vietnam Wars before it was disestablished in 1975.

VAH-11, known as "Heavy Attack Squadron 11," was a U.S. Navy squadron established on 1 May 1952. The unit originally flew the AJ Savage and later transitioned to the A-3 Skywarrior, specializing in heavy attack and nuclear strike missions during the Cold War. VAH-11 operated from several aircraft carriers, participating in key deployments in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The squadron was disestablished on 1 October 1969 as the Navy restructured its heavy attack community.

VAH-2, also known as Heavy Attack Squadron 2, was a U.S. Navy squadron established on 1 November 1955. The unit was initially equipped with the A3D Skywarrior, a long-range, carrier-based strategic bomber designed for nuclear strike missions during the Cold War. VAH-2 operated primarily from the aircraft carriers of the Pacific Fleet, playing a key role in developing heavy attack capabilities and later participating in reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions. The squadron was disestablished on 12 May 1971 as the Navy shifted away from carrier-based heavy attack bombers.

**VC-5 Detachment Cubi** was a unit of U.S. Navy Composite Squadron Five (VC-5), operating out of Cubi Point Naval Air Station in the Philippines during the Cold War era. The detachment was responsible for providing aerial target towing, electronic warfare training, and fleet support services to U.S. Navy and allied forces in the Western Pacific. Utilizing a variety of aircraft such as the A-3 Skywarrior and later the TA-4J Skyhawk, VC-5 Det Cubi played a vital role in maintaining fleet readiness and supporting exercises and operations throughout Southeast Asia. The unit was an essential part of the Navy’s forward-deployed air operations until the drawdown of U.S. bases in the Philippines in the early 1990s.