USN

USS LEONARD F. MASON (DD-852) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. She served extensively during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, LEONARD F. MASON participated in multiple combat operations, including search and rescue missions and shore bombardments. After decades of active service, the destroyer was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece.

USS Liberty (AGTR-5) was a Belmont-class technical research ship (a converted World War II Victory ship) operated by the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1964, she was tasked with intelligence-gathering and electronic surveillance missions during the Cold War. On June 8, 1967, during the Six-Day War, Liberty was attacked by Israeli air and naval forces in international waters, resulting in 34 American deaths and over 170 wounded. The incident, later described as a case of mistaken identity by Israel, remains a subject of controversy and debate within military and diplomatic circles.

USS Mahopac (ATA-196) was a Sotoyomo-class auxiliary ocean tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Built at Levingston Shipbuilding Company in Orange, Texas, she provided towing and salvage services in the Pacific during the closing months of World War II. After the war, Mahopac continued to serve the Navy, supporting fleet operations and logistics across various locations, including the Far East. The vessel was eventually decommissioned and transferred to the Republic of Korea in 1962, where she continued her service under a new flag.

USS Mauna Loa (AE-8) was an ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. Serving primarily in the Pacific Theater, she played a crucial role in supplying ordnance to frontline combat ships, supporting operations such as the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Mauna Loa continued to serve in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, providing vital logistical support during the early Cold War period. The ship was decommissioned in 1958 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS McCloy (FF-1038) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1972. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant (jg) John McCloy, the ship was designed for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War. USS McCloy served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in NATO exercises, Caribbean deployments, and Mediterranean operations. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1990 and later transferred to Egypt, where she served as ENS Ismailia.

USS Merrick (AKA-97) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. She participated in the closing stages of World War II, supporting occupation operations in Japan and transporting cargo and personnel throughout the Pacific. During the Korean War, Merrick was reactivated and served as a vital supply ship, delivering equipment and troops to combat zones. After years of service, she was finally decommissioned in 1969 and later transferred to the Chilean Navy.

USS Michigan (SSBN-727/SSGN-727) is an Ohio-class submarine commissioned into the United States Navy in September 1982. Originally built as a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), Michigan conducted strategic deterrent patrols throughout the Cold War, supporting America's nuclear triad. In 2007, Michigan was converted to a guided missile submarine (SSGN), enhancing her capabilities to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and support special operations forces. Since then, USS Michigan has played a critical role in power projection and special warfare missions in the Pacific theater.

USS Mills (DE-383) was an Edsall-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II. She served primarily in the Atlantic, escorting convoys and performing anti-submarine patrols to protect Allied shipping from German U-boats. After the war, Mills continued in service with various duties, including training exercises and support missions. The ship was decommissioned in 1964, having earned distinction for her vital contributions to naval operations during and after the war.

USS *Mount McKinley* (AGC-7) was the lead ship of her class of amphibious force command ships in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1944. She served as a flagship for several major amphibious operations during World War II, including the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, providing vital command and control for fleet operations. After the war, *Mount McKinley* supported occupation duties in Japan and later participated in nuclear testing operations at Bikini Atoll. The ship continued her service through the Korean War and Cold War, acting as a floating command center until her decommissioning in 1970.