USN

USS **Snook** (SSN-592) was a Skipjack-class nuclear-powered attack submarine of the United States Navy, named after the snook fish. She was commissioned on 24 October 1961, serving primarily with the Pacific Fleet. During her career, Snook conducted numerous patrols and exercises, contributing to Cold War deterrence and anti-submarine warfare operations. The submarine was decommissioned on 14 November 1986, after 25 years of service, and subsequently scrapped as part of the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Springfield (SSN-761) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on January 9, 1993. Named after the cities of Springfield in Illinois, Massachusetts, and Missouri, the submarine is renowned for its advanced sonar and weapons systems. Throughout its service, USS Springfield has conducted numerous deployments, supporting fleet operations, intelligence gathering, and maritime security missions worldwide. The submarine underwent a major modernization overhaul in the 2010s, ensuring its continued operational effectiveness into the 21st century.

USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5) was a Wind-class icebreaker commissioned by the United States Navy in 1952. Originally built for the U.S. Coast Guard as USCGC Staten Island (WAGB-278) during World War II, she was transferred to the Navy to support Arctic and Antarctic operations. Throughout her service, STATEN ISLAND played a vital role in Operation Deep Freeze and other polar expeditions, ensuring safe passage for research and supply ships. After nearly two decades of distinguished service, she was returned to the Coast Guard in 1966 and continued her icebreaking missions until her decommissioning.

USS Stethem (DDG-63) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on October 21, 1995. Named in honor of Steelworker Second Class Robert Stethem, a Navy SEAL who was killed by terrorists in 1985, the ship has been homeported in both the United States and Japan as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. USS Stethem has participated in numerous exercises and operations, including ballistic missile defense, freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea, and humanitarian missions. The ship has received several awards for its operational excellence and continues to play a vital role in maintaining maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

USS Summit County (LST-1146) was a tank landing ship of the LST-542 class, commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945 near the end of World War II. After initial service in the Pacific, she participated in occupation duties in the Far East and supported amphibious operations during the Korean War, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies. In the postwar period, the vessel continued to serve with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, providing logistical support and training services. In 1971, USS Summit County was transferred to the Royal Thai Navy, where she continued her service as HTMS Lanta (LST-4).

USS Surfbird (ADG-383) was a U.S. Navy minesweeper and degaussing ship commissioned in 1945. Originally launched as a YMS-1-class minesweeper (YMS-271), she was later converted to a degaussing vessel and renamed Surfbird in 1947. Surfbird served primarily in the Pacific, providing degaussing and minesweeping support during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, helping protect naval vessels from magnetic mines. She was decommissioned in 1975 after three decades of valuable service to the U.S. Navy.

USS Terrell County (LST-1157) was a United States Navy tank landing ship commissioned in 1953. She served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, supporting amphibious operations and logistics during the Cold War era. Terrell County saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, delivering troops, vehicles, and supplies to combat zones along the Vietnamese coast. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1972 and later transferred to the Spanish Navy.

USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the U.S. Navy in 1973. Named after Admiral Thomas C. Hart, the ship was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era. USS Thomas C. Hart served in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, patrols, and operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. After nearly two decades of service, the frigate was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to Turkey, where it served as TCG Zafer (F253).

USS *Thomas S. Gates* (CG-51) was a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned on 22 December 1987. Named in honor of Thomas S. Gates, the 7th Secretary of Defense, the ship was equipped with the advanced Aegis Combat System and played a vital role in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare operations. During her service, *Thomas S. Gates* participated in multiple deployments, including Operation Desert Storm and operations in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, providing escort and air defense for carrier battle groups. The cruiser was decommissioned on 15 December 2005 after nearly 18 years of distinguished service.