USN

USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on October 20, 1990. Built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, she is the third U.S. Navy vessel named after the state of West Virginia. As part of the Navy's strategic deterrent force, USS West Virginia carries Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and has participated in numerous deterrent patrols to maintain peace and security. The submarine continues to serve as a critical element of the United States' nuclear triad, ensuring strategic stability and national defense.

USS Willard Keith (DD-775) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1944. She served in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II, participating in operations off Okinawa and supporting the occupation of Japan. After the war, Willard Keith performed various duties including training missions and patrols during the early Cold War period. The destroyer remained active through the Korean War and into the 1960s before being decommissioned in 1972 and eventually sold for scrap.

USS Wood County (LST-1178) was a De Soto County-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1959. Designed to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment directly onto shore, she served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet, participating in amphibious exercises and supporting Marine and Army units. Notably, Wood County took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine operations in 1962 and later provided logistics support during the Vietnam War era. Decommissioned in 1972, she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1977 and subsequently sold for scrap.

USS Zelima (AF-49) was an Alstedes-class stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Built in 1944 as the SS William J. Riddle, she was later acquired and converted by the Navy to provide underway replenishment of food, refrigerated stores, and dry provisions to fleet units. Throughout her service, Zelima played a vital logistical role in the western Pacific, supporting U.S. operations during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Cold War deployments. She earned several campaign and service accolades before being decommissioned in 1969 and ultimately scrapped in 1973.

Attack Squadron 67 (VA-67) was a United States Navy attack squadron established during World War II. Originally commissioned as Bombing Squadron 8 (VB-8) in 1942, it was later redesignated as VA-67 and based at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. The squadron flew the SB2C Helldiver dive bomber and participated in training and operational readiness exercises in preparation for combat deployment. VA-67 was disestablished in November 1945 following the end of the war, having contributed to the Navy’s wartime training and operational strength.

Attack Squadron 152 (VA-152), known as the "Wild Aces," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in August 1948 as VF-713 before being redesignated VA-152 in February 1953. The squadron saw action during the Korean War, providing close air support and strike missions from aircraft carriers. Throughout its service, VA-152 operated various aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, AD Skyraider, and A-4 Skyhawk. It participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War before being disestablished on January 29, 1971.

Attack Squadron 215 (VA-215), known as the "Barn Owls," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on March 22, 1955. The squadron primarily flew the A-1 Skyraider and later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk, conducting carrier-based attack missions. VA-215 participated in several key operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War, where it provided close air support, interdiction, and strike missions from aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. The squadron was decommissioned on August 31, 1967, after over a decade of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 45 (VA-45), also known as the "Blackbirds," was a United States Navy attack squadron originally established as Fighter Squadron VF-45 on 15 February 1963. The squadron was primarily tasked with providing adversary training, simulating enemy aircraft tactics to prepare Navy pilots for combat. Throughout its history, VA-45 operated several aircraft types, including the A-4 Skyhawk and the TA-4J, from its home base at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. The squadron was disestablished on 31 March 1996 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

Certainly! Here is a brief military history for each unit: **VA-76:** Attack Squadron 76 (VA-76), known as the "Spirits," was established in 1955. The unit participated in several significant Cold War operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and combat operations during the Vietnam War. VA-76 flew various attack aircraft, notably the A-4 Skyhawk, providing close air support and strike missions. The squadron was disestablished in 1969. **VC-4:** Composite Squadron Four (VC-4), nicknamed the "Nightcappers," was established in 1948 as the Navy's first night fighter squadron. VC-4 operated a variety of aircraft, including the F4U Corsair and F2H Banshee, specializing in night and all-weather fighter operations from aircraft carriers. The squadron played a pivotal role in developing naval night combat tactics during the Korean War era. VC-4 was disestablished in 1956. **VP-66:** Patrol Squadron 66 (VP-66), known as the "Liberty Bells," was a U.S. Navy Reserve patrol squadron established in 1970. Based at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, the squadron flew the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, conducting anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance missions primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean. VP-66 supported numerous NATO and fleet exercises during the Cold War and participated in real-world operations, including counter-narcotics missions. The squadron was disestablished in 2006 during a Navy Reserve restructuring.