USN

**Joseph K. Taussig Division 1030** is a United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) unit named in honor of Rear Admiral Joseph K. Taussig, a distinguished naval officer recognized for his service during the Spanish-American War and World War I. Established to provide youth with leadership and maritime training, Division 1030 has been active in the Mid-Atlantic region, fostering naval traditions and personal development among its cadets. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous training exercises, community service events, and ceremonial functions, strengthening its ties to the local Navy community. Through its programs, Joseph K. Taussig Division 1030 continues to inspire future generations of naval leaders and uphold the values of honor, courage, and commitment.

The Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) was established in 1980 as a component of U.S. Special Operations Command to study and improve special operations tactics, planning, and interservice coordination. Created in response to the failed Operation Eagle Claw rescue mission in Iran, JSOC was designed to unify elite units for complex, high-risk missions. Over the decades, JSOC has overseen operations involving units such as Delta Force, SEAL Team Six, and the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, playing critical roles in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action missions worldwide. Notable achievements include the takedown of high-value targets such as Osama bin Laden and the disruption of major terrorist networks.

**Military Unit K069** is a designation historically associated with a Ukrainian military formation. Established during the Soviet period, K069 functioned primarily as a signals or communications unit, providing crucial support to larger formations by maintaining secure lines of communication. After Ukrainian independence, the unit was integrated into the Ukrainian Armed Forces, where it continued to play an important role in both peacetime operations and during conflicts in Eastern Ukraine. Over the years, K069 has earned recognition for its professionalism, adaptability, and vital contributions to national defense.

L.S.T. 855 was a United States Navy LST-542-class tank landing ship built during World War II. Commissioned in late 1944, she served in the Pacific Theater, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies essential for amphibious operations. After the war, L.S.T. 855 participated in occupation duties in the Far East before returning to the United States. The vessel continued to serve during the Korean War, supporting United Nations forces with logistics and transport until she was decommissioned.

LCI(M)-803 was a Landing Craft Infantry (Mortar) vessel commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Laid down in 1944, she was part of the LCI(L)-351-class, later converted to the mortar-armed LCI(M) configuration to provide close-in fire support during amphibious assaults. LCI(M)-803 participated in operations in the Pacific Theater, including support roles during the Okinawa campaign, where her mortars delivered suppressive fire against Japanese shore positions. After the war, she was decommissioned and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register, concluding her service as part of the US Navy’s amphibious forces.

LCU 1628 is a Landing Craft Utility vessel that has served with the United States Navy. Built as part of the LCU 1610-class, it was designed to transport troops, vehicles, and cargo from ship to shore during amphibious operations. Since its commissioning in the late 1970s, LCU 1628 has participated in numerous training exercises and operational deployments, supporting both peacetime and combat missions. The vessel has proven its versatility and reliability in a variety of environments, contributing significantly to the Navy's amphibious capabilities.

The Lorac Support Team was established in the early 2000s as a specialized logistical and technical support unit within a larger multinational peacekeeping force. Initially formed to provide rapid response maintenance and supply chain solutions, the team quickly proved vital during operations in challenging environments, including remote deployments in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Over the years, the Lorac Support Team expanded its capabilities to include communications support and field engineering, earning commendations for its adaptability and efficiency under pressure. Today, the unit remains an integral part of coalition operations, renowned for ensuring mission success through seamless behind-the-lines support.

**LPA-38**, officially known as USS *Thurston* (LPA-38), was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She played a significant role during World War II, participating in key operations such as the Normandy landings (D-Day) and the invasion of Southern France. After the war in Europe, *Thurston* was deployed to the Pacific, supporting troop landings and occupation duties in Japan. The vessel was decommissioned in 1946, having earned multiple battle stars for her service during the conflict.

**Mardet USS Wasp (CV-18)** refers to the Marine Detachment assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18), an Essex-class carrier commissioned in 1943. Throughout World War II, the Mardet served as shipboard security, manned anti-aircraft guns, and provided ceremonial duties, supporting the carrier’s operations during major Pacific campaigns. The Marines played a crucial role during kamikaze attacks and in maintaining order aboard ship during intense combat operations. After World War II, the detachment continued to serve until the gradual phase-out of Marine Detachments on carriers in the late 20th century.