USN

USS **Alaska (SSBN-732)** is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on January 25, 1986. Designed for strategic deterrence, she is capable of carrying Trident ballistic missiles and has played a vital role in the nation’s nuclear triad. Over her decades of service, USS Alaska has completed numerous strategic deterrent patrols, earning multiple awards for operational excellence. Notably, she underwent a conversion to accommodate both male and female crew members and continues to serve as a critical component of U.S. strategic defense.

USS Alex M. Diachenko (APD-123) was a high-speed transport of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1944. Originally laid down as a destroyer escort, she was converted during construction to serve as a fast transport for amphibious operations. During World War II, she participated in the Okinawa campaign, supporting underwater demolition teams and rescuing survivors from damaged ships. After the war, she continued to serve in various roles, including occupation duties in the Far East, before being decommissioned in 1947.

USS **Algol (AKA-54)** was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1944. Serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II, she played a vital role in several major amphibious operations, most notably participating in the Battle of Okinawa by delivering troops, vehicles, and supplies under enemy fire. After the war, Algol supported occupation efforts in Japan before decommissioning in 1946. Reactivated for the Korean War, she served as a cargo ship before finally being decommissioned in 1956 and later sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of New Jersey.

USS **Altair** (AK-257) was a cargo ship acquired by the United States Navy during the Cold War era. Originally built as the SS Aberdeen Victory in 1944, she was converted and commissioned as USS Altair in 1952. The ship served with the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), providing crucial logistical support by transporting supplies and equipment to U.S. and allied forces, particularly during the Korean War and early Vietnam War periods. After a decade of service, Altair was decommissioned in 1969 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

Uss America CV66

U.S. Navy

Unit with 89 member associations.

USS Apache (ATF-67) was a Cherokee-class fleet tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1942. During World War II, she provided towing, salvage, and rescue operations in the Pacific Theater, supporting fleet movements and damaged vessels during major campaigns, including operations at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Apache continued to serve through the Korean War, again providing crucial support to naval operations. She remained active through the Cold War era, serving in various capacities until her decommissioning in 1974.

USS Atka (AGB-3) was a Wind-class icebreaker commissioned by the United States Navy in 1950. Originally built as USCGC Southwind (WAGB-280) for the United States Coast Guard during World War II, she was transferred to the Navy and renamed Atka. Throughout her service, Atka played a crucial role in Arctic and Antarctic operations, conducting supply missions, scientific support, and icebreaking duties. In 1966, she was returned to the Coast Guard, resuming her original name and continuing polar service before being decommissioned in 1974.

USS Barbour County (LST-1195) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Designed to transport tanks, heavy vehicles, and troops directly onto shore, she played a vital role in amphibious operations and training exercises throughout her service. Throughout the Cold War and into the 1990s, Barbour County participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. After over two decades of service, the ship was decommissioned in 1992 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise.

USS Baya (SS-318) was a Balao-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1944. During World War II, she completed five war patrols in the Pacific, sinking several Japanese vessels and conducting vital reconnaissance and lifeguard missions. After the war, Baya was converted into an experimental submarine, serving with the Naval Electronics Laboratory and participating in pioneering sonar and electronic warfare research. Decommissioned in 1972, USS Baya contributed significantly to both combat operations and technological advancements in submarine warfare.