USN

USS CAPE (MSI-2) was a coastal minesweeper of the United States Navy, originally laid down as YMS-311 in 1943. Commissioned during World War II, she participated in mine-clearing operations in the Pacific Theater, supporting amphibious landings and ensuring safe passage for Allied vessels. Postwar, she was redesignated as USS CAPE (MSI-2) in 1947 and continued service in various training and auxiliary roles. The vessel was eventually decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her distinguished service.

The Marine Detachment (MARDET) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was established to provide security, ceremonial functions, and support for the ship’s operations following her commissioning in 1982. Marines assigned to the detachment were responsible for internal security, nuclear weapons security (prior to the removal of nuclear weapons from aircraft carriers), and manning ship’s weapons during general quarters. The MARDET also participated in protocol and honors duties, representing the Marine Corps during foreign port visits and official ceremonies. The unit was disbanded in the late 1990s as part of a Navy-wide decision to eliminate permanent Marine Detachments from aircraft carriers.

USS Carmick (DMS-33) was originally commissioned as a Gleaves-class destroyer (DD-493) in 1942. She served with distinction in World War II, participating in the invasions of Sicily and Normandy, and providing fire support and anti-submarine patrols. In 1945, Carmick was converted to a high-speed minesweeper and re-designated DMS-33, serving in the Pacific during the final months of the war and in postwar occupation duties. She continued operations during the Korean War, conducting minesweeping and escort missions before being decommissioned in 1955.

**USS Castor (AKS-1)** was a Castor-class general stores issue ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1940. She provided vital logistics support throughout World War II, supplying fleet units during major Pacific campaigns, including Guadalcanal and Okinawa. After the war, Castor continued service during the Korean War, ensuring the steady flow of supplies to U.S. and allied forces. **USS Vega (AF-59)**, a stores ship commissioned in 1955, succeeded Castor in this vital role, supporting Navy operations through the Cold War and Vietnam War before her decommissioning in 1977. Both ships exemplified the essential role of naval logistics in sustaining combat operations worldwide.

USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Okinawa campaign. After the war, the ship supported occupation duties in Asia and later took part in the Korean War, providing shore bombardment and escort services. USS Charles S. Sperry continued to serve through the Cold War era, including deployments in the Mediterranean and participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis, before being decommissioned in 1973.

USS Claud Jones (DE-1033) was a Claud Jones-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Rear Admiral Claud Ashton Jones, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and convoy escort duties during the Cold War. Operating primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean, she participated in numerous training exercises and NATO operations, reinforcing U.S. naval presence and readiness. USS Claud Jones was decommissioned in 1974 and later transferred to Indonesia, where she served as KRI Monginsidi (341).

USS Cony (DD-508) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1942. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the Solomon Islands campaign, the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, and the invasion of Okinawa. USS Cony earned 12 battle stars for her wartime service, reflecting her significant contributions to naval engagements and shore bombardments. After the war, she continued in service until 1960, when she was decommissioned and later transferred to the Peruvian Navy.

USS Cotton (DD-669) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Leyte Gulf landings. Cotton provided vital escort and screening duties for aircraft carrier task forces, as well as conducting anti-aircraft and anti-submarine operations. After the war, she supported occupation forces in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1946.

USS Courtney (DE-1021) was a Dealey-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1956. Named in honor of Marine Major Henry A. Courtney, Jr., a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, the ship primarily served in anti-submarine warfare roles during the Cold War. Courtney participated in numerous NATO exercises and patrols in the Atlantic, helping to strengthen alliances and deter Soviet submarine threats. After over a decade of service, the vessel was decommissioned in 1973 and later sold for scrap.