USN

USS Hawaii (SSN-776) is a Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy on May 5, 2007. Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat, she is the third vessel of her class and the first U.S. warship named after the state of Hawaii. Since commissioning, USS Hawaii has been homeported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and has conducted a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare operations throughout the Pacific region. The submarine has participated in several multinational exercises, demonstrating advanced capabilities and strengthening partnerships with allied navies.

USS Hooper (DE-1026) was a Dealey-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named after Lieutenant Commander James J. Hooper, the vessel was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and fleet escort duties during the Cold War. Throughout its service, USS Hooper participated in numerous training exercises and patrols in the Atlantic and Caribbean, enhancing the Navy’s readiness against potential submarine threats. After nearly two decades of service, the ship was decommissioned in 1973 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Hooper Island (ARG-17) was a Luzon-class internal combustion engine repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Built to provide critical maintenance and repair services to naval vessels, she served in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II. After the war, Hooper Island supported occupation forces in Asia and later participated in Korean War operations, maintaining fleet readiness. The ship was decommissioned in 1959, after a notable career of logistical support and service throughout two major conflicts.

USS Hornet (CV-12) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in November 1943, named to honor the previous Hornet (CV-8) lost at the Battle of Santa Cruz. Throughout World War II, she played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and attacks on the Japanese home islands. Hornet's aircraft were crucial in sinking enemy ships and providing air support for amphibious landings. After the war, she supported Operation Magic Carpet, bringing American servicemen home, and later participated in the recovery of Apollo space missions before being decommissioned in 1970.

USS Irex (SS-482) was a Tench-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Although she did not see combat during the war, Irex played a significant role in postwar naval developments, notably becoming the first submarine to be fitted with a snorkel in 1946, which allowed extended submerged operations. Throughout her service, Irex participated in numerous training exercises, fleet maneuvers, and NATO operations during the Cold War, enhancing anti-submarine warfare tactics. After a distinguished career, she was decommissioned in 1969 and later sold for scrap.

USS Jefferson City (SSN-759) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on February 29, 1992. Built by Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, the submarine was named after Jefferson City, Missouri. Throughout its service, USS Jefferson City has participated in various operations, including support missions for carrier strike groups and intelligence-gathering patrols. The submarine has also taken part in numerous multinational naval exercises, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's commitment to undersea warfare and global maritime security.

The USS Kentucky refers to two notable ships in United States Navy history. The first, USS Kentucky (BB-6), was an Illinois-class battleship commissioned in 1900, serving as the flagship during the Great White Fleet's world cruise and participating in early 20th-century exercises before decommissioning in 1920. The second, USS Kentucky (BB-66), was planned as an Iowa-class battleship, but construction was halted during World War II and she was never completed, ultimately being scrapped in 1958. Both ships reflect significant periods in U.S. naval development, from pre-World War I power projection to the rapid technological changes of World War II. The name USS Kentucky honors the 15th state and symbolizes the Navy's enduring tradition of state-named capital ships.

USS Knudson (APD-101) was a high-speed transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. Originally laid down as a destroyer escort (DE-591), she was converted to a Crosley-class fast transport to support amphibious operations. Knudson served in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the Okinawa campaign, where she performed escort and patrol duties. After the war, she aided in occupation efforts in Japan and China before being decommissioned in 1946.

USS KULA GULF (CVE-108) was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1945. Named after the Battle of Kula Gulf, the ship served briefly in the Pacific at the tail end of World War II, transporting aircraft and personnel and supporting occupation duties in Japan. After the war, she participated in Operation Magic Carpet, returning American servicemen home, and was decommissioned in 1946. Recommissioned during the Korean War, KULA GULF later served as a training and aircraft transport carrier before being struck from the Navy list in 1969.