USN

River Division 554 was a unit of the U.S. Navy’s “Brownwater Navy” that operated in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. Established in 1967, the division was equipped with Patrol Boat, Rivers (PBRs) and tasked with patrolling inland waterways, interdicting enemy supply routes, and supporting ground operations against Viet Cong forces. River Division 554 played a crucial role in Operation Game Warden and frequently engaged in firefights, ambushes, and search-and-destroy missions in challenging riverine environments. The unit’s actions contributed significantly to disrupting enemy logistics and maintaining control over vital waterways throughout the conflict.

USS Ashtabula (AO-51) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. Serving in World War II, she played a crucial role in fueling ships during key Pacific campaigns, including the invasions of the Philippines and Okinawa. The Ashtabula continued her vital logistics mission through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring sustained naval operations. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1982 and later sunk as a target during fleet training exercises in 2000.

USS BENJAMIN STODDERT (DDG-22) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned in 1964. Named after the first Secretary of the Navy, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, supporting operations during the Vietnam War with naval gunfire support and plane guard duties. Throughout her career, BENJAMIN STODDERT participated in numerous exercises and deployments, contributing to Cold War naval readiness and regional stability. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1991 and later sunk as a target in 2001.

USS Dahlgren (DDG-43) was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned on April 8, 1961. Named after Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, the ship played a significant role during the Cold War, conducting anti-air and anti-submarine operations in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. Dahlgren participated in numerous NATO exercises and provided vital support during crises, showcasing American naval power and interoperability with allied forces. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned on July 31, 1992, and later scrapped.

USS Durham (LKA-114) was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1969. Named after the city of Durham, North Carolina, the ship played a significant role in transporting troops, equipment, and supplies during the Vietnam War. Throughout her service, USS Durham participated in numerous exercises and operations, including humanitarian missions and supporting U.S. military interests in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. She was decommissioned in 1994 after 25 years of distinguished service.

USS Shasta (AE-33) was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Designed to carry and deliver ammunition and explosives to fleet units at sea, Shasta played a vital logistical role in supporting naval operations during the later years of the Cold War. The ship participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans, ensuring fleet readiness and sustained combat capability. After over two decades of service, USS Shasta was decommissioned in 1997 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command, continuing her mission as USNS Shasta (T-AE-33).

USS Sylvania (AFS-2) was a Mars-class combat stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Designed to deliver food, ammunition, and other supplies to ships at sea, Sylvania played a crucial logistical role in multiple operations, including support during the Vietnam War and later in the Mediterranean with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Throughout her service, the ship participated in numerous replenishment missions, enabling sustained naval operations far from home ports. After nearly three decades of service, USS Sylvania was decommissioned in 1994 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Tattnall (DDG-19) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1963. Throughout her service, Tattnall participated in Cold War operations, including Mediterranean deployments with the Sixth Fleet and NATO exercises, providing air defense and anti-submarine capabilities. The ship played a key role during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, operating as part of the U.S. naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. After nearly three decades of service, USS Tattnall was decommissioned in 1991 and later sunk as a target in 1999.

Attack Squadron 165 (VA-165), known as the "Boomers," was established on September 1, 1960, as part of the United States Navy. The squadron was primarily equipped with the A-6 Intruder, a carrier-based, all-weather attack aircraft. VA-165 participated in significant combat operations during the Vietnam War and later took part in various deployments throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including support missions during the Gulf War. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, and was disestablished on September 30, 1996.