USN

Attack Squadron 196 (VA-196), known as the "Main Battery," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1948. The squadron initially flew the AD Skyraider and later transitioned to the A-6 Intruder, specializing in all-weather attack missions. VA-196 served with distinction during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and participated in various Cold War operations, providing critical close air support and strike capabilities. The squadron was decommissioned in 1997 after nearly five decades of service.

Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85), known as the "Black Falcons" and later the "Black Falcons," was established by the U.S. Navy on September 1, 1950. The squadron initially flew the AD Skyraider before transitioning to the A-6 Intruder, specializing in all-weather attack missions. VA-85 participated in major conflicts, including the Vietnam War, where it conducted numerous combat sorties, and later operations such as Desert Storm. The unit was disestablished on September 30, 1994, after over four decades of distinguished service.

VF-31, also known as the "Tomcatters," is one of the oldest active U.S. Navy fighter squadrons, originally established in 1935. The squadron participated in World War II, flying the F6F Hellcat, and later saw action in Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War with various aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom and the iconic F-14 Tomcat. VF-31 gained distinction for its combat achievements and for being the last squadron to fly the F-14 Tomcat before transitioning to the F/A-18E Super Hornet in 2006. Today, as VFA-31, the Tomcatters continue their legacy as a premier strike fighter squadron in the U.S. Navy.

Patrol Squadron 4 (VP-4), known as the "Skinny Dragons," is a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron originally established in 1943. During World War II, VP-4 conducted anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions across the Pacific theater, playing a key role in securing sea lanes. Over the decades, the squadron transitioned through several aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune, P-3 Orion, and currently operates the P-8A Poseidon. VP-4 has participated in numerous Cold War, post-Cold War, and modern operations, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support in various global theaters.

**COMNAVSURFPAC** (Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet) was established on 1 March 1975 to serve as the principal command responsible for the readiness, training, and equipping of all surface warfare ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The command traces its heritage to earlier Pacific Fleet surface ship commands during World War II, evolving to consolidate destroyers, cruisers, amphibious, and other surface vessels under a single administrative and operational authority. Headquartered at Naval Base San Diego, COMNAVSURFPAC oversees a diverse fleet, including guided-missile destroyers, cruisers, littoral combat ships, and amphibious assault ships. The command plays a vital role in ensuring U.S. naval superiority and freedom of navigation in the Pacific region, supporting global operations and regional security.

COMSUBLANT (Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic), headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, was established in 1941 to oversee and coordinate the operations of the United States Navy's Atlantic Fleet submarines. Throughout World War II, COMSUBLANT played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and in securing maritime supply lines against German U-boats. During the Cold War, the command expanded its responsibilities to include the operation and maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines, including those armed with strategic ballistic missiles. Today, COMSUBLANT remains a critical component of U.S. naval power, ensuring undersea dominance, strategic deterrence, and the readiness of submarine forces in the Atlantic theater.

**USS Robert H. McCard (DD-822):** The USS Robert H. McCard (DD-822) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1946. She served extensively during the Cold War period, participating in various NATO exercises and deployments with the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean. The McCard provided naval gunfire support during the Lebanon Crisis of 1958 and later performed patrol and training duties. She was decommissioned in 1972 and subsequently transferred to the Turkish Navy. **USS Hull (DD-945):** The USS Hull (DD-945), a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, was commissioned in 1958. She served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in Vietnam War operations, including naval gunfire support and search and rescue missions. The Hull was notable for testing the 8-inch/55 caliber Mark 71 gun in the 1970s, a unique feature for a destroyer. She was decommissioned in 1983 and later sunk as a target during fleet exercises.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, located in Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1972 to support U.S. naval aviation operations in the region. Its mission focused on providing logistical, administrative, and operational support to U.S. Navy aviation units deployed to northern Japan, particularly for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence missions during the Cold War. NAF Misawa played a significant role in U.S.-Japan defense cooperation, hosting rotational patrol squadrons and participating in joint exercises. Over the years, the facility has adapted to evolving security challenges in the Asia-Pacific, continuing to serve as a key element in maintaining regional stability and U.S. forward presence.

USS Belknap (CG-26) was a guided missile cruiser and the lead ship of her class in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1964. Originally designated as a destroyer leader (DLG-26), she was later reclassified as a cruiser (CG-26) in 1975. Belknap is most notably remembered for the catastrophic collision with the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy in 1975, which resulted in a deadly fire and extensive damage. After an extensive rebuild, she returned to service, eventually serving as the flagship for the U.S. Sixth Fleet before being decommissioned in 1995.