USN

USS Grand Canyon (AD-28) was a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to destroyers and other small warships, she served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet and Mediterranean Sea during the Cold War. The ship participated in numerous NATO exercises, supported the fleet during crises such as the Lebanon intervention in 1958, and routinely deployed with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Decommissioned in 1978 after over three decades of service, USS Grand Canyon was eventually sold for scrap in 1980.

USS Lawrence (DDG-4) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1962. Named after Captain James Lawrence, a hero of the War of 1812, the ship served prominently during the Cold War, conducting operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. USS Lawrence participated in significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine and multiple Mediterranean deployments with the Sixth Fleet. After more than two decades of service, the destroyer was decommissioned in March 1990 and subsequently scrapped.

VF-101, known as the "Grim Reapers," was a renowned U.S. Navy fighter squadron established in 1942. The unit participated in World War II and later became famous for its role as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training pilots and Radar Intercept Officers for the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat. Throughout its history, VF-101 was stationed at NAS Oceana and played a vital part in maintaining the Navy's air combat readiness. The squadron was disestablished in 2005, briefly reactivated in 2012 for F-35C training, and finally disestablished again in 2019.

VF-154, known as the "Black Knights," is a distinguished U.S. Navy fighter squadron originally established in 1946. The squadron saw extensive combat during the Korean War, flying F4U Corsairs, and later participated in the Vietnam War with F-8 Crusaders and F-4 Phantoms. In the 1980s and 1990s, VF-154 transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat, deploying on multiple occasions to the Persian Gulf and supporting operations such as Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. In 2003, the unit was redesignated as VFA-154 and transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, continuing its legacy as an elite strike fighter squadron in the U.S. Navy.

Strike Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32), known as the "Swordsmen," was established in 1945 and has a storied history within U.S. Naval Aviation. The squadron saw action during the Korean War, flying F4U Corsairs, and later played significant roles in the Vietnam War with F-4 Phantom IIs. VF-32 gained acclaim in 1989 when its F-14 Tomcats shot down two Libyan MiG-23s during the Gulf of Sidra incident. In 1994, the squadron was redesignated as VFA-32, transitioning to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and continuing its legacy of excellence in modern naval operations.

Patrol Squadron 40 (VP-40), known as the "Fighting Marlins," is a long-standing maritime patrol squadron of the United States Navy. Established in July 1940, the unit has operated various aircraft, including the PBY Catalina, P-2 Neptune, P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon. VP-40 has participated in major conflicts and operations, from World War II anti-submarine patrols in the Pacific to Cold War surveillance and modern maritime security missions. The squadron is renowned for its versatility, professionalism, and continued contribution to U.S. Navy maritime patrol and reconnaissance capabilities.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE (VQ-3), known as the "Ironmen," was established in 1968 as part of the U.S. Navy’s strategic communications force. Originally based at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, the squadron’s mission is to provide airborne communications relay for the nation’s nuclear command and control through the operation of the E-6 Mercury aircraft. VQ-3 played a critical role in the "Take Charge and Move Out" (TACAMO) program, ensuring continuous, survivable communication between national command authorities and ballistic missile submarines. In 1992, the unit relocated to Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where it continues its vital deterrence and command-and-control missions today.

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (COMFLTACTS Yokosuka), located in Yokosuka, Japan, is a major United States Navy shore command and the largest overseas U.S. naval installation. Established in 1945 following Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II, the facility has served as a strategic hub for U.S. naval operations in the Western Pacific. COMFLTACTS Yokosuka supports the U.S. Seventh Fleet and hosts numerous forward-deployed ships, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines. Over the decades, the base has played a vital role in regional security, disaster relief, and fostering U.S.-Japan military cooperation.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve (HM-12), known as the "Sea Dragons," was established by the United States Navy on April 1, 1971. As the Navy’s first dedicated airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) squadron, HM-12 played a crucial role in developing and deploying helicopter-based mine-sweeping techniques, primarily using the CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters. The unit provided vital mine-clearing support during operations such as the Vietnam War and later the Persian Gulf conflicts. HM-12 was instrumental in training personnel and establishing doctrine for modern mine countermeasures before its deactivation in 1994, with its legacy continued by successor squadrons.