USN

Special Warfare Unit One is a specialized maritime special operations force within the Republic of Korea Navy, established in the late 20th century to address evolving security challenges on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. Modeled after the U.S. Navy SEALs, the unit focuses on a wide range of missions including reconnaissance, direct action, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare in maritime environments. Special Warfare Unit One has participated in numerous joint exercises with allied forces and has contributed to international peacekeeping and anti-piracy operations, notably in the Gulf of Aden. Over the years, the unit has developed a reputation for rigorous training standards, operational versatility, and a high level of professionalism within the South Korean armed forces.

USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) is the lead ship of the Arleigh Burke-class of guided-missile destroyers in the United States Navy, commissioned on July 4, 1991. Named after Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, the ship has played a prominent role in numerous naval operations, including enforcing no-fly zones, maritime security missions, and joint exercises with allied navies. Equipped with the Aegis Combat System, the destroyer has demonstrated advanced air, surface, and subsurface warfare capabilities. Over its service, USS Arleigh Burke has received multiple awards for excellence and remains a vital asset in the Navy’s surface fleet.

USS Concord (AFS-5) was a Mars-class combat stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Designed to provide underway replenishment of food, stores, and ammunition to naval combat forces, Concord played a vital logistical role during the Cold War, supporting fleet operations across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Throughout her service, the ship participated in numerous exercises and deployments, ensuring sustained naval readiness. After over two decades of service, USS Concord was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command as USNS Concord (T-AFS-5), continuing her support role until her final inactivation in 2009.

USS Donald B. Beary (FF-1085) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Named after Rear Admiral Donald B. Beary, the ship served primarily as an anti-submarine warfare platform during the Cold War, operating in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous NATO exercises, patrol missions, and multinational operations, contributing to maritime security and alliance cooperation. The ship was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Karadeniz (F-255).

USS Eldorado (AGC-11) was an amphibious force command ship commissioned by the United States Navy in August 1944. Designed as a floating command center, she played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, serving as the flagship for several major operations, including the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Eldorado participated in the occupation of Japan, and later saw service during the Korean War, supporting United Nations operations. The ship was decommissioned in 1972, having earned multiple battle stars for her distinguished service.

USS Essex (LHD-2) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy on October 17, 1992. Throughout its service, the Essex has played a key role in numerous military operations, including supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 by deploying Marines and equipment to the Persian Gulf. The ship has also participated in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Essex continues to serve as a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious readiness and rapid response capabilities in the Pacific and beyond.

USS Hermitage (LSD-34) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1956. Designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles, Hermitage played a vital role in numerous amphibious operations and training exercises during the Cold War. The ship supported U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Atlantic, and participated in contingency operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis response. After nearly three decades of service, USS Hermitage was decommissioned in 1989 and later transferred to the Brazilian Navy, where she served as Ceará (C-30).

USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1973. Designed to support carrier battle groups, she provided vital underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, Kalamazoo operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in numerous NATO exercises and U.S. fleet operations. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1996 and later scrapped, having played a crucial logistical role in sustaining naval operations.

USS LUCE (DLG-7), a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer leader, was commissioned into the United States Navy on May 20, 1961. Designed primarily for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare, LUCE served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. The ship played significant roles during the Cold War, including crisis response operations and showing the flag missions. LUCE was reclassified as a guided missile destroyer (DDG-38) in 1975 and remained active until her decommissioning on April 1, 1991.