USN

Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 12 (RVAH-12) was a U.S. Navy squadron established on 1 November 1965 as part of the transition to the RA-5C Vigilante, a high-speed reconnaissance aircraft. The unit played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, conducting critical photographic reconnaissance missions over hostile territory from aircraft carriers. Throughout its service, RVAH-12 participated in numerous deployments with the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, earning several commendations for its operational effectiveness. The squadron was disestablished on 2 July 1979, following the retirement of the Vigilante from active service.

The US Navy Ceremonial Guard was established in 1931 in Washington, D.C., to represent the Navy at official ceremonies and public events. The unit is renowned for its precise drill performances and serves as the official ceremonial unit for the Navy, providing honor guards for the President, Secretary of the Navy, and other dignitaries. Throughout its history, the Guard has participated in presidential inaugurations, state funerals, and international ceremonies, showcasing the professionalism and tradition of the United States Navy. Members are selected for their exceptional appearance and discipline, upholding the highest standards of military bearing and conduct.

USS **Blakely (FF-1072)** was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War, she participated in numerous training exercises, patrols, and fleet operations in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Blakely provided escort services, supported U.S. interests during periods of heightened tension, and took part in multinational NATO exercises. Decommissioned in 1992, she was later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Akdeniz (F-257).

USS Coontz (DDG-40) was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1960. Originally designated as DLG-9, she was later reclassified as DDG-40 in 1975. Throughout her service, Coontz participated in a variety of operations, including Mediterranean deployments with the Sixth Fleet and support for U.S. interests during the Cold War. She was decommissioned in 1989 after nearly three decades of service, and ultimately scrapped in 2003.

USS Daniel Boone (SSBN-629) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the American pioneer Daniel Boone, she played a strategic role during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Over her nearly three decades of service, Daniel Boone contributed to the United States' nuclear triad, ensuring second-strike capability. The submarine was decommissioned in 1994 and subsequently scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Dewey (DLG-14, later redesignated DDG-45) was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Admiral George Dewey, hero of the Battle of Manila Bay, she served extensively with the Atlantic Fleet during the Cold War, participating in numerous NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments. Dewey was notable for her advanced missile systems, providing anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities. The ship was redesignated from a guided missile frigate (DLG) to a guided missile destroyer (DDG) in 1975, and she remained in service until her decommissioning in 1990.

USS ESTES (AGC-12) was an amphibious force flagship commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1944. Serving as a command ship, she played a pivotal role in coordinating amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably participating in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns. After the war, USS ESTES supported occupation forces in Japan and later served during the Korean War, aiding in the Inchon landings and other key operations. She continued to serve as a flagship in the Pacific until her decommissioning in 1969, earning multiple battle stars for her distinguished service.

USS **Henry Clay (SSBN-625)** was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the American statesman Henry Clay, she played a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear deterrent force during the Cold War by conducting strategic deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. The submarine completed numerous deterrent patrols throughout the Atlantic, contributing to the nation's second-strike capability. After over two decades of service, USS Henry Clay was decommissioned in November 1990 and subsequently scrapped as part of the Navy's Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Ingraham (DD-694) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa and providing vital anti-aircraft and shore bombardment support. After the war, Ingraham was active during the Korean War, where she performed screening, patrol, and gunfire support missions. The ship continued to serve through the Cold War until her decommissioning in 1971, after which she was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece.