USN

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 122 (VAW-122), known as the "Steeljaws," was established on April 1, 1967. The squadron operated the E-2 Hawkeye and provided airborne early warning and command and control for the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. VAW-122 saw significant action during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and supported various operations throughout the Cold War era. The unit was decommissioned on March 31, 1996, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

Fleet Composite Squadron 8 (VC-8), also known as "Redtails," was a United States Navy aviation unit established in December 1956. Originally based at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, VC-8 provided a variety of support roles, including aerial target towing, electronic warfare training, and fleet exercises for Atlantic Fleet forces. The squadron operated various aircraft over its history, such as the A-4 Skyhawk, S-2 Tracker, and later the HH-60H Seahawk for search and rescue missions. VC-8 was deactivated on September 26, 2003, concluding nearly five decades of versatile service to the Navy.

VF-142, known as the "Ghostriders," was a distinguished United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1948. Initially equipped with F4U Corsairs, the squadron transitioned through several jet aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat. VF-142 participated in major conflicts such as the Vietnam War and operations in the Persian Gulf, earning a reputation for excellence in air combat and fleet defense. The squadron was deactivated in April 1995 after nearly five decades of service.

VF-84, known as the "Jolly Rogers," was a renowned U.S. Navy fighter squadron established in 1955. Initially flying the FJ-3 Fury, the squadron later transitioned to the F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, and finally the F-14 Tomcat, gaining fame for their distinctive skull-and-crossbones insignia. VF-84 participated in numerous deployments, including combat operations during the Vietnam War and several Mediterranean cruises during the Cold War. The squadron was disestablished in 1995, but its legacy continues through its iconic imagery and the traditions carried on by successor units.

VF-92, known as the "Silver Kings," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in March 1952. The unit operated various aircraft, including the F2H Banshee, F9F Panther, and later the F-4 Phantom II. VF-92 participated in numerous deployments, including significant combat operations during the Vietnam War, flying from aircraft carriers such as USS Constellation and USS Enterprise. The squadron was disestablished in January 1976, leaving a distinguished legacy in naval aviation history.

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1), known as the "Pioneers," was established in 1942 at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Its original mission was to develop and evaluate airborne anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tactics and equipment for the U.S. Navy. Over the decades, VX-1 expanded its role to include operational testing and evaluation of a wide array of maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and warfare systems, including the P-3 Orion, P-8 Poseidon, and MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters. Currently based at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, VX-1 continues to play a critical role in advancing naval aviation technology and ensuring fleet readiness.

Air Development Squadron Five (VX-5), known as the "Vampires," was established by the U.S. Navy on 18 June 1951 at Naval Air Station Moffett Field, California. Its primary mission was to conduct operational testing and evaluation of naval aviation weapons and tactics, ensuring new systems were effective and reliable for fleet use. In 1956, VX-5 relocated to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, where it played a crucial role in the development of advanced weapons systems, including air-to-ground ordnance and electronic warfare tools. The squadron remained at the forefront of naval aviation innovation until 1993, when it merged with VX-4 to form Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9).

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9), known as the "Vampires," was established in 1993 through the consolidation of the Naval Air Test Center Detachment (NATC Det) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Four (VX-4). Based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, VX-9’s mission is to conduct operational test and evaluation of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps tactical aircraft and weapons systems. The squadron has played a critical role in testing and validating the performance of platforms such as the F/A-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C Lightning II. Through its rigorous evaluation processes, VX-9 ensures that new aircraft and weapons meet the demanding requirements of modern naval aviation.

The WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) was a unit of the U.S. Navy established during World War II, on July 30, 1942. Created to free up male personnel for combat roles, the WAVES allowed women to serve in non-combat positions such as clerical work, aviation mechanics, and communications. By the end of the war, over 86,000 women had served as WAVES, making significant contributions to the Navy’s wartime operations. Their exemplary service paved the way for the permanent integration of women into the U.S. armed forces after the war.