USN

USS **Hayler** (DD-997) was a Spruance-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned on March 5, 1983. Named after Admiral Robert W. Hayler, the ship was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but also carried capabilities for surface and air engagements. Throughout her service, Hayler participated in multiple deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Persian Gulf, supporting various fleet exercises and multinational operations. The ship was decommissioned on August 25, 2003, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2004.

USS Hepburn (DE-1055) was a Knox-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1969. Named after Lieutenant Commander Arthur Japy Hepburn, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, undertaking anti-submarine warfare operations and participating in training exercises with allied navies during the Cold War. Hepburn saw multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. presence and operations in volatile regions. Decommissioned in 1991, she was later sunk as a target during training exercises in 2002.

The USS John Young (DD-973) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on May 20, 1978. Named in honor of Captain John Young, a decorated naval officer from the War of 1812, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her service, the USS John Young participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and maritime interdiction missions. After more than two decades of active duty, the destroyer was decommissioned on September 30, 2002, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2004.

USS KEARSARGE (CV-33), later redesignated CVS-33, was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Initially serving in the immediate post-World War II period, she participated in training and readiness operations before being modernized and redeployed during the Korean War, where she conducted combat operations and air support missions. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, KEARSARGE was converted to an anti-submarine warfare carrier (CVS) and played a significant role in Cold War operations, including serving as the primary recovery ship for several NASA space missions. The ship was decommissioned in 1970 after nearly 25 years of distinguished service.

USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on September 26, 1987. Named after the decisive World War II Battle of Leyte Gulf, the ship has served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting carrier strike groups, conducting maritime security operations, and participating in major exercises and deployments. Notably, USS Leyte Gulf has been involved in operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities. Over its distinguished service, the cruiser has received numerous awards for operational excellence and remains a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet.

USS Lockwood (FF-1064) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Named after Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, a prominent submarine commander during World War II, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and escort duties during the Cold War. Throughout her service, Lockwood participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as supporting US interests in the Western Pacific. After more than two decades of service, USS Lockwood was decommissioned in 1992 and subsequently transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Karadeniz (F-255).

USS Manitowoc (LST-1180) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Designed to transport and deploy tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto shore, she served extensively with the Atlantic Fleet and participated in multiple training exercises and amphibious operations. Manitowoc supported NATO exercises, Caribbean deployments, and humanitarian missions, reflecting the versatility of the Newport-class design. Decommissioned in 1993, she was later transferred to the Republic of China Navy, where she served as ROCS Chung Ho (LST-225).

USS Manley (DD-940) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named after Captain John Manley, a notable figure from the American Revolutionary War, the ship served extensively during the Cold War era. Manley participated in significant operations including the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962 and deployments during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support. The destroyer continued service through NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments until being decommissioned in 1983.

USS **Meyerkord (FF-1058)** was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1969. Named in honor of Lieutenant Harold Dale Meyerkord, a Navy officer killed in action during the Vietnam War, the ship served primarily in anti-submarine warfare roles throughout the Cold War. Meyerkord participated in various Pacific Fleet operations, including multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. interests and allied exercises. The frigate was decommissioned in 1991 and later transferred to Turkey, where she served as **TCG Karadeniz (F-255)** until her retirement from active duty.