USN

USS Spartanburg County (LST-1192) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Designed for rapid loading and unloading of tanks, vehicles, and troops, she participated in numerous amphibious training exercises and NATO operations throughout her service. The ship played a vital logistical role in supporting U.S. and allied forces during the Cold War, particularly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. After over two decades of service, USS Spartanburg County was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to the Royal Malaysian Navy.

USS *Tuscaloosa* (LST-1187) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed to support amphibious operations, she featured a unique bow ramp for rapid offloading of vehicles and cargo directly onto shore. Throughout her service, *Tuscaloosa* participated in numerous training exercises, humanitarian missions, and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, playing a vital support role during the Vietnam War and later Cold War operations. She was decommissioned in 1994 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Vincennes (CG-49) was a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1985. Named after the Revolutionary War Battle of Vincennes, she served extensively in the Pacific Fleet and participated in numerous exercises and operations throughout her career. Most notably, on July 3, 1988, Vincennes mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, resulting in 290 civilian deaths and significant international controversy. The ship continued to serve until her decommissioning in 2005, after which she was placed in reserve.

USS Whipple (FF-1062) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1970. Named after Commodore Abraham Whipple, the ship played a vital role during the Cold War, conducting anti-submarine warfare operations and escort missions, particularly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Whipple participated in significant exercises and supported operations during the Vietnam War, including search and rescue missions. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she served under the name ARM Mina (F-214).

Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) "Blue Hawks" was a distinguished United States Navy attack squadron established in 1945. Originally designated as Bomber-Fighter Squadron VBF-18, it was redesignated several times before becoming VA-72 in 1955. The Blue Hawks participated in major Cold War and postwar operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, where they flew the A-7E Corsair II in strike missions against Iraqi targets in 1991. The squadron was deactivated later in 1991, marking the end of nearly five decades of service.

Attack Squadron 113 (VA-113), known as the "Stingers," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on July 15, 1948. Initially flying the F8F Bearcat and later transitioning to jet aircraft such as the F9F Panther, F9F Cougar, and A-4 Skyhawk, VA-113 participated in combat operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The squadron was renowned for its effectiveness in ground-attack missions, providing close air support and interdiction strikes. VA-113 was ultimately disestablished on October 1, 1977, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 128 (VA-128), known as the "Golden Intruders," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on September 1, 1967. Its primary mission was to serve as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training aircrews and maintenance personnel to operate the A-6 Intruder all-weather attack aircraft. Based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, VA-128 played a crucial role in preparing Navy personnel for combat and fleet assignments during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. The squadron was disestablished on September 30, 1995, following the retirement of the A-6 Intruder from active service.

VC-1, or Composite Squadron One, was a United States Navy aviation unit established during World War II. Formed in 1943, VC-1 was part of the "composite squadron" concept, providing both fighter and anti-submarine capabilities aboard escort carriers. The squadron flew aircraft such as the Grumman FM-2 Wildcat and the TBM Avenger, conducting vital anti-submarine patrols and convoy protection missions in the Atlantic theater. VC-1 contributed to the safe passage of Allied shipping by countering the threat posed by German U-boats, playing a significant role in the Battle of the Atlantic before being disestablished in 1945.

VC-5, originally established as Composite Squadron FIVE (VC-5) by the U.S. Navy in 1948, was a pioneering unit in carrier-based airborne early warning (AEW) and electronic warfare. The squadron initially operated TBM Avenger aircraft and later transitioned to the AD Skyraider and other specialized platforms, conducting vital night attack and electronic countermeasure missions. Throughout the 1950s and into the early 1960s, VC-5 played a key role in testing and developing electronic warfare tactics for carrier operations. The squadron was eventually redesignated as VAQ-135 in 1968, continuing its legacy under a new name as part of the evolving electronic attack community.