USN

USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599) was the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine of the George Washington class, commissioned into the United States Navy on April 9, 1960. Designed to carry Polaris ballistic missiles, she played a critical role in the U.S. strategic deterrent during the Cold War. Patrick Henry completed over 31 deterrent patrols, primarily in the Atlantic Ocean, before being converted to an attack submarine (SSN) in 1982 as her missile systems were removed. The submarine was decommissioned on May 25, 1984, after more than two decades of service.

USS Pledge (MSO-492) was an Agile-class minesweeper of the United States Navy, commissioned on 20 October 1955. Designed for mine countermeasure operations, she served extensively in the Pacific, participating in training exercises and supporting fleet operations during the Cold War. The ship contributed to several multinational exercises and operated in areas such as the Western Pacific and off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. USS Pledge was decommissioned on 1 January 1994 after nearly four decades of service and was subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS *Plymouth Rock* (LSD-29) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Designed to support amphibious operations, she provided transport and launch capabilities for landing craft, vehicles, and troops. *Plymouth Rock* participated in numerous exercises and operations along the Atlantic coast, the Caribbean, and occasionally in the Mediterranean, contributing to Cold War readiness and rapid deployment capabilities. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1983 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS **Ponchatoula (AO-148)** was a Neosho-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1956. Designed to refuel ships at sea, she played a vital support role during major operations, including the Vietnam War, where she serviced aircraft carriers and other vessels off the coast of Southeast Asia. Throughout her career, Ponchatoula participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific, earning multiple awards for her service. Decommissioned in 1992, she was later transferred to the Maritime Administration and eventually scrapped, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of logistical excellence.

USS Port Royal (CG 73) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on July 9, 1994. Named after two historic American battles, the ship has played a critical role in air defense, ballistic missile defense, and multi-mission operations throughout its service. Port Royal participated in various deployments, including support for Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing vital air and missile defense capabilities. Notably, in 2009, the ship ran aground near Honolulu but was repaired and returned to service, continuing to operate as a key asset in the Pacific Fleet until its decommissioning in 2022.

USS Porter (DDG-78) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in the United States Navy, commissioned on March 20, 1999. Named after Commodore David Porter and his son, Admiral David Dixon Porter, the ship has played a key role in various Navy operations, including ballistic missile defense and multinational exercises. USS Porter has been forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, supporting NATO’s ballistic missile defense system and participating in operations such as the 2017 missile strike on Syria in response to chemical attacks. The destroyer continues to serve as a vital asset in both Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters, contributing to maritime security and alliance commitments.

USS Preston (DD-795) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in March 1944. She saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing escort, screening, and shore bombardment support during key operations such as the Marianas, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa campaigns. After World War II, Preston was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, where she participated in patrol and bombardment duties. The destroyer was finally decommissioned in 1969 and later transferred to Turkey, serving as TCG Icel (D 344).

USS Radford (DD-446) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1942. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major campaigns such as the Solomon Islands, the Battle of Kolombangara, and the Philippines. Radford was renowned for her aggressive anti-submarine and rescue operations, notably rescuing hundreds of survivors from sunken ships. After the war, she saw service during the Korean War before being decommissioned in 1946, briefly recommissioned in 1950, and ultimately struck from the naval register in 1969.

USS Rainier (AOE-7) was a Sacramento-class fast combat support ship commissioned into the United States Navy on January 21, 1995. Designed to provide rapid underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies, Rainier played a crucial logistical role supporting carrier strike groups and other naval vessels. The ship served in various operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, enhancing fleet operational readiness. Rainier was decommissioned on August 29, 2003, and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command as USNS Rainier (T-AOE-7), continuing her service as a vital replenishment asset.