USN

USS Zellars (DD-777) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1944. Named after Lieutenant Francis Zellars, she served with distinction during World War II, notably participating in the Okinawa campaign where she survived a damaging kamikaze attack in April 1945. After the war, Zellars supported occupation duties in Asia and later saw service during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carriers. Decommissioned in 1971, she was transferred to the Iranian Navy, where she continued her service under the name Babr.

The V-6, USNR (United States Naval Reserve), also known as the "General Service and Specialist" branch, was established during World War II to rapidly expand the Navy’s manpower. Created in 1942, the V-6 program allowed men to enlist in the Naval Reserve for general service or specialized technical roles, often before being called to active duty for training and deployment. Members of V-6 served in a wide range of positions, from combat operations to vital support and technical roles on ships, bases, and naval installations worldwide. The V-6 Reserve contributed significantly to the Navy's wartime expansion and success, and after WWII, many V-6 reservists were demobilized as the Navy downsized.

**V6** was a designation used by the United States Navy during World War II for the Naval Reserve’s Volunteer Specialist Branch. Established in the early 1940s, the V6 unit was composed of enlisted personnel who possessed specialized civilian skills—such as engineering, communications, and technical trades—that were critical to the war effort. Members of V6 served primarily in support roles both stateside and overseas, ensuring the Navy’s operations were efficient and well-supplied. After World War II, the V6 classification was discontinued as the Navy reorganized its reserve and specialist programs for the postwar era.

Attack Squadron 15 (VA-15), known as the "Valions," was a distinguished attack squadron of the United States Navy. Originally established as Torpedo Squadron VT-4 in 1942, the squadron was redesignated several times before becoming VA-15 in 1948. VA-15 participated in numerous major operations, including World War II missions in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, as well as combat deployments during the Vietnam War. The squadron flew a variety of aircraft over its history, such as the TBM Avenger and the A-4 Skyhawk, before it was disestablished in 1990.

Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164) "Ghostriders" was a U.S. Navy attack squadron established on September 1, 1960. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and flew the A-4 Skyhawk series of attack aircraft. VA-164 participated extensively in the Vietnam War, conducting strike missions from aircraft carriers such as the USS Oriskany. The squadron was known for its professionalism and valor under fire, earning several commendations before being disestablished on December 12, 1975.

Attack Squadron 43 (VA-43), known as the "Challengers," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1950 as Fighter Squadron 43 (VF-43) before being redesignated as VA-43 in 1959. Initially operating as a fleet replacement training squadron, VA-43 played a key role in training pilots to fly jet aircraft such as the F9F Panther and later the A-4 Skyhawk. Stationed primarily at Naval Air Station Oceana, the squadron provided essential instruction in carrier-based attack tactics throughout the 1960s. VA-43 was disestablished in 1971, having contributed significantly to the development and readiness of Navy attack aviators during the Cold War era.

VAQ-309, known as the "Axemen," was a United States Navy Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron established in 1979 as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. Based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, the squadron operated the EA-6B Prowler, providing electronic warfare support and training for fleet and reserve units. VAQ-309 participated in a variety of exercises and fleet support missions, contributing to the Navy’s electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses. The squadron was deactivated in 1994 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

VAW-78, known as the "Fighting Escargots," was a United States Navy Reserve Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron established in July 1970. The unit operated the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning and command and control capabilities. Based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, VAW-78 supported fleet operations, participated in numerous exercises, and contributed to drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean. The squadron was decommissioned in March 2005 as part of a broader reorganization of Naval Reserve aviation forces.

Strike Fighter Squadron Composite Twelve (VC-12), known as the "Fighting Omars," was initially established on September 6, 1943, as Composite Squadron Twelve during World War II. The squadron has a legacy of providing adversary training to fleet aircrews, simulating enemy tactics and aircraft to enhance combat readiness. Over the years, VC-12 has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, and most recently, the F/A-18 Hornet. Based at Naval Air Station Oceana, VC-12 continues to play a vital role in preparing Navy pilots for real-world air combat scenarios.