USN

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO (HCU-2), later redesignated as Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO (HC-2), was a United States Navy helicopter unit established in April 1948. The squadron was originally based at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey, before moving to NAS Norfolk, Virginia. HCU-2’s primary mission was to provide search and rescue (SAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and logistics support for the Atlantic Fleet. Over its decades of service, the unit operated various helicopters, including the Sikorsky H-19, SH-3 Sea King, and CH-46 Sea Knight, before being disestablished in 1997.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 19 (HM-19), known as the "Golden Bears," was established in 1977 at Naval Air Station Alameda, California. The squadron specializes in airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) and operates MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters, providing critical support in mine detection and clearance for the U.S. Navy. Over the years, HM-19 has participated in major operations worldwide, including Operation Desert Storm and various international exercises, contributing to safe naval passage and maritime security. In 1994, the squadron was relocated to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, where it continues to serve as a key asset in mine warfare.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 47 (HSL-47), known as the "Saberhawks," was established on September 15, 1984, at Naval Air Station North Island, California. The squadron operated the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, specializing in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue missions, primarily supporting U.S. Navy surface combatants in the Pacific Fleet. HSL-47 deployed aboard various cruisers and destroyers, playing a critical role in maritime security and fleet defense during its service. In 2015, as part of the Navy's helicopter community transition, HSL-47 was redesignated as Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 47 (HSM-47), continuing its legacy with the MH-60R Seahawk.

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven Four (HSM-74), known as the "Swamp Foxes," was established in 1986 as HSL-44 and later redesignated HSM-74 in March 2009. Originally based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, the squadron transitioned from the SH-60B Seahawk to the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, expanding its capabilities in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. HSM-74 has supported numerous carrier strike group deployments, providing critical maritime security, search and rescue, and reconnaissance missions. The squadron continues to serve as a vital component of the U.S. Navy's rotary-wing aviation force, maintaining a reputation for operational excellence.

Naval Base Kitsap – Keyport, historically known as the Keyport Naval Shipyard, was established in 1914 as the Pacific Coast Torpedo Station near Keyport, Washington. Initially tasked with the development, testing, and maintenance of torpedoes, the facility played a crucial role during both World Wars, supporting the U.S. Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities. Over the decades, its mission expanded to include research and support for cutting-edge undersea weaponry, unmanned systems, and fleet readiness. Today, Keyport is an integral part of Naval Base Kitsap, providing technical support, maintenance, and logistics for the Navy’s undersea and surface warfare systems.

**Military Unit LST 983 History:** LST-983 was a tank landing ship (LST) of the LST-542 class built for the United States Navy during World War II. Commissioned in 1944, she played a critical role in the European Theater, participating in the Normandy landings (D-Day) in June 1944 by delivering troops, vehicles, and equipment directly onto the beaches. After the war, LST-983 continued to serve in occupation duties in Europe before being decommissioned in 1946. The vessel was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for civilian use, marking the end of her distinguished service.

The Marine Detachment aboard USS Long Beach (CGN-9) served as an integral part of the ship’s company from her commissioning in 1961 until the Navy-wide phase-out of shipboard Marine detachments in the late 20th century. Responsible for internal security, ceremonial duties, and manning the ship’s secondary battery during General Quarters, the Marines also provided a landing force capability when needed. Throughout the Cold War, the detachment supported the cruiser’s various deployments, including Vietnam War operations and numerous show-of-force missions. The Marine Detachment was officially disbanded in the 1990s as part of a broader reorganization of Navy-Marine Corps manpower on surface ships.

The Marine Detachment aboard USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) was activated when the Essex-class aircraft carrier was commissioned in May 1946. As with other carrier-based Marine Detachments of the era, its primary roles included ship security, ceremonial duties, and the operation of the ship’s brig. During the Korean War, the Marine Detachment supported air operations and contributed to shipboard defense while the Philippine Sea launched air strikes in support of United Nations forces. The unit remained active throughout the ship’s deployments until the carrier’s decommissioning in 1958, exemplifying Marine Corps discipline and tradition afloat.

MCM Crew Reaper is a U.S. Navy mine countermeasures (MCM) crew, established as part of the Navy’s rotational crewing strategy for Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships. Formed in the early 2010s, Crew Reaper has been deployed aboard various MCM vessels, primarily serving in the Fifth Fleet area of operations to safeguard critical maritime chokepoints like the Persian Gulf. The crew specializes in detecting and neutralizing naval mines using advanced sonar systems and remotely operated vehicles, ensuring safe passage for both military and commercial shipping. Their adaptability and technical expertise have made them a vital asset in maintaining maritime security and supporting coalition operations worldwide.