USN

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron THREE (HC-3), nicknamed the "Merlins," was established by the U.S. Navy on September 1, 1967, at Naval Air Station Imperial Beach, California. Its primary mission was to provide vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and logistics support to the Pacific Fleet using CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. Over the years, HC-3 became a major fleet replacement squadron, training pilots and aircrew for helicopter combat support operations. In 2005, reflecting changes in mission and aircraft, HC-3 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE (HSC-3), transitioning to the MH-60S Seahawk platform.

USS Ajax (AR-6) was a Vulcan-class repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1943. During World War II, she provided vital repair and maintenance services to the Pacific Fleet, supporting operations in locations such as Eniwetok, Ulithi, and Okinawa. Ajax continued her service through the Korean War and the Vietnam War, ensuring fleet readiness by repairing and refitting ships close to combat zones. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1986, marking the end of a distinguished career supporting U.S. naval operations across three major conflicts.

USS BOXER

U.S. Navy

The USS Boxer is the name given to several ships in the United States Navy, most notably a series of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. The first USS Boxer was a brig captured from the British during the War of 1812. The most famous, USS Boxer (CV-21), was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1945, which served in the closing months of World War II and saw extensive action during the Korean War, earning eight battle stars. Later, the USS Boxer (LHD-4), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, was commissioned in 1995 and continues to serve as a key element of the U.S. Navy’s expeditionary forces, participating in humanitarian missions, combat operations, and multinational exercises around the globe. Throughout their service, ships bearing the name USS Boxer have established a legacy of versatility and distinguished service in the U.S. Navy.

USS New Orleans (LPH-11) was an Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Throughout her service, she played a significant role in the Vietnam War, supporting amphibious operations and serving as a command ship. Notably, USS New Orleans participated in the recovery missions for the Apollo 14 and Apollo 17 space missions, retrieving astronauts and spacecraft from the Pacific Ocean. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1997, leaving a distinguished legacy in both combat operations and space exploration support.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy on July 12, 2003. Named after the 40th U.S. President, the ship has served as a centerpiece of American naval power in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Since joining the fleet, Ronald Reagan has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions, joint exercises, and combat deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In 2015, the carrier was forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, where it continues to serve as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Five, reinforcing U.S. presence and alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.

Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41), also known as the "Black Aces," was established on September 1, 1950. Originally equipped with the F2H Banshee, the squadron later transitioned to various aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat, playing key roles in conflicts such as the Vietnam War and Operation El Dorado Canyon. VF-41 gained worldwide fame in 1981 when its F-14 Tomcats shot down two Libyan Su-22s over the Gulf of Sidra. The squadron was redesignated as VFA-41 in 1995 and currently operates the F/A-18F Super Hornet, continuing its legacy as an elite U.S. Navy fighter squadron.

Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE (ACB-1) was commissioned on July 16, 1943, at Camp Peary, Virginia, as part of the U.S. Navy’s effort to support amphibious operations during World War II. The unit played a vital role in constructing and operating pontoon causeways, beachhead facilities, and support installations during major Pacific campaigns, including the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. In the decades following World War II, ACB-1 continued to support U.S. Navy and Marine Corps missions in Korea, Vietnam, and more recent operations, providing essential logistical and engineering capabilities. Today, ACB-1 remains based at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, standing ready to deliver specialized amphibious construction and support wherever needed.

USS BONHOMME RICHARD

U.S. Navy

The USS Bonhomme Richard has been the namesake of several notable vessels in U.S. naval history. The first, commanded by John Paul Jones, was a former French merchant ship gifted to the United States during the Revolutionary War, famously defeating HMS Serapis in 1779 before sinking. Later ships bearing the name included aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, most recently LHD-6, commissioned in 1998. The LHD-6 served in numerous operations across the Pacific and Middle East until a devastating fire in 2020 led to its decommissioning. The legacy of Bonhomme Richard symbolizes resilience and valor in American naval tradition.

USS Duluth (LPD-6) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned by the United States Navy in 1966. Throughout her service, Duluth participated in numerous major operations, including troop and equipment landings during the Vietnam War and support missions during Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. In subsequent decades, she provided critical support for humanitarian missions and military exercises around the globe, including deployments to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. After nearly four decades of service, USS Duluth was decommissioned in 2005, leaving a legacy of versatility and dedication to amphibious operations.