USN

The USS Kenneth M. Willett (DE-354) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named in honor of Lieutenant (junior grade) Kenneth M. Willett, a Navy aviator killed in action during World War II, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Theater. She performed escort and patrol duties, protected convoys, and participated in anti-submarine operations until the end of the war. After the war, Kenneth M. Willett assisted in occupation duties before being decommissioned in 1946 and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1972.

USS KIDD (DD-661) is a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on April 23, 1943. Named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the KIDD served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, Philippines, and Okinawa. The destroyer earned twelve battle stars for its service and survived a kamikaze attack off Okinawa in April 1945. After the war, KIDD was decommissioned, later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, and today serves as a museum ship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

USS Lapon (SSN-661) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering during the Cold War, she conducted numerous covert operations and patrols, primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. USS Lapon earned a reputation for excellence, receiving multiple commendations for her service and operational achievements. After over two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in 1992, marking the end of her distinguished career.

USS Leader (MSO-490) was an Aggressive-class minesweeper commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Designed for clearing naval mines to ensure safe passage of fleet and commercial vessels, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Leader participated in multiple Western Pacific deployments, supporting operations during the Vietnam War and taking part in joint exercises with allied navies. After decades of service contributing to maritime security and mine countermeasures, USS Leader was decommissioned in 1990.

USS LeRay Wilson (DE-414) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. Named in honor of Seaman LeRay Wilson, who was killed in action during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, the ship served in the Pacific Theater. She performed escort duties for convoys and participated in operations supporting the liberation of the Philippines, surviving several attacks by enemy aircraft and kamikaze pilots. After the war, USS LeRay Wilson was decommissioned in 1946 and later struck from the Navy list in 1972.

USS Lipan (ATF-85) was an Abnaki-class fleet ocean tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. Throughout World War II, Lipan provided vital towing, salvage, and rescue services in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations at locations such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The vessel continued its valuable support role during the Korean War, assisting in logistics and recovery operations. After decades of distinguished service, USS Lipan was decommissioned in 1978, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast support to the U.S. Navy’s fleet operations.

USS Litchfield County (LST-901) was a tank landing ship of the LST-542 class, commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1945. She served in the Pacific Theater during the final stages of World War II, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to forward areas. After the war, LST-901 participated in occupation duties in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1946. Reactivated for the Korean War and later service, she was renamed USS Litchfield County in 1955 and continued to serve until her decommissioning in 1969.

USS LOUIS B. PULLER (FFG-23) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, named in honor of the legendary Marine Corps General Lewis "Chesty" Puller. Commissioned on April 17, 1982, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, conducting operations that included escort duties, drug interdiction missions, and participation in multinational exercises. The frigate played a key role in supporting U.S. interests during the latter years of the Cold War, as well as in regional stability operations. USS LOUIS B. PULLER was decommissioned on September 18, 1998, and later transferred to the Egyptian Navy.

USS LSM-168 was a Landing Ship Medium commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Built at the Charleston Navy Yard, she was launched in 1944 and assigned to the Pacific Theater. LSM-168 participated in several key amphibious operations, including the liberation of the Philippines, providing critical support for landing troops and equipment under fire. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her service.