USN

USS Saint Paul (CA-73) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in February 1945. She served in the final months of World War II, participating in operations against the Japanese home islands and witnessing the official Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. During the Korean War, USS Saint Paul provided naval gunfire support for United Nations forces and took part in bombardment missions along the Korean coast. The cruiser continued to serve through the Vietnam War, offering crucial naval gunfire support before being decommissioned in 1971.

Strike Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102), known as the "Diamondbacks," is a distinguished U.S. Navy aviation unit established in 1955. Originally flying the F2H Banshee, the squadron transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat, before being redesignated as VFA-102 with the adoption of the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2002. VF-102 has participated in numerous operations, including deployments during the Cold War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout its history, the Diamondbacks have earned a reputation for operational excellence and adaptability in carrier-based strike fighter missions.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO (HS-2), known as the "Golden Falcons," was established in 1952 and played a pivotal role in U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare operations. Based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, HS-2 operated a series of helicopters, including the SH-3 Sea King, and was assigned to numerous aircraft carriers as part of Carrier Air Wings. The squadron participated in key operations such as the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and humanitarian missions, earning multiple commendations. In 2009, HS-2 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2) as part of the Navy’s transition to multi-mission helicopter units.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, was commissioned on April 1, 1943, to centralize U.S. Navy aviation testing during World War II. The station quickly became a hub for flight testing, evaluation, and development of naval aircraft and weapons. Over the decades, NAS Patuxent River has played a vital role in advancing naval aviation technology, including supporting the testing of the F/A-18 Hornet and the development of unmanned aerial systems. Today, it remains a premier site for research, development, testing, and evaluation, supporting the U.S. Navy’s mission worldwide.

USS California (CGN-36) was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on February 16, 1974. As the lead ship of the California-class, she was designed to provide air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities for carrier battle groups during the Cold War. Over her service, USS California participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, notably escorting vital convoys and supporting U.S. interests overseas. After over two decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned on July 9, 1999, as advancements in naval technology and high operating costs led to the retirement of her class.

USS Columbus (CG-12) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy, originally commissioned as CA-74 in 1945. After serving in the post-World War II era, she was extensively modernized and converted to a guided missile cruiser, re-designated CG-12 in 1959. USS Columbus served as a flagship and participated in various Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments. She was decommissioned in 1975 after nearly three decades of service.

USS Dixie (AD-14) was a destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in April 1940. During World War II, she provided critical repair and supply services to destroyers in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations in locations such as Pearl Harbor, New Guinea, and the Philippines. After the war, Dixie continued her service in the Far East, supporting U.S. Seventh Fleet operations during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. She was decommissioned in June 1982, having served the fleet for over four decades.

USS **McKee** (DD-575) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in March 1943 during World War II. She served extensively in the Pacific Theater, providing fire support for amphibious landings, escorting fast carrier task forces, and participating in key operations such as the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, and the Philippines. The McKee earned eight battle stars for her wartime service, reflecting her active and distinguished combat record. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1972.

USS Ponce (LPD-15) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Throughout her career, Ponce participated in numerous operations, including supporting the evacuation of American citizens during the Lebanese Civil War in 1982 and serving in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. In her later years, Ponce was converted into an Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB), providing critical support for mine countermeasures and special operations in the Persian Gulf. She was decommissioned in 2017 after more than 46 years of distinguished service.