USN

USS Waddell (DDG-24) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1964. Named after Civil War officer James Iredell Waddell, the ship served extensively during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in carrier escort operations. Throughout her career, Waddell conducted multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. interests during the Cold War. Decommissioned in 1992, USS Waddell was later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as Nearchos (D219) before being retired.

Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33), known as the "Tarsiers," was a distinguished United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1948. The unit saw combat during the Korean War, flying F4U Corsairs, and later transitioned to jets, including the F-8 Crusader and the F-4 Phantom II. VF-33 played an active role in the Vietnam War and later operated the F-14 Tomcat, participating in various Cold War operations and deployments. The squadron was disestablished in October 1993 after decades of service and numerous accolades.

Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 21 (VR-21) was a United States Navy aviation unit established in 1948. Originally formed as Utility Squadron SIX (VU-6), it was redesignated as VR-21 in July 1950, operating out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. The squadron provided essential logistics, personnel, and cargo transport services throughout the Pacific, supporting fleet operations with a variety of aircraft including the R5D, C-54, and C-118. VR-21 was disestablished in 1971, having played a critical role in connecting and sustaining U.S. naval forces across the vast Pacific theater.

**BMU-1 (Beachmaster Unit One)** is a United States Navy amphibious beach party unit, commissioned in July 1949 and based at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California. Its primary mission is to support amphibious landing operations by coordinating the movement of troops, vehicles, and supplies across the surf zone between landing craft and the shore. BMU-1 played a significant role in key operations including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and more recent Middle East deployments, providing critical beach management and logistics support. The unit continues to support fleet and joint amphibious exercises worldwide, maintaining readiness for rapid deployment in support of U.S. naval and joint operations.

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ONE (HC-1), also known as "Pacific Fleet Angels," was established by the United States Navy on April 1, 1948. It was the Navy’s first helicopter squadron, pioneering the operational use of helicopters for search and rescue (SAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and fleet logistics missions. HC-1 participated in numerous critical operations, including support during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and played a vital role in the recovery of astronauts from space missions. The squadron was disestablished on April 29, 1994, after nearly five decades of distinguished service.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Cubi Point was established in 1956 at Subic Bay, Philippines, and quickly became a vital logistical and operational hub for the United States Navy in the Western Pacific. Constructed by the U.S. Navy Seabees, the base featured a unique pier and airfield complex carved directly from mountainous jungle terrain. Throughout the Vietnam War and the Cold War, NAS Cubi Point provided critical support for carrier-based aircraft, serving as a major repair, supply, and rest-and-recreation facility. The station remained active until its closure in 1992, following the expiration of the U.S.-Philippines base agreement, marking the end of an era for American naval presence in the region.

NAVCOMMSTA Rota, Spain—formally known as the U.S. Naval Communications Station, Rota—was established in the late 1950s as a key component of the U.S. Navy’s global communications network. Strategically located at Naval Station Rota on Spain’s southwestern coast, the unit provided secure, reliable communications for U.S. and allied naval operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and surrounding regions. Throughout the Cold War, NAVCOMMSTA Rota played a crucial role in supporting fleet movements, intelligence activities, and joint operations with NATO partners. The command underwent several reorganizations as technology advanced, eventually merging into consolidated communications activities in the 1990s, but its legacy endures as a vital link in U.S. and NATO maritime operations.

USS Alamo (LSD-33) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy on August 24, 1956. Designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles, the Alamo participated in numerous operations, including troop deployments during the Vietnam War and humanitarian missions in the Pacific. Throughout its service, the ship supported amphibious assaults, training exercises, and logistical missions, demonstrating the versatility of the dock landing ship design. After nearly four decades of active duty, USS Alamo was decommissioned on March 28, 1990, and later transferred to the Brazilian Navy.

USS Cape Cod (AD-43) was a Yellowstone-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1982. Designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to destroyers and other surface combatants, she played a vital role in keeping the fleet operational. Throughout her service, Cape Cod was deployed to various locations, including support missions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. She was decommissioned in 1995 after more than a decade of service, reflecting changing strategic needs following the end of the Cold War.