USN

USS Leahy (DLG-16), later reclassified as CG-16, was the lead ship of the Leahy-class guided missile cruisers in the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1962, she was among the first ships designed from the keel up as guided missile warships, equipped with advanced radar and missile systems for air defense. Throughout her service, Leahy participated in significant Cold War operations, including Mediterranean deployments with the Sixth Fleet and support roles during the Vietnam War. After nearly three decades of service, USS Leahy was decommissioned in 1993 and later scrapped.

The USS **Lynde McCormick (DDG-8)** was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Named after Admiral Lynde D. McCormick, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet and was actively involved in operations during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers. Throughout her career, Lynde McCormick participated in multiple international exercises and deployments, demonstrating the Navy's commitment to global presence and alliance cooperation. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1991 and later sunk as a target in 2001.

USS Mars (AFS-1) was the lead ship of her class of combat stores ships in the United States Navy, commissioned on 21 December 1963. Designed to provide underway replenishment of provisions, ammunition, and stores to ships at sea, Mars played a crucial support role during the Vietnam War and later in the Western Pacific. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous operations, earning several campaign and service medals. USS Mars was decommissioned on 1 February 1993, concluding nearly three decades of distinguished service to the fleet.

USS South Carolina (CGN-37) was a California-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in January 1975. Designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, she served as a multi-role escort for aircraft carrier battle groups during the Cold War. South Carolina participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, and the Persian Gulf, supporting U.S. interests and NATO allies. After over two decades of service, the cruiser was decommissioned in July 1999 and later scrapped as part of the Navy's reduction of its nuclear cruiser fleet.

USS *Spruance* (DD-963) was the lead ship of the Spruance-class destroyers, commissioned by the United States Navy in 1975. Named after Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, she served as a multi-mission destroyer specializing in anti-submarine warfare, while also providing anti-air and anti-surface capabilities. Over her nearly three decades of service, *Spruance* participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, and Persian Gulf, notably supporting Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The ship was decommissioned in 2005 and subsequently sunk as a target during a naval exercise in 2006.

Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35), also known as the "Black Panthers," was a distinguished attack squadron of the United States Navy. First established during World War II, the squadron participated in numerous Pacific campaigns, flying aircraft such as the TBF Avenger and later the A-6 Intruder. VA-35 saw combat during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, conducting strike missions and supporting fleet operations. The squadron was eventually disestablished in 1995, after decades of service marked by professionalism and combat excellence.

VAQ-130, known as the "Zappers," is the oldest electronic attack squadron in the United States Navy, originally established as VAW-13 in 1959 and redesignated VAQ-130 in 1968. The squadron first operated the EKA-3B Skywarrior, providing electronic warfare and aerial refueling capabilities during the Vietnam War. Over the decades, VAQ-130 transitioned through several aircraft, including the EA-6B Prowler, and currently flies the EA-18G Growler, specializing in electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses. The "Zappers" have participated in numerous operations, from the Gulf War to Operation Inherent Resolve, consistently supporting U.S. and coalition forces with advanced electronic warfare capabilities.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 (VAW-121), known as the "Bluetails," was established on April 1, 1967. The squadron flies the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning and command and control capabilities for the U.S. Navy. VAW-121 has participated in numerous major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, supporting carrier strike groups with critical surveillance and battle management. Throughout its history, the Bluetails have earned multiple awards for operational excellence and safety, reflecting their vital role in naval aviation.

Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74), known as the "Be-Devilers," was a distinguished United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1945. Originally flying the F4U Corsair, VF-74 transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat, becoming the first operational Atlantic Fleet squadron to fly the F-14. The squadron participated in numerous Cold War operations, including Mediterranean deployments and crisis response missions, and was involved in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing combat air patrol and escort missions. VF-74 was disestablished in 1994 after nearly five decades of service.