USN

USS Buchanan (DDG-14) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1962. Named after Admiral Franklin Buchanan, she served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duty, and assisting in search and rescue operations. Throughout her career, Buchanan participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Decommissioned in 1991, she was eventually expended as a target during a training exercise in 2000.

USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Serving primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, she provided vital underway replenishment services, supplying fuel and other logistics to U.S. and NATO warships during the Cold War. Caloosahatchee participated in numerous exercises and operations, including supporting the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean and deployments during tensions such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1990 and later scrapped.

The USS Coronado (AGF-11) was originally commissioned as an Austin-class amphibious transport dock (LPD-11) in 1970. In 1980, she was converted to a command ship and re-designated as AGF-11, serving as a flagship for multiple U.S. Navy commands, including U.S. Third Fleet and U.S. Fifth Fleet. Coronado played a significant role in fleet command and control, particularly during operations in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and as part of multinational exercises. The ship was decommissioned in 2006 after more than three decades of distinguished service and later used as a test platform for advanced naval technologies.

USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Although she arrived too late to participate in combat during World War II, she played a vital role in Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating American servicemen from Europe and the Pacific. Reactivated for the Korean War, Lake Champlain provided air support for United Nations forces and later served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the Cold War. She was also notable for recovering the Mercury-Atlas 7 astronaut in 1962 before being decommissioned in 1966.

USS Mobile (LKA-115) was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1969. Designed to transport and land troops, equipment, and supplies in support of amphibious operations, she served extensively during the Vietnam War, providing logistical support and participating in major operations. Following Vietnam, USS Mobile continued to support U.S. military operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The ship remained active until her decommissioning in 1994, earning multiple commendations for her service before being scrapped.

USS Virginia (CGN-38) was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on September 11, 1976. As the lead ship of the Virginia-class cruisers, she was equipped with advanced missile systems and served as a key component in carrier battle groups, specializing in air defense and surface warfare. Throughout her career, USS Virginia participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, supporting American interests during the Cold War. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned on November 29, 1994, as part of post-Cold War fleet reductions.

USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship of the United States Navy, commissioned in April 1944. She served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing crucial naval gunfire support during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After being decommissioned post-war, Wisconsin was reactivated for service in the Korean War, again offering significant fire support for United Nations forces. Modernized in the 1980s, she saw action during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 before being decommissioned for the final time in 1991 and later becoming a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia.

Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45), known as the “Pelicans,” is a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established on November 10, 1942. Originally flying the PBY Catalina during World War II, VP-45 conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions in the Atlantic and Caribbean theaters. Over the decades, the squadron transitioned to more advanced aircraft, including the P-5 Marlin, P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon, significantly expanding its operational capabilities. VP-45 has participated in numerous conflicts and operations, including the Cold War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and ongoing global maritime security missions. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

Patrol Squadron 8 (VP-8), known as the “Fighting Tigers,” was established in September 1942 during World War II. Originally flying the PBY Catalina and later the PB4Y-1 Liberator, the squadron conducted anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol missions in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Over the decades, VP-8 transitioned to various maritime patrol aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune, P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon. Throughout its history, VP-8 has participated in key operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, Cold War patrols, and modern global anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions, earning a reputation for operational excellence.