USN

USS Juneau (LPD-10) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned into the United States Navy in 1969. Designed to transport and land Marines, equipment, and supplies, Juneau participated in several major operations, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The ship also supported humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief in the Philippines and tsunami aid in Indonesia. After nearly 40 years of service, USS Juneau was decommissioned in 2008.

USS Nitro (AE-23) was an ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy on May 1, 1959. As the lead ship of her class, Nitro played a crucial role in replenishing fleet units with munitions and explosives at sea, supporting naval operations during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and Middle East crises. Homeported on the East Coast, she participated in numerous Mediterranean deployments with the U.S. Sixth Fleet and provided logistical support during various combat and training exercises. USS Nitro was decommissioned in 1995 after nearly four decades of dedicated service and was later scrapped.

USS Peterson (DD-969) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on 9 July 1977. Named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Carl Jerrold Peterson, the ship served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in operations such as Desert Storm and maritime interdiction in the Persian Gulf. Throughout her career, Peterson conducted multiple deployments, including anti-submarine warfare, escort missions, and multinational exercises with NATO allies. After over 25 years of distinguished service, USS Peterson was decommissioned on 4 October 2002 and subsequently sunk as a target during a naval exercise in 2004.

USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) is the lead ship of her class of dock landing ships in the United States Navy, commissioned on February 9, 1985. Designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with embarked Marines, she has played a key role in numerous military operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and humanitarian missions such as disaster relief in Haiti. Over her decades of active service, Whidbey Island participated in exercises and deployments throughout the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern regions, supporting joint and coalition forces. Renowned for her versatility and reliability, she represents a vital component of the Navy’s amphibious assault capabilities.

USS WILLIAM V. PRATT (DLG-13), a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer leader, was commissioned into the United States Navy on 4 November 1961. Named after Admiral William Veazie Pratt, the ship served prominently during the Cold War era, conducting operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. PRATT participated in significant exercises with NATO allies and supported U.S. naval operations during the Vietnam War, providing gunfire support and plane guard duties. After decades of service, the ship was decommissioned on 30 September 1991 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

Attack Squadron 93 (VA-93), known as the "Ravens," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on 4 March 1952. Initially flying the F4U Corsair, the squadron transitioned through various aircraft, including the F9F Panther, A-4 Skyhawk, and finally the A-7 Corsair II. VA-93 participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, conducting numerous strike missions from aircraft carriers stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and was disestablished on 1 August 1986.

Patrol Squadron 17 (VP-17), known as the "White Lightnings," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1946. Throughout its service, VP-17 operated a variety of aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune and P-3 Orion, conducting anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions. The squadron played a significant role during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and in various Pacific and Indian Ocean operations. VP-17 was based at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, until its disestablishment in 1995 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

The military Chaplain is a unique unit whose origins trace back to ancient armies, where spiritual leaders provided religious support on the battlefield. In modern times, chaplains became officially recognized as part of military organizations during the 18th and 19th centuries, notably within the British and American armed forces. Their primary role is to offer spiritual care, moral guidance, and counseling to service members of all faiths, often serving in combat zones alongside troops. Throughout history, military chaplains have been honored for their courage, compassion, and commitment to the wellbeing of soldiers, regardless of religious affiliation.

Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron ONE (HS-1), known as "Seabaters," was established on October 1, 1951, as the U.S. Navy’s first antisubmarine helicopter squadron. Based at Naval Air Station Key West and later at Jacksonville, Florida, HS-1 operated various helicopters, including the HSS-1 Seabat and SH-3 Sea King, pioneering tactics in airborne antisubmarine warfare (ASW). The squadron played a crucial role in developing and testing ASW technology and training successive generations of Navy helicopter crews. HS-1 was disestablished on June 29, 1993, leaving a legacy of innovation in naval aviation and ASW excellence.