USN

USS Yosemite (AD-19) was a Dixie-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Throughout World War II, she provided vital repair and maintenance services to the Pacific Fleet, supporting operations at advanced bases such as Ulithi and Leyte. After the war, Yosemite continued her service, supporting fleet operations during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as during peacetime deployments in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. She was finally decommissioned in 1994 after 50 years of distinguished service, earning multiple awards for her essential support roles.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 (VAW-125), known as the "Tigertails," was established on September 1, 1968. The squadron operates the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning, command and control, and surveillance capabilities for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups. Over its history, VAW-125 has participated in major operations including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, earning multiple awards for its operational excellence. In 2017, VAW-125 became the first operational fleet squadron to transition to the advanced E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, continuing its vital role in naval air operations.

VS-28, known as the "Gamblers," was a United States Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1943 during World War II. Originally flying the SBD Dauntless and later the TBM Avenger, the squadron conducted anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations in the Atlantic theater. After several periods of deactivation and reactivation, VS-28 transitioned to flying the S-2 Tracker and finally the S-3 Viking, providing carrier-based ASW support throughout the Cold War and into the 1990s. The squadron was ultimately disestablished in March 2004 after decades of distinguished service.

Air Development Squadron Six (VXE-6), known as the "Puckered Penguins," was a United States Navy aviation unit established in 1955. Its primary mission was to provide air support for Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military’s logistical support of Antarctic research and exploration. VXE-6 operated a variety of aircraft, including ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules and helicopters, enabling transport of personnel, supplies, and scientists to remote Antarctic stations. The squadron played a crucial role in the success of Antarctic exploration until its deactivation in 1999, after which its mission was transferred to civilian contractors.

Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 302 (CBMU-302) was a United States Navy Seabee unit established during the Vietnam War. Commissioned in 1967, CBMU-302 was tasked with providing construction, maintenance, and logistical support for U.S. Navy and allied forces throughout the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. The unit played a crucial role in building and maintaining infrastructure such as airfields, roads, and base facilities, particularly in support of the Vietnamization effort. After years of distinguished service, CBMU-302 was decommissioned in the early 1970s as U.S. involvement in Vietnam diminished.

**COMCRUDESGRU 1** (Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 1) was a major U.S. Navy surface warfare command headquartered at Naval Base San Diego, 32nd Street. Established in the latter half of the 20th century, the group was responsible for the operational readiness, training, and deployment of assigned cruisers and destroyers in the Pacific Fleet. Over the decades, COMCRUDESGRU 1 played a pivotal role in major exercises, deployments, and real-world operations, including support for carrier strike groups and independent surface action groups. The command was eventually re-designated as Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1) in the early 2000s, reflecting evolving naval organizational structures.

**Commander Fleet Air, Mediterranean (COMFAIRMED)** was a United States Navy aviation command established in the post-World War II era to oversee naval air operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, COMFAIRMED provided operational control and support for carrier-based and land-based naval aviation units assigned to the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Its primary missions included maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and coordination with NATO allies during the Cold War. The command played a critical role in projecting American air power and maintaining maritime security in the Mediterranean region until its deactivation in the late 20th century.

USS **Taussig (DD-743)** was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer of the United States Navy. Commissioned in May 1944, Taussig served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, she saw extensive action during the Korean War, performing shore bombardment and escort duties. Taussig continued her service through the Vietnam War, before being decommissioned and transferred to the Republic of China Navy in 1974.

Fleet Air Support Unit DaNang (FASU DaNang) was a United States Navy aviation support unit established during the Vietnam War to enhance naval air operations in the I Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. Activated in the early 1960s at Da Nang Air Base, its mission was to provide logistical support, aircraft maintenance, and operational coordination for Navy and Marine Corps aviation units engaged in combat operations. FASU DaNang played a vital role in supporting carrier-based and land-based aircraft with ordnance, fuel, and critical repairs, ensuring sustained air missions against enemy targets. The unit operated until the drawdown of U.S. forces in the region, significantly contributing to the overall effectiveness of American air power during the conflict.