USN

USS Simpson (FFG-56) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 21 September 1985. Named after Rear Admiral Rodger W. Simpson, the ship played a significant role in operations such as Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War, protecting oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Notably, USS Simpson is remembered as the last U.S. Navy ship to have sunk an enemy vessel in combat, when she destroyed an Iranian gunboat during Operation Praying Mantis in 1988. After nearly three decades of service, USS Simpson was decommissioned on 29 September 2015.

USS *Texas* (CGN-39) was a Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser in the United States Navy, commissioned on 10 September 1977. She served primarily with the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous operations and exercises, including deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf during the Cold War. *Texas* provided carrier battle group escort, air defense, and surface/strike capabilities with her advanced missile systems. After over fifteen years of service, she was decommissioned on 16 May 1993, as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

USS Ulysses S. Grant (SSBN-631) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the 18th President of the United States and Civil War general, the submarine was part of America’s strategic nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Over its three decades of service, the USS Ulysses S. Grant played a vital role in maintaining the balance of power and ensuring national security. The submarine was decommissioned in 1992 following the end of the Cold War and advances in submarine technology.

USS Wabash (AOR-5) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned into the United States Navy on 20 November 1971. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to naval combat ships, Wabash played a vital support role during the Vietnam War, often operating in the Western Pacific. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous exercises and operations, including deployments to the Indian Ocean and Middle East during periods of heightened tension. After over two decades of service, USS Wabash was decommissioned on 30 September 1994 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Waccamaw (AO-109) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed to refuel ships at sea, she played a crucial logistical role during the Cold War, supporting fleet operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Waccamaw participated in several major exercises and was active during crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War, delivering vital fuel and supplies to combat and support vessels. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1975 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her distinguished career.

USS Wainwright (DLG-28), later reclassified as CG-28, was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in 1966. Named in honor of three generations of the Wainwright family who served in the U.S. Navy, the ship played a significant role during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving as an escort for carrier strike groups. Throughout her service, Wainwright participated in numerous exercises and operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, demonstrating advanced air defense capabilities. The ship was decommissioned in 1993 and later scrapped, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

USS Wrangell (AE-12) was a Mount Hood-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. During World War II, she played a vital role in supplying ammunition to combat ships in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations such as the Okinawa campaign. After the war, Wrangell was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War and again during the Vietnam War, continuing her logistical support missions. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1970, having earned multiple battle stars for her service in three major conflicts.

Attack Squadron 125 (VA-125), known as the “Rough Raiders,” was a United States Navy attack squadron established on 30 June 1956. Initially based at NAS Miramar, the squadron served as a fleet replacement training unit, preparing pilots and maintenance personnel to operate the A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft. VA-125 played a crucial role in training aviators during the Vietnam War era, ensuring a steady flow of combat-ready crews to the fleet. The squadron was disestablished on 10 October 1977, having contributed significantly to Navy attack aviation training and readiness.

Attack Squadron 146 (VA-146), known as the "Blue Diamonds," was established by the United States Navy on 1 February 1956. The squadron was originally designated as Fighter Squadron VF-146 before transitioning to an attack role in February 1956. VA-146 served with distinction during the Vietnam War, flying the A-4 Skyhawk from several aircraft carriers and participating in numerous combat operations. The squadron was disestablished on 1 December 1971, after 15 years of service.