USN

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a United States Navy organization established in 1949 to provide ocean transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies, and ammunition to sustain U.S. military forces worldwide. Originally formed as the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), the MSC has evolved to manage a fleet of civilian-crewed ships that perform essential logistics, special mission, and prepositioning operations. Throughout major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and recent operations in the Middle East, MSC vessels have delivered critical cargo and supported naval operations. Today, the MSC remains a vital component of U.S. military readiness, ensuring rapid and efficient global sealift capability.

NAS Agana Guam Crash & Rescue was a specialized emergency response unit stationed at the Naval Air Station Agana on Guam. The unit was responsible for providing rapid aircraft crash, fire, and rescue services to support U.S. Navy operations and ensure the safety of flight crews and support personnel. Throughout its operational years, Crash & Rescue teams responded to numerous aircraft emergencies, participated in extensive training, and supported both military and civilian aviation incidents on the island. Their professionalism and readiness played a vital role in safeguarding lives and assets at a key strategic location in the Pacific until the base’s closure in 1995.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Dallas was established in 1941 in Grand Prairie, Texas, as a training base for naval aviators during World War II. Throughout its operational history, NAS Dallas played a vital role in the training and support of Navy and Marine Corps Reserve aviation units, as well as hosting Air Force and Army Reserve units. During the Cold War, the base continued its mission as a hub for reserve aviation activities and supported various operational and training missions. NAS Dallas was officially closed as part of the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, and its facilities were transferred to the city, becoming the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Glenview was a United States Navy airfield located in Glenview, Illinois. Established in 1929, it served as a key aviation training base for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviators, especially during World War II when thousands of pilots trained there for carrier operations on Lake Michigan. The base continued to support reserve aviation and anti-submarine warfare missions throughout the Cold War, becoming a vital hub for naval air reserve activities in the Midwest. NAS Glenview was closed in 1995 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program, and the site has since been redeveloped for civilian use.

Naval Hospital Naples, Italy, traces its origins to World War II, when the U.S. Navy established a medical presence in Naples to support Allied operations in the Mediterranean. Officially commissioned in 1953, the hospital has provided critical medical care to U.S. service members, their families, and NATO personnel stationed in southern Europe. Over the decades, it has played a key role in supporting regional military operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief efforts. Today, Naval Hospital Naples continues its mission as a modern healthcare facility, serving as a vital part of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa.

The Naval Supply Depot Guam was established during World War II following the liberation of Guam by U.S. forces in 1944. The depot quickly became a critical logistics and supply hub in the Pacific Theater, supporting naval operations during the final campaigns against Japan. It managed the receipt, storage, and distribution of vast quantities of food, fuel, munitions, and other supplies essential for fleet and shore activities. After the war, the depot continued to play a vital role in supporting U.S. military operations in the Western Pacific, adapting to changing strategic requirements during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

**Subic Bay, PI (Philippine Islands)** has a distinguished military history as a strategic naval base. Established by Spain in the late 19th century, Subic Bay was later developed by the United States after the Spanish-American War, becoming a major U.S. naval facility in the Pacific. During World War II, it was occupied by Japanese forces and subsequently recaptured by Allied troops in 1945. Throughout the Cold War, Subic Bay Naval Base served as a crucial logistics and repair hub for U.S. and allied naval operations until its closure in 1992, following the expiration of the U.S.-Philippines bases agreement. Today, the site is managed by the Philippine government and occasionally hosts joint military exercises.

United States Forces Japan (USFJ) was established in 1957 as a unified command to oversee all U.S. military forces stationed in Japan. Its primary mission is to support the U.S.-Japan security alliance, maintain regional stability, and provide a rapid response capability in East Asia. Throughout its history, USFJ has played a crucial role in deterrence during the Cold War, as well as in disaster relief and humanitarian operations such as after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Headquartered at Yokota Air Base, USFJ continues to foster close cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces to ensure peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

USS AMPHION (AR-13) was a repair ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1946 shortly after World War II. Initially assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, Amphion provided vital repair and maintenance services to naval vessels, significantly enhancing fleet readiness during the Cold War era. She was deployed to the Mediterranean numerous times, supporting the 6th Fleet and participating in various NATO exercises. After decades of distinguished service, Amphion was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Venezuelan Navy, where she continued her service as ARV Los Llanos (T-21).

USS Arlington (AGMR-2) was a command and communications ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1966. Originally laid down as the attack transport USS Arlington (APA-129), she was later converted to serve as an Auxiliary General Major Relay (AGMR) ship, tasked with providing advanced communications support. During the Vietnam War, Arlington played a crucial role in relaying communications between naval forces and command centers ashore, ensuring effective operational coordination. After distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1970 and eventually scrapped, but her contributions to naval communications marked a significant advancement in fleet command and control capabilities.

USS Dale (DLG-19), a Leahy-class guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the United States Navy on 23 November 1963. Primarily designed for anti-aircraft warfare, she played a vital role in fleet air defense and participated in multiple deployments in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. During her service, USS Dale took part in numerous NATO exercises and provided support during crises such as the Yom Kippur War in 1973. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on 27 September 1994.

USS Fresno (LST-1182) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1969. Designed for rapid loading and unloading of tanks, vehicles, and troops, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her career, USS Fresno participated in numerous amphibious operations, training exercises, and humanitarian missions, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1993 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy on April 24, 1971. Named after Joseph Hewes, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare, escort duties, and surface operations during the Cold War. Throughout its service, USS Joseph Hewes participated in various NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and Caribbean operations, enhancing U.S. naval presence and cooperation with allied forces. The frigate was decommissioned on June 30, 1994, and subsequently transferred to Taiwan, where it served as ROCS Lan Yang (FFG-935).

USS Koelsch (FF-1049) was a Garcia-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1967. Named after Lieutenant (jg) John Kelvin Koelsch, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, the ship primarily performed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) duties during the Cold War. Throughout her service, Koelsch participated in numerous NATO exercises, Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, and supported search and rescue operations. Decommissioned in 1989, she was later transferred to the Pakistani Navy, where she served as PNS Siqqat until 1993.

USS Lafayette (SSBN-616) was the lead ship of her class of fleet ballistic missile submarines in the United States Navy. Commissioned on April 23, 1963, she played a key role in the nation's strategic deterrent during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Lafayette operated primarily out of Holy Loch, Scotland, and later Kings Bay, Georgia, ensuring a continuous at-sea deterrent presence. The submarine was decommissioned on August 12, 1991, after nearly three decades of service and was eventually recycled through the Navy’s Ship-Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Little Rock (CL-92) was a Cleveland-class light cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1945, near the end of World War II. Although she missed combat in WWII, Little Rock served with the Atlantic Fleet, participating in training cruises and goodwill missions during the early Cold War years. In the late 1950s, she was converted to a guided missile cruiser (CLG-4/CG-4), equipped with the Talos missile system, and became flagship for the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean. Decommissioned in 1976, USS Little Rock now serves as a museum ship at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo, New York.

USS Roanoke (AOR-7) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned by the United States Navy on 30 October 1976. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel, munitions, and stores to naval battle groups, Roanoke served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her career, she supported numerous operations and exercises, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, playing a vital logistical role during peacetime and crisis. After nearly two decades of service, USS Roanoke was decommissioned on 6 October 1995.

USS **Semmes (DDG-18)** was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on December 10, 1962. Named after Confederate Navy officer Raphael Semmes, the ship served prominently during the Cold War, participating in NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and Atlantic operations. Semmes was equipped with advanced missile systems for air defense and anti-submarine warfare, reflecting the technological advancements of her era. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on April 14, 1991, and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as **Kimon**.

USS Stein (FF-1065) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Named after Marine Private First Class Tony Stein, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, the ship specialized in anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, USS Stein participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting U.S. interests and allied operations. The ship was decommissioned in 1992 and later sold for scrapping, having served honorably for two decades.

Electronic Attack Squadron 131 (VAQ-131), known as the “Lancers,” was originally established as Patrol Squadron 931 (VP-931) in 1946, redesignated as VAQ-131 in 1968. The squadron initially operated as an electronic warfare unit flying the EA-6B Prowler, and later transitioned to the EA-18G Growler. VAQ-131 has a distinguished history of providing airborne electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses, participating in major operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Today, the Lancers continue their legacy of excellence, supporting U.S. Navy and joint-force operations worldwide.

Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2), also known as the "Bounty Hunters," is a distinguished United States Navy fighter squadron originally established on October 14, 1972. VF-2 was first equipped with the F-14A Tomcat and deployed aboard the USS Enterprise, participating in operations including the Vietnam War’s final stages and later Cold War missions. The squadron earned a reputation for excellence in air combat and fleet defense, notably during deployments in the Persian Gulf and Operation Desert Storm. In 1993, the unit was redesignated as VFA-2 and transitioned to flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet, continuing its legacy as a premier carrier-based strike fighter squadron.

**COMCRUDESPAC** stands for **Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Pacific Fleet**, a United States Navy command responsible for overseeing cruisers and destroyers in the Pacific theater. Established during the Cold War, COMCRUDESPAC played a crucial role in coordinating surface warfare operations, training, and readiness for the Pacific Fleet’s surface combatants. The command managed task group formations, deployed forces for exercises and real-world contingencies, and contributed to naval strategy during key events such as the Vietnam War. In the late 20th century, the command structure evolved, eventually being reorganized under broader surface warfare commands as the Navy streamlined its operational forces.

Heli-tron 8, based at Ellyson Field in Pensacola, Florida, was a United States Navy helicopter training squadron active during the Cold War era. Established in the late 1950s, the unit played a pivotal role in advanced rotary-wing training for Navy, Marine Corps, and allied student pilots. At Ellyson Field, Heli-tron 8 utilized a variety of helicopters, including the TH-13 and H-19, to provide comprehensive instruction in essential naval aviation skills. The squadron contributed significantly to the development of naval helicopter tactics and the operational readiness of rotary-wing aviators until its deactivation as training operations consolidated at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in the 1970s.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15), also known as the "Blackhawks," was established in 1987. The squadron specializes in airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) and vertical onboard delivery using the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter. HM-15 has participated in numerous operations worldwide, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing crucial support in clearing naval mines and ensuring safe passage for allied vessels. The unit is based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and remains a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s mine warfare and logistics missions.