USN

USS MACDONOUGH (DLG-8), a Farragut-class guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Commodore Thomas Macdonough, the ship served as a key component of the Atlantic Fleet during the Cold War, conducting numerous deployments in the Mediterranean and participating in NATO exercises. She played an active role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, enforcing the naval quarantine of Cuba. After nearly three decades of service, MACDONOUGH was decommissioned in 1992 and later scrapped, marking the end of her distinguished naval career.

USS Mahan (DDG-42) was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned on December 25, 1960. Named after Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, the influential naval historian and strategist, she played a key role in Cold War naval operations, including carrier escort duties and participation in NATO exercises. Over her service life, Mahan conducted numerous deployments in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean, supporting U.S. interests and demonstrating naval presence. After nearly three decades of service, USS Mahan was decommissioned on June 15, 1993, and later scrapped, leaving a legacy of technological advancement and operational excellence.

USS Orleck (DD-886) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1945. Named after Lieutenant Joseph Orleck, the ship served during the final stages of World War II and later participated extensively in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties, and patrol operations. After decades of active service, Orleck was transferred to the Turkish Navy in 1982, where she operated as TCG Yücetepe (D-345) until her decommissioning in 2000. Today, USS Orleck serves as a museum ship, preserving her legacy and honoring the sailors who served aboard her.

USS Sellers (DDG-11) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Named after Admiral David F. Sellers, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, NATO operations, and Mediterranean deployments during the Cold War. Sellers provided anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities, supporting carrier battle groups and performing escort duties. After more than two decades of service, USS Sellers was decommissioned in 1989 and later scrapped.

USS **Thomas S. Gates (CG-51)** was a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on December 22, 1987. Named after Thomas S. Gates, the 7th Secretary of Defense, the ship served as a multi-role warship capable of air defense, surface warfare, and strike operations. Throughout her service, Thomas S. Gates participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm, and counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned on December 15, 2005.

USS TOWERS (DDG-9) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on June 6, 1961. Named in honor of Admiral John Henry Towers, the ship served extensively in the Pacific Fleet, participating in multiple deployments during the Vietnam War, where she provided naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers. Throughout her career, TOWERS took part in numerous exercises and operations, enhancing U.S. naval presence and readiness in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. After over three decades of service, USS TOWERS was decommissioned on October 1, 1990, and later sunk as a target in 2002.

USS Warrington (DD-843) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1945. Named after Lewis Warrington, a notable naval officer from the War of 1812, the ship served during the Cold War era, participating in fleet exercises, NATO operations, and Mediterranean deployments. During the 1960s, Warrington was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine and later saw action off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1972 and transferred to the Taiwanese Navy, where she continued service under the name ROCS Chao Yang.

USS William C. Lawe (DD-763) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1946. Named after Lieutenant William C. Lawe, she served during the Cold War era, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, including support for the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962. The ship was also active during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving on Yankee Station. After over three decades of service, USS William C. Lawe was decommissioned in October 1983 and later sunk as a target in 1999.

Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105), known as the "Mad Dogs," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on May 1, 1952. The unit was originally equipped with the AD Skyraider and later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-105 participated in several key operations, including the Lebanon crisis in 1958, providing close air support for U.S. Marine landings. The squadron was disestablished on February 1, 1959, after nearly seven years of service.

Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VA-115), nicknamed the "Eagles," was originally established as Torpedo Squadron Eleven (VT-11) on October 10, 1942. The unit participated in major Pacific Theater operations during World War II, including strikes in the Solomon Islands, the Marianas, and the Philippines. Over the decades, VA-115 transitioned through several aircraft, from torpedo bombers to attack jets, and was redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115) in 1996. The squadron has seen action in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror, operating from forward-deployed carriers in the Western Pacific and Middle East.

Attack Squadron 155 (VA-155), also known as the "Silver Foxes," was a United States Navy attack squadron first established in 1945. Over its history, the squadron was activated and disestablished three separate times, with the final iteration active from 1987 to 1993. VA-155 flew a variety of aircraft, including the AD Skyraider and the A-6E Intruder, and participated in numerous operations, including significant action during the Vietnam War. The squadron was ultimately disestablished in 1993 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

Strike Fighter Squadron 82 (VA-82), also known as the "Marauders," was established on April 1, 1967. The squadron initially flew the A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft and was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. VA-82 participated in major operations including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, providing close air support and strike missions from various aircraft carriers. The unit was redesignated as VFA-82 in 1987 after transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet and was ultimately disestablished on September 30, 2005.

Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VA-94), known as the "Shrikes," is a distinguished unit of the United States Navy. Established in 1952, the squadron originally flew the F4U Corsair before transitioning through various attack aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk and later the A-7 Corsair II. VA-94 participated in significant combat operations during the Vietnam War, conducting numerous strike missions and earning multiple commendations for valor and effectiveness. The squadron was eventually redesignated as VFA-94 and transitioned to flying F/A-18 Hornets, continuing its legacy of service in modern naval aviation.

Electronic Attack Squadron 137 (VAQ-137), known as the "Rooks," was established in December 1973. The squadron initially flew the EA-6B Prowler, specializing in electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses. VAQ-137 has participated in numerous significant operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In recent years, the squadron transitioned to the advanced EA-18G Growler, continuing its legacy of providing critical electronic attack capabilities to the U.S. Navy.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124 (VAW-124), known as the "Bear Aces," was established on September 1, 1967. The squadron operates the E-2 Hawkeye, providing airborne early warning, command and control, and battle management for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups. VAW-124 has participated in key operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, delivering critical situational awareness and airspace management. The Bear Aces continue to play a vital role in maintaining the U.S. Navy’s operational readiness and maritime security worldwide.

Fleet Composite Squadron SIX (VC-6) was a United States Navy aviation unit established on 1 November 1965. Based primarily at Naval Air Station Norfolk, VC-6 provided a variety of support roles, including aerial target services, electronic warfare simulation, and utility flights for fleet training and exercises. The squadron operated several aircraft types over its history, such as the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and the C-12 Huron, adapting to evolving mission requirements. VC-6 was disestablished on 1 October 2008 as the Navy reorganized its support and training units.

VF-11, originally established as Fighter Squadron 11 in 1942, is one of the U.S. Navy’s most historic fighter squadrons. Known as the "Red Rippers," the unit served with distinction during World War II, flying F4F Wildcats and later F6F Hellcats in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, VF-11 transitioned through multiple aircraft, including the F-14 Tomcat, and participated in key conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. The squadron was later redesignated as VFA-11, reflecting its transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and continues to serve as a vital component of U.S. naval aviation.

VF-111, known as the "Sundowners," was a distinguished U.S. Navy fighter squadron originally established during World War II in October 1942. The unit earned fame in the Pacific theater, achieving numerous aerial victories against Japanese aircraft. Reactivated several times, VF-111 later flew iconic aircraft such as the F-8 Crusader and the F-14 Tomcat during the Cold War, participating in the Vietnam War and other significant deployments. The squadron was finally disestablished in 1995, but its legacy remains a proud part of naval aviation history.

VF-151, originally established as VF-23 in 1948 and redesignated VF-151 in 1960, was a distinguished US Navy fighter squadron. Known as the "Vigilantes," the unit flew a variety of aircraft over its history, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat. VF-151 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, conducting air-to-air and strike missions from carriers such as USS Coral Sea and USS Midway. The squadron remained active in the Western Pacific until its disestablishment in 1993, leaving a legacy of operational excellence and service.

Patrol Squadron 94 (VP-94), known as the "Crawfishers," was a United States Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on 1 November 1970 at Naval Air Station New Orleans, Louisiana. The squadron operated the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, performing anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions. Throughout its history, VP-94 participated in numerous exercises and real-world operations, including drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean and support for Operations Desert Storm and Allied Force. VP-94 was disestablished on 17 September 2006 as part of the Navy’s post-Cold War force restructuring.

VS-21, known as the "Fighting Redtails," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1945. The squadron operated a variety of carrier-based aircraft, including the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking, focusing on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. Throughout its history, VS-21 participated in major operations, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and various Cold War deployments, providing critical ASW and maritime patrol support from aircraft carriers. After over five decades of distinguished service, VS-21 was disestablished in 2005 as part of the Navy's restructuring of its carrier air wings.

Sea Control Squadron 22 (VS-22), known as the "Checkmates," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established in 1950. Initially flying the Grumman S-2 Tracker, VS-22 later transitioned to the S-3 Viking, operating primarily from aircraft carriers in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. The squadron participated in significant operations, including NATO exercises and combat support missions during the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After over five decades of service, VS-22 was decommissioned in 2009 as the S-3 Viking was retired from frontline service.

VS-37, known as the "Sawbucks," was a United States Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1946. Originally flying the TBM Avenger, the squadron transitioned through several aircraft, including the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking. Throughout its history, VS-37 served aboard multiple aircraft carriers and participated in major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The squadron was decommissioned in 1995 after nearly five decades of service in maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare.

USS Thuban (AKA-13) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She served extensively in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major amphibious operations including the invasions of Kwajalein, Saipan, Leyte, and Okinawa. Thuban provided vital logistics support, delivering troops, vehicles, and supplies to the front lines under combat conditions. After the war, she continued to serve with the Atlantic Fleet until her decommissioning in 1967. Throughout her service, USS Thuban earned six battle stars for her World War II contributions.