USN

USS KIRK (FF-1087) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Named after Admiral Alan G. Kirk, the ship served primarily in the Western Pacific, participating in anti-submarine warfare and escort missions during the Cold War. USS KIRK is most renowned for its humanitarian role in Operation Frequent Wind in 1975, where it assisted in the evacuation of South Vietnamese refugees at the end of the Vietnam War, helping save thousands of lives. The frigate was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Taiwanese Navy, where it served as ROCS Fen Yang (FFG-934).

USS McCandless (FF-1084) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1972 and named in honor of Rear Admiral Byron McCandless and his son, Rear Admiral Bruce McCandless. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War, she conducted numerous operations and exercises in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting fleet missions and NATO allies. The ship played a vital role in patrolling and protecting sea lanes, as well as participating in search and rescue missions. Decommissioned in 1994, USS McCandless was later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Trakya (F-254).

USS Mount Hood (AE-29) was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy on May 1, 1971. Named after the volcanic peak in Oregon, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, providing underway replenishment of ordnance to naval vessels at sea. Throughout her service, Mount Hood supported operations during the Vietnam War and later participated in numerous fleet exercises and deployments, including operations in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned on August 10, 1999, and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Mount Vernon (LSD-39) was an Anchorage-class dock landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1972. Throughout her service, she played a significant role in amphibious operations, supporting the deployment and landing of Marines, vehicles, and equipment via landing craft and helicopters. Mount Vernon participated in numerous exercises and operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, and provided vital logistical support during the Gulf War in 1990-1991. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 2003 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2005.

USS Northampton (CC-1) was planned as the lead ship of a new class of heavy cruisers for the United States Navy in the early 1920s. Intended to serve as a fast, heavily armed cruiser, she was laid down at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. However, construction was halted and the project was canceled in 1923 as a result of the Washington Naval Treaty, which imposed limits on naval armaments and capital ship construction. As a result, USS Northampton (CC-1) was never completed and was subsequently scrapped, leaving her name to be used for later vessels.

The **USS Norton Sound (AVM-1)** was originally commissioned as a seaplane tender in 1945, serving in the Pacific theater during the final months of World War II. After the war, she was converted into a missile test ship, playing a critical role in the development and testing of naval missile systems, including the Terrier, Tartar, and Polaris programs. Throughout the Cold War, the Norton Sound was at the forefront of technological innovation, supporting research and evaluation of advanced weapons and radar systems. She was decommissioned in 1986 after more than four decades of distinguished service, leaving a lasting impact on naval aviation and missile development.

USS O'Brien (DD-975) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on February 3, 1977. Named in honor of Jeremiah O'Brien, a hero of the American Revolutionary War, the ship served extensively in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Throughout her service, O'Brien participated in major operations including Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War and provided support during Operation Desert Storm. After over 26 years of service, USS O'Brien was decommissioned on September 18, 2004, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise.

USS Oldendorf (DD-972) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on March 4, 1978. Named after Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf, the ship served in various capacities, including anti-submarine warfare, surface action groups, and carrier battle group escort duties. Oldendorf participated in significant operations such as Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War and supported coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After over two decades of service, the destroyer was decommissioned on June 20, 2003, and was later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2005.

USS Philippine Sea is the name given to two significant ships in United States Navy history. The first, **USS Philippine Sea (CV-47)**, was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1946. She saw notable service during the Korean War, providing air support for United Nations forces and participating in key operations such as the Inchon Landing. The second, **USS Philippine Sea (CG-58)**, is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned in 1989, which has played a prominent role in multiple deployments, supporting operations in the Middle East, humanitarian missions, and maritime security patrols. Both vessels honor the pivotal 1944 Battle of the Philippine Sea, a decisive naval victory in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

USS Rathburne (FF-1057) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy on 16 May 1970. Named in honor of John Rathbun, a Continental Navy officer, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, undertaking anti-submarine warfare, convoy escort, and training missions during the Cold War. Rathburne participated in multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. interests and allied operations. The frigate was decommissioned on 14 February 1992 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2002.

USS Rigel refers to several United States Navy ships, most notably USS Rigel (AF-58) and USS Rigel (AD-13). USS Rigel (AD-13) was a destroyer tender commissioned in 1922, serving throughout World War II by providing repair and logistical support to Allied naval forces in the Pacific Theater. After decades of valuable service, she was decommissioned in 1946. USS Rigel (AF-58), a stores ship commissioned in 1955, played a vital role during the Cold War, supplying fleet units with food and refrigerated stores until her decommissioning in 1992. Both ships were named after the bright star Rigel, symbolizing guidance and support to the fleet.

USS Schofield (FFG-3), originally designated as DEG-3, was a Brooke-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 11 May 1968. Named after Rear Admiral Frank Herman Schofield, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-air and anti-submarine warfare operations during the Cold War. Schofield participated in numerous Pacific Fleet exercises and deployments, including multiple tours off the coast of Vietnam, where she provided naval gunfire support and escorted aircraft carriers. After two decades of active service, USS Schofield was decommissioned on 8 September 1988 and later sold for scrap.

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.

Attack Squadron 66 (VA-66), known as the "Waldos," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in July 1955. Initially flying the F9F-8 Cougar, the squadron later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk and ultimately to the A-7E Corsair II. VA-66 participated in several key operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War, the Yom Kippur War, and significant actions in the Mediterranean, such as the 1986 strikes against Libya (Operation El Dorado Canyon). The squadron was disestablished on March 31, 1992, following the end of the Cold War and post-Desert Storm force reductions.

VAQ-134, known as the "Garudas," is a United States Navy Electronic Attack Squadron established in 1969. Originally flying the EKA-3B Skywarrior, the squadron transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler in 1972 and later to the EA-18G Growler in 2014. VAQ-134 has participated in numerous operations, including deployments during the Cold War, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. The squadron specializes in electronic warfare, providing critical support by disrupting enemy radar and communications to protect friendly forces.

Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143), known as the "Pukin’ Dogs," was established in 1950 as VF-871 before being redesignated VF-143 in 1953. The squadron flew a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat, participating in major conflicts such as the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. VF-143 earned a reputation for excellence in air combat and fleet defense, earning multiple awards and citations throughout its service. In 2005, the unit was redesignated as VFA-143 and transitioned to flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet, continuing its distinguished legacy as a carrier-based strike fighter squadron in the United States Navy.