USN

Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 1 (RVAH-1), known as the "Smokin' Tigers," was a United States Navy squadron established in November 1955. Originally designated as Heavy Attack Squadron 1 (VAH-1), the unit flew the A-3 Skywarrior before transitioning to the RA-5C Vigilante in 1964 and becoming RVAH-1. The squadron played a significant role in aerial reconnaissance during the Vietnam War, conducting high-risk photographic missions over hostile territory. RVAH-1 continued to serve through the Cold War era until it was disestablished in January 1979 as part of the phase-out of the Vigilante aircraft.

**USNR Fort McHenry** refers to U.S. Navy Reserve units associated with or stationed at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. Fort McHenry, famous for its role in the War of 1812, later served various military purposes, including as a training and administrative center for naval reservists. During the 20th century, particularly in World War II and the Cold War era, USNR units at Fort McHenry provided essential logistical, medical, and training support for naval operations. The reserve activities at Fort McHenry contributed to the readiness and augmentation of the U.S. Navy, drawing on the region’s longstanding maritime heritage. Today, the legacy of USNR Fort McHenry endures as a testament to Baltimore’s continued support for the nation’s naval forces.

USS Ainsworth (FF-1090) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1973. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, she served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous NATO exercises and deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Throughout her service, USS Ainsworth played a key role in Cold War operations, escort duties, and joint naval exercises with allied nations. She was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Ege (F-256).

USS Bushnell (AS-15) was a Fulton-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1943. During World War II, she provided vital maintenance, repair, and logistical support to submarines operating in the Pacific Theater, particularly at bases such as Pearl Harbor, Midway, and Guam. After the war, Bushnell continued her service during the Cold War, supporting submarine operations from various locations, including Key West, Florida. She was decommissioned in 1970 after nearly three decades of service, having played a significant role in sustaining the Navy’s submarine fleet through two major eras.

USS Callaghan (DDG-994) was a Kidd-class guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1981. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan, a World War II hero, the ship specialized in air defense and multi-threat warfare. During her service, Callaghan operated primarily in the Pacific and Middle East, participating in exercises, patrols, and escort duties, including operations during the Iran-Iraq War. The vessel was decommissioned in 1998 and later sold to Taiwan, where she serves as ROCS Su Ao (DDG-1802).

USS Comstock (LSD-19) is a dock landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1945. Named after the Comstock Lode of Nevada, the ship played a vital role in the closing months of World War II, supporting amphibious operations in the Pacific. After the war, USS Comstock participated in the Korean War, providing essential logistic and landing support for United Nations forces. The vessel continued to serve through the Vietnam War and Cold War era before being decommissioned in 1976, earning multiple battle stars for its distinguished service.

USS Cone (DD-866) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, near the end of World War II. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Hutch I. Cone, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, including deployments in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean with the 6th Fleet. USS Cone participated in Korean War operations, providing naval gunfire support and screening for carrier task forces. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Ecuadorian Navy, where she served as BAE El Oro.

USS Conyngham (DDG-17) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1963. Named after Gustavus Conyngham, a Continental Navy officer, Conyngham served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in key Cold War operations and NATO exercises. The ship provided naval gunfire support during the Vietnam War and later played a role in Middle East peacekeeping during the 1980s. Following a fire onboard in 1990, USS Conyngham was decommissioned in 1990 and subsequently scrapped.

USS Coronado (LPD-11) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed to support amphibious assault operations, she transported Marines, equipment, and landing craft, participating in numerous exercises and deployments, including missions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In 1980, Coronado served as the flagship for Commander, U.S. Middle East Force during the Iran Hostage Crisis. Later, she was converted into an auxiliary command ship, serving as the flagship for the U.S. Third Fleet until her decommissioning in 2006.

USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on March 19, 1994. Named after Curtis D. Wilbur, the 43rd Secretary of the Navy, the ship has been primarily assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. Over its service, USS Curtis Wilbur has participated in numerous multinational exercises, including RIMPAC and Foal Eagle, and has conducted freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. The destroyer has also supported humanitarian missions and provided ballistic missile defense capabilities, showcasing the flexibility and strength of the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.

USS Edward McDonnell (FF-1043) was a Garcia-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on February 15, 1965. Named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant (junior grade) Edward Orrick McDonnell, the ship primarily served in anti-submarine warfare and escort missions throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the Cold War. The vessel participated in numerous NATO exercises, patrols, and showed the flag operations, contributing to the deterrence posture of the U.S. Navy. After over two decades of service, USS Edward McDonnell was decommissioned on September 30, 1988, and later scrapped.

USS Fife (DD-991) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1980. Named after Admiral James Fife, Jr., the ship played a significant role in Cold War naval operations, providing anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities. USS Fife participated in major exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including Operation Desert Storm, where she enforced maritime sanctions against Iraq. After over two decades of distinguished service, USS Fife was decommissioned in 2003 and subsequently sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2005.

USS Finback (SSN-670) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on February 4, 1970. Designed for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence-gathering missions during the Cold War, she conducted numerous patrols and participated in fleet exercises throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Finback played a significant role in supporting U.S. naval operations, enhancing undersea warfare capabilities, and maintaining a strategic deterrent presence. After nearly three decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned on March 28, 1997.

USS FISKE (DDR-842) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in November 1945, named in honor of Rear Admiral Bradley A. Fiske. Initially serving in the Atlantic Fleet, she participated in numerous training exercises, NATO operations, and Mediterranean deployments during the early years of the Cold War. In 1952, FISKE was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR), enhancing her capabilities in air defense and surveillance missions. She continued her service through the Vietnam War era before being decommissioned in September 1980 and later transferred to Turkey.

USS Fletcher (DD-445) was the lead ship of the Fletcher-class destroyers in the United States Navy, commissioned in June 1942. She saw extensive action during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in major battles such as Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands campaign, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Fletcher earned fifteen battle stars for her World War II service, making her one of the most decorated destroyers of the war. After the war, she served in training and reserve roles before being decommissioned in 1969 and eventually scrapped.

USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy on August 8, 1987. Named after the historic fort in Baltimore, Maryland, the ship was designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with embarked Marines during amphibious operations. Throughout its service, Fort McHenry participated in numerous deployments, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian missions such as tsunami relief in Indonesia in 2005. After over three decades of active service supporting global naval operations, USS Fort McHenry was decommissioned on March 27, 2021.

USS Gettysburg (CG-64) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1991. Named after the pivotal Civil War battle, Gettysburg has participated in numerous operations, including enforcement of United Nations sanctions, counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean, and deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, enabling advanced air, surface, and subsurface warfare capabilities. Over its service, USS Gettysburg has been recognized for excellence in battle readiness and has played a key role in multi-national naval exercises and maritime security operations.

USS Glennon (DD-840) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1945, named after Rear Admiral James H. Glennon. Though commissioned too late for World War II combat, Glennon played a significant role during the Cold War era, participating in NATO exercises and serving in the Atlantic and Mediterranean with the 6th Fleet. The destroyer supported operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and aided in the recovery efforts for the Gemini space missions. USS Glennon was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as Nearchos until 1993.

USS **Gunston Hall** (LSD-44) is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1989. Named after the historic Virginia estate of George Mason, she is the second naval vessel to bear the name. Throughout her service, Gunston Hall has participated in numerous major operations, including humanitarian relief in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, and support missions during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The ship is designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles, serving as a critical asset in expeditionary warfare and joint operations worldwide.

USS **Hayler** (DD-997) was a Spruance-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned on March 5, 1983. Named after Admiral Robert W. Hayler, the ship was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but also carried capabilities for surface and air engagements. Throughout her service, Hayler participated in multiple deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Persian Gulf, supporting various fleet exercises and multinational operations. The ship was decommissioned on August 25, 2003, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2004.

USS Hepburn (DE-1055) was a Knox-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1969. Named after Lieutenant Commander Arthur Japy Hepburn, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, undertaking anti-submarine warfare operations and participating in training exercises with allied navies during the Cold War. Hepburn saw multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. presence and operations in volatile regions. Decommissioned in 1991, she was later sunk as a target during training exercises in 2002.

The USS John Young (DD-973) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on May 20, 1978. Named in honor of Captain John Young, a decorated naval officer from the War of 1812, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her service, the USS John Young participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and maritime interdiction missions. After more than two decades of active duty, the destroyer was decommissioned on September 30, 2002, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2004.

USS KEARSARGE (CV-33), later redesignated CVS-33, was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Initially serving in the immediate post-World War II period, she participated in training and readiness operations before being modernized and redeployed during the Korean War, where she conducted combat operations and air support missions. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, KEARSARGE was converted to an anti-submarine warfare carrier (CVS) and played a significant role in Cold War operations, including serving as the primary recovery ship for several NASA space missions. The ship was decommissioned in 1970 after nearly 25 years of distinguished service.

USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on September 26, 1987. Named after the decisive World War II Battle of Leyte Gulf, the ship has served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting carrier strike groups, conducting maritime security operations, and participating in major exercises and deployments. Notably, USS Leyte Gulf has been involved in operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities. Over its distinguished service, the cruiser has received numerous awards for operational excellence and remains a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet.