USN

USS Rupertus (DD-851) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in March 1946. Named after Marine Corps General William H. Rupertus, the ship served extensively during the Cold War era. Rupertus saw action in the Korean War, providing gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers, and later participated in the Vietnam War, conducting naval gunfire missions and search-and-rescue operations. The destroyer remained active until 1973, after which she was transferred to the Republic of China Navy, where she continued service as ROCS Hua Yang (DD-6).

USS SCOTT (DDG-995) was a Kidd-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1981. Originally built for the Iranian Navy, she was acquired by the U.S. after the Iranian Revolution and named after Rear Admiral Norman Scott, a Medal of Honor recipient. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, SCOTT conducted various operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Persian Gulf, supporting U.S. interests and participating in multinational exercises. She was decommissioned in 1998 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she served as ROCS Kee Lung (DDG-1801).

USS Spartanburg County (LST-1192) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Designed for rapid loading and unloading of tanks, vehicles, and troops, she participated in numerous amphibious training exercises and NATO operations throughout her service. The ship played a vital logistical role in supporting U.S. and allied forces during the Cold War, particularly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. After over two decades of service, USS Spartanburg County was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to the Royal Malaysian Navy.

USS *Tuscaloosa* (LST-1187) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed to support amphibious operations, she featured a unique bow ramp for rapid offloading of vehicles and cargo directly onto shore. Throughout her service, *Tuscaloosa* participated in numerous training exercises, humanitarian missions, and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, playing a vital support role during the Vietnam War and later Cold War operations. She was decommissioned in 1994 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Vincennes (CG-49) was a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1985. Named after the Revolutionary War Battle of Vincennes, she served extensively in the Pacific Fleet and participated in numerous exercises and operations throughout her career. Most notably, on July 3, 1988, Vincennes mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, resulting in 290 civilian deaths and significant international controversy. The ship continued to serve until her decommissioning in 2005, after which she was placed in reserve.

USS Whipple (FF-1062) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1970. Named after Commodore Abraham Whipple, the ship played a vital role during the Cold War, conducting anti-submarine warfare operations and escort missions, particularly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Whipple participated in significant exercises and supported operations during the Vietnam War, including search and rescue missions. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she served under the name ARM Mina (F-214).

USS Wright (CC-2) was a planned Lexington-class battlecruiser for the United States Navy, laid down in 1921 at the Newport News Shipbuilding Company. Named after the Wright brothers, the ship was part of a class designed during World War I to counter new fast battleships and cruisers. However, construction was halted and ultimately canceled in 1923 following the Washington Naval Treaty, which imposed strict limits on capital ship construction. The incomplete hull was scrapped on the slipway, and the name Wright was later reassigned to other Navy vessels.

Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) "Blue Hawks" was a distinguished United States Navy attack squadron established in 1945. Originally designated as Bomber-Fighter Squadron VBF-18, it was redesignated several times before becoming VA-72 in 1955. The Blue Hawks participated in major Cold War and postwar operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, where they flew the A-7E Corsair II in strike missions against Iraqi targets in 1991. The squadron was deactivated later in 1991, marking the end of nearly five decades of service.

Attack Squadron 113 (VA-113), known as the "Stingers," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on July 15, 1948. Initially flying the F8F Bearcat and later transitioning to jet aircraft such as the F9F Panther, F9F Cougar, and A-4 Skyhawk, VA-113 participated in combat operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The squadron was renowned for its effectiveness in ground-attack missions, providing close air support and interdiction strikes. VA-113 was ultimately disestablished on October 1, 1977, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 128 (VA-128), known as the "Golden Intruders," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on September 1, 1967. Its primary mission was to serve as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training aircrews and maintenance personnel to operate the A-6 Intruder all-weather attack aircraft. Based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, VA-128 played a crucial role in preparing Navy personnel for combat and fleet assignments during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. The squadron was disestablished on September 30, 1995, following the retirement of the A-6 Intruder from active service.

VC-1, or Composite Squadron One, was a United States Navy aviation unit established during World War II. Formed in 1943, VC-1 was part of the "composite squadron" concept, providing both fighter and anti-submarine capabilities aboard escort carriers. The squadron flew aircraft such as the Grumman FM-2 Wildcat and the TBM Avenger, conducting vital anti-submarine patrols and convoy protection missions in the Atlantic theater. VC-1 contributed to the safe passage of Allied shipping by countering the threat posed by German U-boats, playing a significant role in the Battle of the Atlantic before being disestablished in 1945.

VC-5, originally established as Composite Squadron FIVE (VC-5) by the U.S. Navy in 1948, was a pioneering unit in carrier-based airborne early warning (AEW) and electronic warfare. The squadron initially operated TBM Avenger aircraft and later transitioned to the AD Skyraider and other specialized platforms, conducting vital night attack and electronic countermeasure missions. Throughout the 1950s and into the early 1960s, VC-5 played a key role in testing and developing electronic warfare tactics for carrier operations. The squadron was eventually redesignated as VAQ-135 in 1968, continuing its legacy under a new name as part of the evolving electronic attack community.

Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113), known as the "Stingers," was established in 1948 as VF-113 and originally flew the F8F Bearcat. The squadron saw combat during the Korean War, operating from carriers and conducting ground attack missions. Over the decades, VFA-113 transitioned through several aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, F-4 Phantom II, and the A-7 Corsair II, before becoming one of the first squadrons to fly the F/A-18 Hornet. Today, VFA-113 continues to operate from Naval Air Station Lemoore, providing carrier-based strike fighter capabilities for the U.S. Navy.

Patrol Squadron 64 (VP-64), known as the “Condors,” was a United States Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on 1 November 1970 at Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The squadron operated various maritime patrol aircraft, including the P-3A and later P-3C Orion, conducting anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. VP-64 participated in multiple training exercises and operational deployments, supporting both U.S. and NATO maritime security efforts during the Cold War and post-Cold War periods. The squadron was deactivated on 18 September 2004 as part of a broader reorganization of Navy Reserve aviation forces.

VS-38, known as the "Red Griffins," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1950. The unit served with distinction during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and throughout the Cold War, operating various carrier-based aircraft such as the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking. VS-38 was attached to multiple aircraft carriers, providing vital anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surveillance, and maritime patrol capabilities. The squadron was decommissioned in 2004 as part of the Navy’s transition away from dedicated carrier-based ASW squadrons.

VT-23, known as the “Professionals,” was a United States Navy training squadron established in 1958 at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. Originally designated as Advanced Training Unit TWENTY THREE (ATU-23), it was later redesignated VT-23 and became a key component in advanced naval aviator training. The squadron operated several aircraft over its history, including the T-2 Buckeye and later the T-45 Goshawk. VT-23 played a crucial role in preparing Navy and Marine Corps pilots for carrier-based operations until its deactivation in 2010.

The 4th Force Service Support Group (FSSG) has played a crucial logistical role within the United States Marine Corps Reserve, with elements historically stationed at locations such as Subic Bay, Philippines, and Naval Dental Center (NDC) Parris Island. Subic Bay was a key U.S. naval and Marine Corps logistics hub in Asia until its closure in the early 1990s, providing vital support during operations and exercises in the Pacific region. At Parris Island, the NDC component of the 4th FSSG supported Marine recruit training by delivering essential dental and medical services. Throughout its history, the 4th FSSG has demonstrated adaptability and effectiveness in sustaining Marine Corps operations both at home and abroad.

The 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade (9th MAB) was a rapid deployment force of the United States Marine Corps, established to provide amphibious and expeditionary capabilities in the Pacific region. Activated during the Vietnam War, the 9th MAB played a crucial role in contingency operations, including the evacuation of Saigon during Operation Frequent Wind in 1975. The unit was often tasked with crisis response missions, humanitarian assistance, and joint exercises throughout Asia. The brigade was eventually redesignated, with its legacy continuing in the modern expeditionary units of the USMC.

AD-23 is the hull classification symbol for USS *Piedmont*, a Dixie-class destroyer tender of the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1944 during World War II, USS *Piedmont* provided vital repair and logistic support to destroyers and smaller vessels in the Pacific Theater, including during the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, she continued serving through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring fleet readiness by maintaining and supplying ships in forward areas. *Piedmont* remained in active service until her decommissioning in 1982, marking nearly four decades of distinguished service to the U.S. Navy.

AIMD Powerplant at NAS Norfolk is a specialized division within the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, focused on the repair, maintenance, and testing of aircraft engines and related systems for the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. Established to support the growing aviation needs at Naval Air Station Norfolk, the unit has played a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness of carrier-based and shore-based aircraft since the mid-20th century. AIMD Powerplant’s skilled personnel maintain and overhaul a variety of turbine and jet engines, contributing significantly to mission success during peacetime operations and combat deployments. Over the decades, the unit has adapted to evolving technologies, continuously enhancing its capabilities to support modern naval aviation.

**USS Paul Revere (APA-220)** was a Haskell-class attack transport that served in the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1944 during World War II, the ship was primarily involved in transporting troops and equipment to various Pacific Theater operations. After the war, APA-220 supported occupation duties in Japan and participated in repatriation efforts. Decommissioned in 1946, the vessel was later recommissioned for service during the Korean War before being finally retired and struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

AR 26, officially known as Artillery Regiment 26, was a unit of the German Wehrmacht active during World War II. Formed in the late 1930s, AR 26 was initially attached to the 26th Infantry Division and participated in the early campaigns of the war, including the invasions of Poland and France. The regiment provided crucial fire support on the Eastern Front, particularly during Operation Barbarossa and subsequent engagements against Soviet forces. AR 26 continued to serve until the final stages of the war, where it faced heavy losses in the defensive battles on the Eastern Front before being disbanded at the war’s end.

**Commander, Carrier Group THREE (COMCARGRU-3)**, established in 1944, has played a pivotal role in the United States Navy's power projection and maritime security operations. Initially formed during World War II, the unit participated in major Pacific campaigns, supporting carrier strike operations against Japanese forces. Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, COMCARGRU-3 commanded carrier strike groups, leading deployments in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The command was eventually redesignated as Carrier Strike Group THREE (CSG-3), continuing its legacy of operational excellence within the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

COMCRUDESFLOT 8, short for Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Eight, was a United States Navy formation established during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1960s, COMCRUDESFLOT 8 operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters, serving as a key surface action group under the U.S. Sixth Fleet. The unit was responsible for overseeing multiple cruisers and destroyers, providing anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities to support fleet operations and NATO commitments. COMCRUDESFLOT 8 was eventually redesignated as Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight (COMCRUDESGRU 8) in the 1970s, reflecting evolving Navy organizational structures.