USN

Naval Air Station Willow Grove, located in Horsham Township, Pennsylvania, was established in 1926 as a private airfield before being acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1942 during World War II. The base served as a key training and operational site for naval aviation units, including anti-submarine warfare and reserve squadrons. Over the decades, Willow Grove became a joint reserve base, hosting Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Pennsylvania Air National Guard units. The installation was closed in 2011 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, with its mission and assets transferred to nearby facilities.

Naval Dental Clinic Orlando, FL, was established to provide comprehensive dental care to Navy personnel, dependents, and retirees in the Central Florida region. Operational during the latter half of the 20th century, the clinic supported the training mission of the adjacent Naval Training Center Orlando by ensuring the dental readiness of recruits and staff. The clinic was staffed by Navy dental officers, hygienists, and support personnel, offering a range of preventive and restorative services. Following the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, Naval Dental Clinic Orlando was closed in 1995, as Naval Training Center Orlando was decommissioned.

Naval Communication Station Sicily (NAVCOMMSTA Sicily) was established in the early 1960s near Niscemi, Sicily, to provide critical communications support for U.S. and NATO naval forces in the Mediterranean region. As part of the Naval Communications Command, the station operated high-frequency radio transmitters and receivers, enabling secure and reliable communications between deployed ships, aircraft, and shore installations during the Cold War. NAVCOMMSTA Sicily played a significant role in supporting U.S. Sixth Fleet operations and contributed to the overall strategic presence of NATO in Southern Europe. In the late 1990s, its mission and assets were realigned under Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sicily, reflecting advancements in communications technology and changing operational requirements.

Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMSTA) Yokosuka, Japan, was established in the early 1950s to support U.S. Navy operations in the Western Pacific following World War II. Strategically located within the U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka complex, the unit provided critical communications, cryptographic, and electronic support for naval and joint forces throughout the region. NAVCOMSTA Yokosuka played a vital role during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring reliable command and control links between deployed fleets and higher headquarters. Over time, its mission evolved with advances in technology, and the station eventually transitioned into what is known today as the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Far East.

Naval Training Center (NTC) Dam Neck, Virginia, traces its origins to World War II, when it was established in 1942 as a gunnery training center for Atlantic Fleet sailors. Over the decades, it evolved into a premier site for naval training, specializing in combat systems, missile systems, and electronic warfare. The installation became home to the Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic, providing advanced instruction for both officers and enlisted personnel. Today, it is known as Training Support Center Hampton Roads, Dam Neck Annex, playing a vital role in preparing sailors for modern naval operations.

Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Pensacola, located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, has played a pivotal role in the training of U.S. Navy personnel since its establishment. Originally part of the broader training mission at NAS Pensacola, NTTC was formally organized to centralize and enhance technical instruction for various Navy ratings, including cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, and information technology professionals. Throughout its history, NTTC Pensacola has adapted to evolving technological and operational needs, ensuring sailors receive cutting-edge education in support of fleet readiness. Today, the command remains a cornerstone of Navy technical training, preparing thousands of students annually for vital roles in the fleet and joint operations.

PMOLANT Charleston, South Carolina, stands for Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Atlantic, a key support unit within the U.S. Air Force’s Air Force Metrology and Calibration (AFMETCAL) Program. Established to support the maintenance and calibration of precision measurement equipment, PMOLANT Charleston has played a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment for military operations across the eastern United States and overseas. Located at Joint Base Charleston, the unit’s highly trained technicians provide critical calibration services to multiple branches of the armed forces, supporting both peacetime readiness and wartime operations. Over the years, PMOLANT Charleston has adapted to technological advancements and evolving defense requirements, remaining an essential asset for military operational excellence.

River Division 532 (RIVDIV 532) was a unit within the U.S. Navy's Mobile Riverine Force during the Vietnam War. Established in the late 1960s, RIVDIV 532 operated heavily armored river patrol boats (PBRs) and monitors, conducting combat and patrol operations along the Mekong Delta's complex waterways. The division played a crucial role in Operation Game Warden and other missions, providing fire support, troop transport, and interdiction of Viet Cong supply lines. RIVDIV 532 was renowned for its adaptability in the challenging riverine environment, contributing significantly to U.S. efforts to control the delta and disrupt enemy activity.

River Division 111 (RivDiv 111) was a unit of the United States Navy's Mobile Riverine Force during the Vietnam War. Established in 1967, RivDiv 111 operated heavily armed Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft to conduct river patrols, interdiction, and support operations primarily in the Mekong Delta. The unit played a critical role in Operation Game Warden, aimed at denying Viet Cong forces the use of vital waterways for movement and supply. RivDiv 111 engaged in numerous combat encounters, often under heavy fire, and contributed significantly to controlling the complex riverine environment until its deactivation in 1970.

Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 13 (RVAH-13), known as the "Bats," was a U.S. Navy squadron established on January 3, 1961. Initially designated as Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-13, it was later redesignated as RVAH-13 in 1964 with the transition to the RA-5C Vigilante, a supersonic carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft. RVAH-13 played a significant role in photographic reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War, flying numerous combat sorties from aircraft carriers. The squadron was decommissioned on October 1, 1976, as part of the post-Vietnam drawdown and retirement of the RA-5C Vigilante from active service.

Tactical Air Control Squadron TWELVE (TACRON 12), based in San Diego, California, is a United States Navy aviation command and control unit. Established in 1951, TACRON 12 has provided crucial air control support to amphibious assault operations, coordinating air traffic and supporting embarked Marine and Navy forces. The squadron has participated in numerous deployments aboard amphibious assault ships, contributing to operations in regions such as the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Middle East. TACRON 12 continues to play a vital role in ensuring the safe and effective integration of air power during joint and combined amphibious operations.

USS Alabama (SSBN-731) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on May 25, 1985. As a key component of America's strategic nuclear deterrent, she is equipped to carry Trident ballistic missiles and operates with a dual crew system, Blue and Gold, to maximize patrol time. Alabama has completed numerous deterrent patrols, contributing to the continuous at-sea presence vital to national security. The submarine gained additional recognition through its depiction in the 1995 film "Crimson Tide," symbolizing her enduring significance in both military operations and popular culture.

USS Alexander Hamilton (SSBN-617) was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1963. As part of the nation's strategic deterrent force during the Cold War, she conducted numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. The submarine played a critical role in maintaining nuclear deterrence by operating undetected beneath the oceans. After over two decades of service, USS Alexander Hamilton was decommissioned in February 1993 and subsequently scrapped under the Navy's Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Aspro (SSN-648) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1969. Named after the aspro fish, this nuclear-powered submarine was designed for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence-gathering missions during the Cold War. Throughout her service, Aspro conducted numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and participated in key fleet exercises, showcasing the Navy’s technological advancements and operational readiness. After over two decades of distinguished service, USS Aspro was decommissioned in 1995 and later scrapped as part of the Navy’s nuclear-powered ship and submarine recycling program.

USS Barbey (FF-1088) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1972 and named in honor of Admiral Daniel E. Barbey. Throughout her service, Barbey conducted numerous operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including deployments to the Western Pacific and participation in joint exercises with allied navies. She played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and escort missions during the Cold War, helping to safeguard U.S. and allied interests. USS Barbey was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to the Taiwanese Navy, where she served as ROCS Hwai Yang (FFG-937).

USS Blandy (DD-943) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on November 26, 1957. Named after Admiral William H. P. Blandy, the ship served prominently during the Cold War era, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments. USS Blandy was involved in key operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine in 1962 and Vietnam War support missions. After more than two decades of service, she was decommissioned on November 5, 1982, and later sunk as a target in 1989.

USS Cadmus (AR-14) was a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed to provide repair and maintenance support to destroyers and other small vessels, Cadmus served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet. Throughout her career, she participated in numerous fleet exercises and deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean and support during the Cold War era. The ship was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the Security Assistance Program.

USS Carr (FFG-52) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 27 July 1985. Named in honor of Gunner’s Mate Paul H. Carr, a World War II hero, the ship served primarily in anti-submarine and escort roles during the latter years of the Cold War and into the post-Cold War period. USS Carr participated in various multinational exercises, maritime security operations, and deployments to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East. The frigate was decommissioned on 13 March 2013, concluding nearly 28 years of distinguished service.

USS Catamount (LSD-17) was a Casa Grande-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Initially serving in the final stages of World War II, she participated in occupation duties in the Far East. During the Korean War, Catamount played a crucial role in amphibious operations, including the Inchon landings, and supported minesweeping activities. The ship continued service through the Vietnam War, providing logistical support and transporting troops and equipment before being decommissioned in 1970.

USS Cavalier (APA-37) was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She played a vital role in World War II, participating in key amphibious operations in the Pacific, including the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, and Okinawa. After the war, Cavalier assisted in occupation duties in Japan and later supported troop movements during the Korean War. She continued to serve with the Pacific Fleet until her decommissioning in 1968, earning multiple battle stars for her service.

USS Charles P. Cecil (DD-835) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Charles P. Cecil, a naval aviator killed in action, the ship participated in numerous Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and patrols in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. During the Korean War, she provided gunfire support and conducted screening duties for aircraft carriers. The USS Charles P. Cecil continued active service into the Vietnam War era before being decommissioned and transferred to the Greek Navy in 1979, where she served as Apostolis (D216) until her final decommissioning.

USS Cimarron (AO-22) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1939. Serving extensively during World War II, she played a critical logistical role in the Pacific Theater, supplying fuel to warships during major operations including the Battles of Midway, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa. Cimarron's efficiency and resilience under threat earned her twelve battle stars for her wartime service. After the war, she continued to support naval operations during the Korean War before being decommissioned in 1965.

USS David R. Ray (DD-971) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on November 19, 1977. Named after Hospital Corpsman Second Class David R. Ray, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served with distinction in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her service, David R. Ray conducted numerous deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, participating in operations such as Operation Earnest Will and supporting multinational exercises. The destroyer was decommissioned on February 28, 2002, after nearly 25 years of service, and was later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2008.

USS Dewey (DDG-105) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy, named in honor of Admiral George Dewey, hero of the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. Commissioned on March 6, 2010, the Dewey has participated in numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and Middle East, supporting missions such as maritime security, ballistic missile defense, and freedom of navigation operations. The ship has taken part in multinational exercises, including RIMPAC and joint operations with allied navies, enhancing interoperability and regional stability. Throughout its service, USS Dewey has exemplified the Navy's commitment to forward presence and rapid response capabilities.