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Over 3,064,780 active members
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VAQ-140
U.S. Navy
VF-31
U.S. Navy
VF-31, also known as the "Tomcatters," is one of the oldest active U.S. Navy fighter squadrons, originally established in 1935. The squadron participated in World War II, flying the F6F Hellcat, and later saw action in Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War with various aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom and the iconic F-14 Tomcat. VF-31 gained distinction for its combat achievements and for being the last squadron to fly the F-14 Tomcat before transitioning to the F/A-18E Super Hornet in 2006. Today, as VFA-31, the Tomcatters continue their legacy as a premier strike fighter squadron in the U.S. Navy.
VF31
U.S. Navy
VP-44
U.S. Navy
Patrol Squadron 44 (VP-44) was a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established during World War II. Commissioned in June 1942, the unit initially flew the PBY Catalina on anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions in the Atlantic and later transitioned to the PBM Mariner and P5M Marlin. Throughout its service, VP-44 played a vital role in maritime patrol, surveillance, and search and rescue operations during the Cold War, particularly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. The squadron was eventually equipped with the P-3 Orion before being disestablished on June 1, 1991, as part of post-Cold War force reductions.
VP50
U.S. Navy
VQ-3
U.S. Navy
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE (VQ-3), known as the "Ironmen," was established in 1968 as part of the U.S. Navy’s strategic communications force. Originally based at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, the squadron’s mission is to provide airborne communications relay for the nation’s nuclear command and control through the operation of the E-6 Mercury aircraft. VQ-3 played a critical role in the "Take Charge and Move Out" (TACAMO) program, ensuring continuous, survivable communication between national command authorities and ballistic missile submarines. In 1992, the unit relocated to Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where it continues its vital deterrence and command-and-control missions today.
VR-54
U.S. Navy
1ST MARINE AIR WING
U.S. Navy
3RD FLEET
U.S. Navy
AS-39
U.S. Navy
Aviation Boatswains Mate Fuels
U.S. Navy
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels), often abbreviated as ABF, is a vital U.S. Navy rating established during World War II to support the growing demands of aircraft carrier operations. ABFs are responsible for fueling and defueling aircraft, maintaining fuel systems, and ensuring the safe handling and storage of aviation fuels aboard ships and shore installations. Their expertise has been crucial in every major conflict since WWII, enabling sustained air operations from carriers during the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf, and more recent conflicts. Over the decades, ABFs have adapted to advances in aviation technology, continually upholding rigorous safety and operational standards to support naval air power worldwide.
COMSUBLANT Norfolk VA
U.S. Navy
COMSUBLANT (Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic), headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, was established in 1941 to oversee and coordinate the operations of the United States Navy's Atlantic Fleet submarines. Throughout World War II, COMSUBLANT played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and in securing maritime supply lines against German U-boats. During the Cold War, the command expanded its responsibilities to include the operation and maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines, including those armed with strategic ballistic missiles. Today, COMSUBLANT remains a critical component of U.S. naval power, ensuring undersea dominance, strategic deterrence, and the readiness of submarine forces in the Atlantic theater.
FICPACFAC
U.S. Navy
FLEET TRAINING GROUP
U.S. Navy
HA(L)-3
U.S. Navy
Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three (HA(L)-3), also known as the "Seawolves," was a unique United States Navy helicopter gunship squadron established on 1 April 1967 during the Vietnam War. Tasked primarily with supporting the Navy's riverine operations, HA(L)-3 provided crucial close air support, medical evacuations, and armed reconnaissance for the Mobile Riverine Force and SEAL teams operating in the Mekong Delta. The squadron operated UH-1B and UH-1C "Huey" helicopters, heavily armed for attack missions in the challenging riverine and jungle environment. HA(L)-3 became the most decorated Navy squadron of the Vietnam War before being disestablished on 16 March 1972.
HM-12
U.S. Navy
Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve (HM-12), known as the "Sea Dragons," was established by the United States Navy on April 1, 1971. As the Navy’s first dedicated airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) squadron, HM-12 played a crucial role in developing and deploying helicopter-based mine-sweeping techniques, primarily using the CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters. The unit provided vital mine-clearing support during operations such as the Vietnam War and later the Persian Gulf conflicts. HM-12 was instrumental in training personnel and establishing doctrine for modern mine countermeasures before its deactivation in 1994, with its legacy continued by successor squadrons.
HSL NAS Coronado
U.S. Navy
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) at NAS Coronado was a key component of the U.S. Navy’s rotary-wing anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Established during the Cold War, HSL squadrons operated SH-2 Seasprite and later SH-60B Seahawk helicopters, providing surface fleet support from the strategically vital Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California. These squadrons played a crucial role in maritime patrol, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and logistical support missions. Their operations contributed significantly to the Navy’s readiness and power projection in the Pacific and beyond until HSL units were reorganized into Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons in the mid-2000s.
MCB9
U.S. Navy
MILITARY POLICE
U.S. Navy
NAS Coranado Island
U.S. Navy
Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, commonly known as NAS Coronado, is a major naval aviation facility located on the Coronado Peninsula in San Diego, California. Established in 1917, it is regarded as the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation" and has played a pivotal role in training naval aviators and supporting Pacific Fleet operations during both World Wars and the Cold War. Over the decades, NAS North Island has hosted numerous aircraft carriers, squadrons, and specialized units, evolving into a cornerstone of U.S. Navy air operations. Today, the station continues to support advanced aviation training, maintenance, and operational deployments, serving as home to several major commands, including the headquarters of Naval Air Forces Pacific.
NAS Naples
U.S. Navy
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, established in 1951, serves as a vital United States Navy installation in Naples, Italy. Originally created to support U.S. Sixth Fleet operations in the Mediterranean, the base has played a crucial role in logistical, administrative, and operational support for both American and NATO forces. Over the decades, NSA Naples has been instrumental during key events, including the Cold War, the Balkans conflicts, and ongoing operations in the Middle East and North Africa. Today, it remains a hub for U.S. Navy activities in Europe, ensuring readiness and cooperation among allied forces in the region.
NAVAL HOSPITAL SAN DIEGO
U.S. Navy
NAVAL SPACE COMMAND
U.S. Navy
Naval Support Force Antarctica
U.S. Navy
The Naval Support Force Antarctica (NSFA) was a United States Navy unit established in 1955 to provide logistical, operational, and construction support for Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. mission in Antarctica. Headquartered at McMurdo Station, the NSFA managed sea and air logistics, constructed and maintained research facilities, and supported scientific expeditions across the continent. The unit played a crucial role in maintaining year-round access to Antarctica, enabling critical scientific research during the Cold War and beyond. The NSFA was deactivated in 1998, with its duties transferred to civilian agencies under the National Science Foundation.