USN

USS PICKING (DD-685) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key operations such as the Leyte Gulf landings and the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, PICKING was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. The ship continued to serve through the early years of the Cold War before being decommissioned for the final time in 1969.

USS Recovery (ARS-43) was a Bolster-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed for towing, salvage, and rescue operations, she served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, supporting fleet exercises and assisting distressed vessels. Throughout her career, Recovery participated in notable missions, including recovery operations for downed aircraft and support during the space program by retrieving space capsules. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1994, leaving a legacy of dedicated support to naval operations and maritime safety.

USS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in May 1946. Named in honor of Marine Private First Class Richard E. Kraus, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments and NATO exercises. Modernized under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program in the 1960s, she supported anti-submarine warfare operations and provided naval gunfire support during the Vietnam War. Decommissioned in 1976, the USS Richard E. Kraus was later transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as Nearchos (D65) until 1994.

USS Roark (DE-1053) was a Knox-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Named in honor of Lieutenant William Marshall Roark, a naval aviator killed in action during the Vietnam War, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, USS Roark participated in numerous training exercises, patrol missions, and deployments to the Western Pacific, supporting U.S. interests during the Cold War. The vessel was decommissioned in 1991 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Southerland (DD-743) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II, providing escort, anti-aircraft, and shore bombardment support. During the Korean War, Southerland supported United Nations forces with gunfire missions and patrol duties. She continued her service through the Vietnam War, participating in carrier escort and naval gunfire support operations before being decommissioned in 1981.

USS Stump (DD-978) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on 19 August 1978. Named after Admiral Felix Stump, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean, participating in numerous exercises, deployments, and operations, including enforcing sanctions during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. USS Stump was recognized for its excellence in anti-submarine warfare and received multiple awards for its operational readiness and efficiency. After nearly 26 years of distinguished service, the destroyer was decommissioned on 22 October 2004 and later sunk as a target during naval exercises in 2006.

USS Tinosa refers to two submarines in the United States Navy, the most notable being USS Tinosa (SS-283), a Gato-class submarine commissioned in 1943 during World War II. Tinosa (SS-283) earned distinction for her aggressive patrols in the Pacific, sinking several enemy vessels and surviving numerous depth charge attacks. One of her most famous actions occurred during her second war patrol, when she encountered a Japanese tanker and experienced repeated torpedo malfunctions, highlighting critical flaws in U.S. torpedo design. After the war, Tinosa was decommissioned in 1953, having earned nine battle stars for her wartime service.

USS Truckee (AO-147) was a Neosho-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel and supplies to naval vessels, Truckee played a vital logistical role during the Cold War, supporting operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. The ship participated in numerous NATO exercises, crisis responses, and deployments, ensuring sustained fleet readiness. After nearly 35 years of distinguished service, USS Truckee was decommissioned in 1990 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Vicksburg (CG 69) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on November 14, 1992. Named after the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, the ship has served as a key component of carrier strike groups, providing air defense, surface warfare, and maritime security. Vicksburg has participated in numerous operations, including support for Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The cruiser has also engaged in multiple multinational exercises, demonstrating the Navy's commitment to global partnerships and maritime stability.

USS Willamette (AO-180) was a Cimarron-class fleet replenishment oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1981. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel and supplies to naval vessels, she played a crucial support role in operations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Willamette participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including support for U.S. operations during the Gulf War. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1999 and later scrapped.

USS Windham County (LST-1170) was a tank landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1954. Named after counties in Connecticut and Vermont, she served primarily in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets during the Cold War. The ship participated in numerous amphibious operations and exercises, including deployments to the Mediterranean and Far East, notably supporting operations during the Vietnam War. After decades of service, USS Windham County was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy.

**V-4** is not a widely recognized military unit designation in mainstream military history. If you are referring to a specific unit, such as those used in fictional works, lesser-known formations, or within a specific nation's military structure, please provide additional context. In some contexts, "V-4" may refer to the "Visegrád Group" (V4), an alliance of four Central European countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) for military and political cooperation since 1991, but this is not a military unit per se. If you meant a different "V-4," please clarify for a more accurate history.

Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22), also known as the "Fighting Redcocks," was a distinguished attack squadron of the United States Navy. Originally established as Bombing Squadron VB-63 in 1948, it was redesignated as VA-22 in 1959. Throughout its service, VA-22 participated in several major conflicts, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War, flying aircraft such as the A-1 Skyraider and later the A-7 Corsair II. The squadron was renowned for its effectiveness in close air support and strike missions before it was disestablished in 1975.

Attack Squadron 27 (VA-27), known as the "Royal Maces," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on September 1, 1967. Initially flying the A-7 Corsair II, VA-27 participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, conducting strike missions over North Vietnam. The squadron earned several commendations for its performance and professionalism in combat. VA-27 was disestablished on January 31, 1970, but the "Royal Maces" name and heritage were later reactivated by Strike Fighter Squadron 27 (VFA-27) in 1987.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112 (VAW-112), known as the "Golden Hawks," was established on April 20, 1967. The squadron flew the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning and command and control for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups. VAW-112 participated in major operations, including Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions worldwide. After fifty years of distinguished service, VAW-112 was deactivated on May 31, 2017, as part of a Navy force restructuring.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 88 (VAW-88), known as the "Cottonpickers," was a reserve squadron of the United States Navy established in 1970. Based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, VAW-88 operated the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning and command and control capabilities. The squadron supported fleet operations and trained reserve aircrew and maintenance personnel, contributing to the readiness of the U.S. Navy Reserve. VAW-88 was disestablished in 1994 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

VC-2, or Composite Squadron Two, was a unit of the United States Navy established during World War II. Formed in 1943, VC-2 was part of the escort carrier air groups, primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection in the Atlantic Theater. Flying aircraft like the Grumman TBF Avenger and FM-2 Wildcat, VC-2 played a crucial role in safeguarding Allied shipping from German U-boat threats. After distinguished service throughout the war, the squadron was disestablished in 1945 following the Allied victory.

Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147), known as the "Argonauts," was established on February 1, 1967. Initially flying the A-7 Corsair II, the squadron later transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet and then to the advanced F-35C Lightning II. VFA-147 has participated in major operations including Vietnam, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, providing carrier-based strike and air superiority capabilities. The Argonauts are based at Naval Air Station Lemoore and continue to serve as a premier strike fighter squadron in the United States Navy.

Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22), known as the "Fighting Redcocks," was originally established as VF-63 in 1948 and redesignated as VFA-22 in 1993. The squadron has participated in numerous significant conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Throughout its history, VFA-22 has flown various aircraft, transitioning from the F4U Corsair to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, its current platform. Today, VFA-22 operates as a key strike fighter squadron within the U.S. Navy, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.

Strike Fighter Squadron 27 (VFA-27), known as the "Royal Maces," is a United States Navy fighter squadron based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. Established in 1967 as Attack Squadron 27 (VA-27), the squadron originally flew the A-7 Corsair II before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet in 1991 and later the advanced F/A-18E Super Hornet in 2004. VFA-27 has participated in numerous operations, including combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and ongoing deployments in support of U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region. As part of Carrier Air Wing 5, VFA-27 plays a key role in forward-deployed naval operations and the projection of American airpower in the Western Pacific.

Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81), known as the "Sunliners," was established in 1955 and is a United States Navy fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana. Originally designated as VA-66 and later redesignated VA-81, the squadron first flew the A-4 Skyhawk before transitioning to the A-7 Corsair II and later to the F/A-18 Hornet. VFA-81 gained distinction during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, when its pilots were credited with the first air-to-air kills of the conflict, downing two Iraqi MiG-21s. The Sunliners continue to serve as a frontline strike fighter squadron, participating in numerous deployments and exercises around the world.

Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94), known as the "Mighty Shrikes," was originally established as VF-94 in 1952. The squadron saw combat during the Vietnam War, flying A-4 Skyhawks from aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. Over the decades, VFA-94 transitioned through several aircraft, including the A-7 Corsair II and later the F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting the evolution of naval aviation. The Mighty Shrikes have participated in numerous operations, including Operation Desert Storm and subsequent Middle East deployments, maintaining a reputation for excellence in strike fighter missions.

VFP-62, known as "Fighting Photos," was a United States Navy Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron established in January 1949. Originally designated as VJ-62, it was redesignated VFP-62 in 1956 and played a crucial role in aerial reconnaissance during the Cold War. The squadron is best known for its pivotal role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when it provided photographic evidence of Soviet missile installations in Cuba using RF-8A Crusader aircraft. VFP-62 was decommissioned in January 1968, having contributed significantly to U.S. naval reconnaissance operations and intelligence gathering.

Patrol Squadron 2 (VP-2) was a long-range maritime patrol unit of the United States Navy, first established in 1929. Over its history, VP-2 served in various forms and under different designations, participating in critical anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions during World War II and the Cold War. The squadron operated aircraft such as the PBY Catalina, PB4Y-2 Privateer, and later the P2V Neptune, conducting patrols throughout the Pacific theater, including the Aleutian Islands and Western Pacific. VP-2 was ultimately disestablished in 1969, after decades of distinguished service in maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare.