USN

Attack Squadron 106 (VA-106), known as the "Gladiators," was established in April 1952 as a United States Navy attack squadron. The unit saw significant action during the Cold War era, including combat operations in the Korean War and Vietnam War. VA-106 operated a variety of aircraft over its history, such as the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, and the A-4 Skyhawk. The squadron was recognized for its professionalism and combat effectiveness before being disestablished on January 7, 1969.

Attack Squadron 144 (VA-144), known as the "Roadrunners," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on January 26, 1956. Initially flying the F9F Cougar, the squadron later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk, becoming a key component of carrier air wings in the Pacific Fleet. VA-144 participated in multiple Western Pacific deployments, including combat operations during the early years of the Vietnam War. The squadron was disestablished on January 1, 1971, after 15 years of active service.

Attack Squadron 87 (VA-87), also known as the "Golden Warriors," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on August 1, 1968. The squadron flew the A-7 Corsair II and was homeported at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. VA-87 participated in numerous deployments, including combat operations during the Vietnam War and later in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean regions. The unit was eventually redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron 87 (VFA-87) in 1986, transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet and continuing its legacy as a frontline carrier-based squadron.

Attack Squadron 97 (VA-97), known as the "Warhawks," was a U.S. Navy attack squadron established on June 1, 1967. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and primarily flew the A-7 Corsair II aircraft. VA-97 participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, conducting strike missions from aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. The squadron was disestablished on December 1, 1977, after a decade of distinguished service.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126), known as the "Seahawks," is a United States Navy airborne early warning squadron established in April 1969. Flying the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, VAW-126 provides all-weather airborne command and control, surveillance, and battle management to carrier strike groups. Over its history, the squadron has supported major operations including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, playing a critical role in airspace management and fleet defense. VAW-126 continues to operate as part of Carrier Air Wing 1, maintaining readiness for global deployment in support of U.S. naval operations.

Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), known as the "Bandits," was a United States Navy adversary squadron established in 1956. Initially formed as VF-126, the squadron was tasked with providing air combat training for fleet pilots, often simulating enemy aircraft and tactics. Based at NAS Miramar, California, VF-126 played a crucial role in the Navy's air combat readiness during the Cold War, employing aircraft such as the A-4 Skyhawk, F-5 Tiger II, and F/A-18 Hornet. The squadron was disestablished in 1994 as part of post-Cold War restructuring.

VF-96, also known as Fighter Squadron 96 and nicknamed the "Fighting Falcons," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1950. The squadron was most notable for its service during the Vietnam War, flying the F-4 Phantom II and earning distinction for its air combat achievements. VF-96 aviators, including Lieutenant Randy Cunningham and Lieutenant (jg) William Driscoll, achieved ace status by downing five enemy aircraft in 1972. The squadron was disestablished in 1975, but its legacy lives on as one of the Navy’s most accomplished fighter units of its era.

Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25), also known as the "Fist of the Fleet," was originally established in 1943 as Torpedo Squadron VT-17 during World War II. The squadron participated in major Pacific campaigns, including strikes against the Japanese home islands. Over the decades, VFA-25 transitioned through various aircraft, from the TBM Avenger to the A-1 Skyraider, A-7 Corsair II, and currently operates the F/A-18E Super Hornet. The unit has seen combat in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and recent Middle East operations, earning a distinguished record for combat effectiveness and adaptability.

Patrol Squadron 18 (VP-18), known as the "Flying Phantoms," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1946. Originally formed as VP-914 in the Naval Reserve, it was redesignated as VP-18 in 1953. The squadron operated various aircraft, including the P-2V Neptune, conducting anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions, primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions. VP-18 played an active role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, providing surveillance and reconnaissance support. The squadron was disestablished on October 10, 1968, after more than two decades of service.

Patrol Squadron 28 (VP-28), known as the "Hawaiian Warriors," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established during World War II. Initially formed in 1943, VP-28 operated primarily in the Pacific Theater, conducting anti-submarine warfare, maritime reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions. The squadron played a vital role in post-war patrol operations during the Korean War and Cold War, operating aircraft such as the PBY Catalina, PB4Y-2 Privateer, and later the P-2 Neptune. VP-28 was finally disestablished in 1969, capping a distinguished record of service spanning more than two decades.

Patrol Squadron 62 (VP-62) was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established on 1 August 1942 during World War II. The squadron was initially based at NAS Alameda, California, flying the PBY Catalina seaplane on anti-submarine and maritime patrol missions. VP-62 was deployed to the Aleutian Islands, operating from bases such as Dutch Harbor and Adak, where it conducted reconnaissance and search operations against Japanese forces in the North Pacific. The squadron was disestablished on 21 June 1943 following the reduction of enemy activity in the Aleutians and the shifting strategic needs of the U.S. Navy.

Patrol Squadron 93 (VP-93), known as the "Executioners," was a United States Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on July 1, 1976, at Naval Air Facility Detroit, Michigan. The squadron operated the Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, specializing in anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime surveillance missions. Throughout its service, VP-93 participated in numerous exercises and operations, providing support during events such as Operation Desert Storm and enforcing United Nations sanctions in the Adriatic Sea. The unit was deactivated on September 30, 1994, as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

VPU-1, or Patrol Squadron Unmanned-1, is a specialized unit within the United States Navy established to operate and evaluate unmanned aerial systems for maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions. Formed in the 21st century as the Navy shifted focus toward advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, VPU-1 played a pivotal role in integrating unmanned technologies like the MQ-4C Triton into fleet operations. The squadron's missions have included persistent wide-area surveillance, signals intelligence, and support for anti-submarine warfare. VPU-1's innovative work has contributed significantly to the evolution of naval aviation and modern maritime domain awareness.

VPU-2, known as "Wizards," is a United States Navy unit with a heritage dating back to its original designation as VQ-2, which was established in 1955 to conduct signals intelligence and electronic surveillance missions during the Cold War. The unit operated various specialized aircraft, including the EP-3 Aries and P-3 Orion, providing critical intelligence support throughout multiple conflicts and during peacetime operations. In 1998, the unit was redesignated as VPU-2 and shifted its mission focus to maritime patrol and reconnaissance, deploying globally from its home base at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. VPU-2 played an essential role in gathering intelligence and supporting fleet operations before its deactivation in 2012.

VT-29 was a U.S. Navy training squadron established in 1952 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Its primary mission was to provide advanced multi-engine flight training to Navy, Marine Corps, and allied student aviators, primarily using the Convair C-131 Samaritan and T-29 aircraft. Over the course of its service, VT-29 played a vital role in preparing pilots for fleet assignments in patrol, transport, and reconnaissance roles during the Cold War. The squadron was disestablished in 1976 as part of a reorganization of Navy training units.

Training Squadron Thirty-One (VT-31), known as the “Wise Owls,” was established in 1960 and is based at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. The squadron’s primary mission is to provide advanced multi-engine flight training for future U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and international student naval aviators. VT-31 initially flew the Grumman TS-2A Tracker before transitioning to the Beechcraft T-44A Pegasus, which remains its primary training aircraft. Over the decades, VT-31 has played a crucial role in preparing aviators for operational assignments in maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and transport aircraft.

Training Squadron FOUR (VT-4), based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, was established in 1960 as part of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Training Command. Originally, VT-4 provided advanced multi-engine flight training for student naval aviators, using aircraft such as the T-39 Sabreliner and T-44 Pegasus. Over the years, the squadron’s mission evolved, and VT-4 played a crucial role in training both U.S. and international naval flight officers (NFOs) in navigation, electronic warfare, and tactical operations. Today, VT-4 continues its legacy at NAS Pensacola, preparing future maritime aviators for fleet service.

VW-4, known as "Hurricane Hunters," was a United States Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron established in 1952. The unit's primary mission was to conduct weather reconnaissance, particularly tracking and reporting on Atlantic hurricanes, using aircraft such as the Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star. Operating out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, VW-4 provided crucial data to both military and civilian meteorological agencies, greatly improving hurricane forecasting and preparedness. The squadron was disestablished in 1975 as technological advancements and satellite weather observation reduced the need for manned hurricane reconnaissance flights.

The Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, located at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, was established in 1984 to provide specialized training for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation rescue swimmers. Its inception followed the realization that dedicated, highly trained personnel were crucial for effective air-sea rescue operations. The curriculum emphasizes advanced swimming, survival, and lifesaving skills in demanding maritime environments. Over the years, the school has become renowned for its rigorous standards and has graduated thousands of rescue swimmers who serve aboard helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft worldwide, often saving lives in extreme conditions.

**CBU-410** (Construction Battalion Unit 410), known as the "Charging Bulls," is a United States Navy Seabee unit established in the early 1970s. Tasked primarily with expeditionary construction, CBU-410 has supported both combat and humanitarian missions worldwide, including deployments to the Middle East and the Pacific. The unit specializes in rapid airfield repair, base construction, and disaster relief operations, often working alongside Marine and Army units. Over the decades, CBU-410 has earned multiple commendations for its vital contributions to Operation Desert Storm and humanitarian relief efforts after major natural disasters.

The Commander, Naval Reserve Force (CNAVRES) was established in 1978 as the senior command overseeing the United States Navy Reserve. Its mission was to provide strategic leadership, readiness, and administrative support for reserve personnel and units, ensuring their seamless integration with the active duty fleet. CNAVRES played a pivotal role in mobilizing reserve forces for operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, the organization was re-designated as Commander, Navy Reserve Force (COMNAVRESFOR), reflecting an increased emphasis on operational alignment with the active component.

COMASWFORPAC, or Commander, Anti-Submarine Warfare Forces, Pacific Fleet, was a United States Navy command responsible for the coordination and execution of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations in the Pacific theater. Established during the Cold War, its mission was to detect, track, and counter the growing submarine threat posed by adversaries, particularly the Soviet Union. The command oversaw the deployment of surface ships, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft specialized in ASW tactics and technology. COMASWFORPAC played a critical role in maintaining undersea superiority and ensuring sea lane security for the U.S. Pacific Fleet until evolving operational needs led to its integration into broader maritime and fleet commands.

Commander Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) is a United States Navy command established in 1957 to serve as the principal naval component command in South Korea. Its origins trace back to the Korean War, when increasing U.S. naval operations in the region necessitated a unified command structure. CNFK is responsible for coordinating U.S. naval activities, supporting the Republic of Korea Navy, and ensuring readiness for combined operations on the Korean Peninsula. Over the decades, CNFK has played a key role in strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance and maintaining regional security and maritime stability.

**Combat Service Group Three (COMSERVGRU-3)** was a United States Navy logistics and support command, established to provide essential supply, repair, and administrative support to fleet units operating in the Pacific Ocean. Formed during the post-World War II era, COMSERVGRU-3 played a significant role during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring that combat ships received fuel, ammunition, and provisions while at sea. The unit was headquartered at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and managed a variety of auxiliary vessels, including oilers, tenders, and supply ships. Over the decades, COMSERVGRU-3 contributed to the Navy’s sustained operational readiness before being reorganized as part of modern fleet support structures.