USN

USS Tanner (AGS-15) began her service as USS Pamina (AKA-34), an attack cargo ship commissioned in 1944 and active in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, she was converted to a survey ship and renamed USS Tanner in honor of distinguished hydrographer Zera Luther Tanner. From 1946 to 1969, USS Tanner conducted extensive hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, supporting naval and scientific operations around the world, including the Mediterranean, the North Atlantic, and the Arctic. She played a vital role in charting previously uncharted waters, enhancing navigation safety for both military and civilian vessels before being decommissioned in 1969.

USS Thach (FFG-43) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 17 March 1984. Named after Admiral John Thach, a World War II naval aviator and tactician, the ship was primarily engaged in escort, patrol, and anti-submarine warfare missions. Throughout her service, USS Thach participated in various operations, including counter-narcotics deployments in the Caribbean and multinational exercises in the Pacific and Middle East. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on 1 November 2013.

USS Tortuga (LSD-26) 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 played a vital role in transporting landing craft and supporting amphibious operations. During the Korean War, Tortuga participated in key operations such as the Inchon landings and the evacuation of Hungnam. She continued her service through the Vietnam War, providing essential logistical and amphibious support before being decommissioned in 1970.

USS Twining (DD-540) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1943. Named after Rear Admiral Nathan C. Twining, she saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the Marianas, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa campaigns. Twining provided vital fire support, engaged enemy aircraft, and performed escort and screening duties for larger fleet units. After World War II, she was decommissioned in 1947, later transferred to the Republic of China Navy in 1971, and served as ROCS Kwei Yang (DDG-908) until her retirement.

USS Von Steuben (SSBN-632) was a James Madison-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Assigned to the "Gold" crew, one of the two alternating crews, she conducted numerous strategic deterrent patrols during the height of the Cold War, carrying Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. The Gold crew played a critical role in ensuring continuous at-sea deterrence, operating out of bases such as Rota, Spain, and Holy Loch, Scotland. After nearly three decades of service, Von Steuben was decommissioned in 1994, marking the end of her contribution to America's undersea nuclear deterrent force.

USS Wadsworth (FFG-9) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1980. Named after Commodore Alexander S. Wadsworth, she served with distinction during the latter years of the Cold War, participating in numerous multinational exercises and Middle East deployments, including Operation Earnest Will, which protected shipping in the Persian Gulf. Wadsworth played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and convoy escort missions, exemplifying the versatility of her class. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 2002 and later transferred to the Polish Navy, where she continues to serve as ORP Generał Tadeusz Kościuszko.

USS Whitfield County (LST-1169) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. The vessel was primarily tasked with transporting tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops to support amphibious operations, serving extensively in the Pacific. During the Vietnam War, Whitfield County played a significant role in logistical support, delivering supplies and providing direct assistance during riverine and coastal operations. She was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Greek Navy, where she served as Kos (L-116) before being retired.

USS Will Rogers (SSBN-659) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1967. Named after the American humorist Will Rogers, she conducted strategic deterrent patrols throughout the Cold War, primarily armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. The submarine operated mainly from forward bases in Scotland, playing a critical role in maintaining the U.S. nuclear deterrent. USS Will Rogers was decommissioned in 1993 following the end of the Cold War and subsequently scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Winston (AKA-94) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Designed to carry cargo and landing craft for amphibious operations, Winston served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in the Okinawa campaign. After the war, she supported occupation forces in Japan and China and later took part in the Korean War, transporting troops and supplies during several key operations. Decommissioned in 1957, Winston was briefly reactivated for service before finally being struck from the Navy list in 1968.

USS WREN (DD-568) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1944. During World War II, WREN served in the Pacific Theater, providing anti-aircraft screening, shore bombardment, and escort duties during operations such as the invasions of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The destroyer earned several battle stars for her service before being decommissioned in 1947. Recommissioned for service during the Korean War, WREN continued to serve until her final decommissioning in 1963.

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.

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.

Patrol Squadron 66 (VP-66), known as the "Liberty Bells," was a United States Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on November 1, 1970. Based at Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, VP-66 flew various models of the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft during its service. The squadron participated in numerous anti-submarine warfare (ASW), reconnaissance, and drug interdiction missions, supporting both Atlantic and worldwide operations. VP-66 was deactivated on September 30, 2006, as part of a broader reorganization of Navy Reserve aviation forces.

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.