USN

USS Simon Bolivar (SSBN-641) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1965. Named after the South American liberator Simón Bolívar, the submarine conducted strategic deterrent patrols during the Cold War, armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Over nearly three decades of service, Simon Bolivar played a key role in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrence mission, conducting numerous patrols in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The submarine was decommissioned in 1995 and subsequently scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Taconic (AGC-17/LCC-17) was a Mount McKinley-class amphibious force command ship commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1946. Designed to serve as a floating headquarters, Taconic played a critical role in coordinating amphibious operations and command communications during her service. She operated primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean, participating in major exercises, NATO operations, and serving as flagship for amphibious forces. Decommissioned in January 1969, USS Taconic contributed significantly to the Navy’s post-World War II amphibious and command capabilities.

USS Talbot County (LST-1153) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Designed for amphibious operations, she played a key role in transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment to shore during training exercises and deployments throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters during the Cold War. Talbot County participated in numerous NATO exercises and supported various contingency operations, reflecting the Navy's emphasis on rapid, flexible response capabilities during this era. She was decommissioned in 1972 and later transferred to the Venezuelan Navy, where she continued to serve under a new name.

USS Talladega (APA-208) was a Haskell-class attack transport commissioned by the U.S. Navy in October 1944. She played a crucial role in World War II, notably participating in the invasion of Iwo Jima, where she landed elements of the 5th Marine Division. After the war, Talladega supported occupation duties in the Far East and assisted in Operation Magic Carpet, returning American servicemen home. The ship was later recommissioned for service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars before being decommissioned in 1969.

USS Thuban (AKA-19) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in February 1944. She played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key amphibious operations such as the invasions of Saipan, Guam, Leyte, and Okinawa. Throughout her service, Thuban transported troops, vehicles, and supplies, supporting frontline assault forces under combat conditions. After the war, she continued logistical duties before being decommissioned in 1956.

USS Tullibee (SSN-597) was a unique United States Navy submarine, commissioned in 1960 as the first submarine designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Incorporating innovative features such as a bow-mounted spherical sonar array and turbo-electric drive, Tullibee set the standard for future ASW submarine designs. The vessel served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, conducting numerous patrols, exercises, and research missions during the Cold War. After a distinguished career spanning over 28 years, USS Tullibee was decommissioned in 1988.

USS Vogelgesang (DD-862) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in April 1945. Named after Ensign Charles Vogelgesang, she served in the final stages of World War II and participated actively in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing naval gunfire support and screening for aircraft carriers. Throughout the Cold War, Vogelgesang took part in numerous NATO exercises and undertook Mediterranean and Atlantic deployments, showcasing American naval presence worldwide. After over three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she continued her career as ARM Quetzalcoatl.

USS W.S. SIMS (FF-1059) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1970. Named after Admiral William Sowden Sims, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare, convoy escort, and maritime patrol duties during the Cold War. W.S. SIMS participated in multiple exercises and deployments across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean, often operating with NATO allies. After nearly two decades of service, the frigate was decommissioned in September 1991 and later sunk as a target during naval exercises.

USS **Wexford County (LST-1168)** was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Designed to transport and deploy tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore, she played a significant role in amphibious operations during the Cold War era. The vessel supported training exercises, logistics operations, and participated in various deployments, including service in the Pacific Fleet and missions related to the Vietnam War. Decommissioned in 1971, USS Wexford County was later transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as *Martin Alvarez (L-12)* before being retired.

USS **Whale (SSN-638)** was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Designed for both anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare, she played a significant role during the Cold War, participating in vital surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions. Whale completed numerous deployments, including operations in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, and was recognized for her operational excellence. After nearly three decades of service, USS Whale was decommissioned in 1996 and later scrapped through the Navy’s Ship-Submarine Recycling Program.

USS **William M. Wood (DD-715)** was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in November 1945. Although she missed active World War II service, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, including multiple Mediterranean deployments and participation in the Korean War, where she provided naval gunfire support and screening duties. The destroyer also took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962 and later supported operations during the Vietnam War. Decommissioned in 1976, USS William M. Wood was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Kocatepe (D354) until 1995.

Attack Squadron 212 (VA-212), known as the "Rampant Raiders," was established by the United States Navy on June 20, 1955. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Moffett Field and later at NAS Lemoore, flying a variety of attack aircraft, including the AD Skyraider and the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-212 participated in several major operations during the Vietnam War, conducting strike missions and close air support from aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. The squadron was disestablished on December 12, 1975, after two decades of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 64 (VA-64), known as the "Black Lancers," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on July 1, 1961. Initially equipped with the A4D Skyhawk, VA-64 served primarily as an Atlantic Fleet light attack unit, providing close air support and interdiction capabilities. The squadron participated in several significant deployments, including operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and Mediterranean cruises aboard aircraft carriers. VA-64 was disestablished on September 7, 1970, after nearly a decade of service.

VA/AW-33, also known as Air Anti-Submarine Squadron Thirty-Three, was a United States Navy aviation unit. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron specialized in carrier-based anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and attack missions. Operating aircraft such as the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking, VA/AW-33 played a key role in protecting carrier strike groups from underwater threats. The unit participated in numerous training exercises and deployments before being disestablished as ASW tactics and technology evolved.

VAQ-139, known as the "Cougars," is an Electronic Attack Squadron of the United States Navy established in March 1983. Originally flying the EA-6B Prowler, the squadron transitioned to the advanced EA-18G Growler in 2014. Throughout its history, VAQ-139 has participated in numerous key operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve, providing vital electronic warfare support. The squadron's missions focus on suppressing enemy air defenses and enabling strike operations, solidifying its reputation as a critical asset in naval aviation.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115 (VAW-115), known as the "Liberty Bells," was established on April 20, 1967. The squadron was originally based at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, and soon transferred to NAS Miramar, California, before moving to its longtime home at NAF Atsugi, Japan. Flying the E-2 Hawkeye, VAW-115 provided airborne early warning and command and control for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups, notably supporting operations during the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and numerous regional crises in the Western Pacific. After 44 years forward-deployed in Japan with Carrier Air Wing 5, VAW-115 relocated to NAS Point Mugu, California, in 2017 as part of the U.S. Navy’s rebalance to the Pacific.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (VAW-117), known as the "Wallbangers," was established on 1 July 1974. The squadron operates the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning, battle management, and command and control for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups. VAW-117 has participated in numerous major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit has earned multiple commendations for its operational excellence and continues to serve as a critical component of naval aviation from its home base at Naval Base Ventura County, California.

Fighter Squadron 45 (VF-45), known as the "Blackbirds," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in February 1963. Originally based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Florida, VF-45 primarily served as an adversary training unit, simulating enemy aircraft to improve the combat readiness of Navy pilots. The squadron operated a variety of aircraft over its history, including the F-5 Tiger II and F-16N Fighting Falcon, both chosen for their ability to emulate potential adversaries' performance. VF-45 was disestablished in 1996 as part of post-Cold War drawdowns, with its adversary training mission absorbed by other units.

Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151), known as the "Vigilantes," was originally established as VF-23 in 1948 and redesignated as VF-151 in 1953. The squadron has a distinguished combat history, participating in major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. Over the decades, VFA-151 has transitioned through various aircraft, from the F9F Panther to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, reflecting its evolution into a modern strike fighter unit. Today, VFA-151 is based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and remains an integral part of the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wing force.

Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105), originally established as Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105) on November 1, 1967, is a distinguished U.S. Navy aviation unit known as the "Gunslingers." The squadron first flew the A-7A Corsair II and saw combat during the Vietnam War, participating in significant air strike operations. Over the decades, the squadron transitioned through various aircraft, including the A-7E and later the F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting its shift from an attack to a strike fighter role. VFA-105 has deployed with multiple carrier air wings and played key roles in operations such as Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, earning a reputation for excellence and adaptability.

Patrol Squadron 21 (VP-21) was a U.S. Navy patrol squadron established in 1943 during World War II. Originally equipped with PBM Mariner seaplanes, VP-21 conducted anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and reconnaissance missions in the Atlantic and later in the Pacific theaters. The squadron played a vital role in protecting Allied convoys from German U-boats and participated in search and rescue operations. VP-21 continued its service during the early Cold War period, eventually being disestablished in 1969 after numerous redesignations and decades of distinguished operational history.

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.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 3 (VR-3) was a United States Navy aviation unit established during World War II. Formed in 1942, VR-3 operated as part of the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS), providing critical air logistics and transport support across the United States and to overseas bases. The squadron flew aircraft such as the R4D Skytrain and R5D Skymaster, delivering personnel, mail, and supplies vital to the war effort. VR-3 continued its transport mission after the war, contributing to the Navy’s global logistics network before eventual deactivation as military priorities shifted.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 52 (VR-52), known as the "Taskmasters," is a United States Navy Reserve squadron based at Naval Air Station Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Established in 1976, VR-52 operates the C-40A Clipper to provide worldwide air logistics support, including the transport of personnel and cargo for the Navy and other Department of Defense entities. The squadron has played a vital role in supporting military operations, humanitarian missions, and exercises both domestically and internationally. Over the decades, VR-52 has earned multiple commendations for its operational excellence and dedication to mission readiness.