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3rd Recon
U.S. Navy
The 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, commonly known as 3rd Recon, is a United States Marine Corps unit established during World War II in 1943. Tasked with providing ground and amphibious reconnaissance, the battalion saw significant action in the Pacific theater and later during the Vietnam War, where it conducted deep reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions behind enemy lines. Reactivated and restructured over the decades, 3rd Recon continued to support Marine Expeditionary Forces in operations such as Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Renowned for its rigorous selection and training, 3rd Recon remains at the forefront of the Marine Corps' intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
AFDM-10 RESOLUTE
U.S. Navy
BROWN WATER NAVY
U.S. Navy
COMCRUDESPAC
U.S. Navy
**COMCRUDESPAC** stands for **Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Pacific Fleet**, a United States Navy command responsible for overseeing cruisers and destroyers in the Pacific theater. Established during the Cold War, COMCRUDESPAC played a crucial role in coordinating surface warfare operations, training, and readiness for the Pacific Fleet’s surface combatants. The command managed task group formations, deployed forces for exercises and real-world contingencies, and contributed to naval strategy during key events such as the Vietnam War. In the late 20th century, the command structure evolved, eventually being reorganized under broader surface warfare commands as the Navy streamlined its operational forces.
COMNAVACTUK LONDON ENGLAND
U.S. Navy
Commander, U.S. Naval Activities, United Kingdom (COMNAVACTUK), London, England, served as a key administrative and operational command for the United States Navy in the United Kingdom during the Cold War and into the late 20th century. Established to coordinate U.S. naval interests, logistics, and support in the region, COMNAVACTUK played a vital role in fostering Anglo-American naval cooperation and providing support for U.S. ships and personnel operating in European waters. The command managed multiple subordinate activities, including naval facilities, housing, and communication sites throughout the UK. COMNAVACTUK was eventually disestablished in the 1990s following post-Cold War realignment and reductions in U.S. overseas military presence.
COMOCEANSYSPAC
U.S. Navy
CVN-70
U.S. Navy
USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy on March 13, 1982. Named after Congressman Carl Vinson, the "Gold Eagle" has played a pivotal role in U.S. naval operations, including Operation Desert Strike, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The carrier notably participated in humanitarian missions and made headlines in 2011 as the ship from which Osama bin Laden's body was buried at sea. Homeported in San Diego, California, CVN-70 continues to project American naval power and support allied operations worldwide.
Danang Vietnam
U.S. Navy
HM-15
U.S. Navy
Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15), also known as the "Blackhawks," was established in 1987. The squadron specializes in airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) and vertical onboard delivery using the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter. HM-15 has participated in numerous operations worldwide, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing crucial support in clearing naval mines and ensuring safe passage for allied vessels. The unit is based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and remains a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s mine warfare and logistics missions.
HS-17
U.S. Navy
HS-6
U.S. Navy
HS-6, known as the "Indians," was a United States Navy Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron established in 1956. The squadron was initially based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, and operated a series of rotary-wing aircraft, including the SH-3 Sea King and later the SH-60F Seahawk. HS-6 played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue missions, and fleet support, frequently deploying aboard aircraft carriers in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The squadron participated in notable operations such as the recovery of Apollo astronauts and various combat deployments, before being redesignated as HSC-6 in 2009 to reflect its broader mission set.
HS8
U.S. Navy
HSL-31
U.S. Navy
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 31 (HSL-31), also known as the "Arch Angels," was a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron established in 1969. Based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, HSL-31 served primarily as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training pilots and aircrew to operate the SH-2 Seasprite helicopter for anti-submarine warfare and other naval missions. Over its years of service, the unit played a critical role in preparing crews for deployment aboard surface combatants. HSL-31 was disestablished in 1994 as part of a broader reorganization of Navy helicopter units.
HT8
U.S. Navy
HU-1
U.S. Navy
MACV - Vietnam
U.S. Navy
The Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was a United States unified command established in February 1962 to provide military assistance and advisory support to the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. MACV initially oversaw the expanding U.S. advisory effort, but as American involvement grew, it became responsible for all U.S. military operations in Vietnam. It coordinated the activities of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, as well as allied forces from other nations. General William C. Westmoreland was among its most notable commanders. MACV was disbanded in March 1973 following the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces and the implementation of the Paris Peace Accords.
MANY
U.S. Navy
MCB-3
U.S. Navy
Military sealift commands
U.S. Navy
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a United States Navy organization established in 1949 to provide ocean transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies, and ammunition to sustain U.S. military forces worldwide. Originally formed as the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), the MSC has evolved to manage a fleet of civilian-crewed ships that perform essential logistics, special mission, and prepositioning operations. Throughout major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and recent operations in the Middle East, MSC vessels have delivered critical cargo and supported naval operations. Today, the MSC remains a vital component of U.S. military readiness, ensuring rapid and efficient global sealift capability.
MSTS
U.S. Navy
NAS AGANA Guam Crash & Rescue
U.S. Navy
NAS Agana Guam Crash & Rescue was a specialized emergency response unit stationed at the Naval Air Station Agana on Guam. The unit was responsible for providing rapid aircraft crash, fire, and rescue services to support U.S. Navy operations and ensure the safety of flight crews and support personnel. Throughout its operational years, Crash & Rescue teams responded to numerous aircraft emergencies, participated in extensive training, and supported both military and civilian aviation incidents on the island. Their professionalism and readiness played a vital role in safeguarding lives and assets at a key strategic location in the Pacific until the base’s closure in 1995.
NAS Dallas
U.S. Navy
Naval Air Station (NAS) Dallas was established in 1941 in Grand Prairie, Texas, as a training base for naval aviators during World War II. Throughout its operational history, NAS Dallas played a vital role in the training and support of Navy and Marine Corps Reserve aviation units, as well as hosting Air Force and Army Reserve units. During the Cold War, the base continued its mission as a hub for reserve aviation activities and supported various operational and training missions. NAS Dallas was officially closed as part of the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, and its facilities were transferred to the city, becoming the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex.
NAS Willow Grove Branch Clinic
U.S. Navy
The NAS Willow Grove Branch Clinic was a United States Navy medical facility located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Willow Grove in Pennsylvania. Established to provide medical and dental care to active-duty personnel, reservists, and their families, the clinic played a vital role in supporting the base’s operational readiness from the Cold War era through the early 21st century. Throughout its service, the clinic participated in annual training exercises, health promotions, and mobilization support for deployments. The clinic’s mission concluded following the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision, leading to the closure of NAS Willow Grove and the clinic’s decommissioning in 2011.
Naval Hospital Naples, Italy
U.S. Navy
Naval Hospital Naples, Italy, traces its origins to World War II, when the U.S. Navy established a medical presence in Naples to support Allied operations in the Mediterranean. Officially commissioned in 1953, the hospital has provided critical medical care to U.S. service members, their families, and NATO personnel stationed in southern Europe. Over the decades, it has played a key role in supporting regional military operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief efforts. Today, Naval Hospital Naples continues its mission as a modern healthcare facility, serving as a vital part of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa.