USN

USS Truett (FF-1095) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1974 and named in honor of Quincy Harris Truett, a Navy radioman who was killed in action during World War II. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, Truett served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in NATO exercises and patrols throughout the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. The ship also took part in numerous UNITAS exercises, strengthening cooperation with South American navies. After nearly two decades of service, USS Truett was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to Taiwan, where she served as ROCS Fong Yang (FFG-933).

The USS Turner Joy (DD-951) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Admiral Charles Turner Joy, she played a significant role in the Gulf of Tonkin incident in August 1964, which escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Throughout the Vietnam conflict, Turner Joy provided naval gunfire support, performed carrier escort duties, and participated in search and rescue operations. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1982 and now serves as a museum ship in Bremerton, Washington.

USS Vandegrift (FFG-48) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 24 November 1984. Named in honor of General Alexander A. Vandegrift, the ship served in a variety of roles including escort duties, maritime interdiction, and multinational exercises. Over its three decades of service, Vandegrift conducted deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, participating in operations such as counter-narcotics patrols and supporting the Global War on Terrorism. The frigate was decommissioned on 15 February 2015, concluding a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy.

USS WALKE (DD-723) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1944. She served with distinction in World War II, participating in key operations such as the Normandy invasion, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the Battle of Okinawa, where she survived a devastating kamikaze attack in June 1945. After the war, USS WALKE was modernized and saw combat again during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening for carrier task forces. The destroyer continued her service throughout the Cold War before being decommissioned in 1970, closing a remarkable chapter in U.S. naval history.

USS Washtenaw County (LST-1166) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Initially serving in the Atlantic Fleet, she was later transferred to the Pacific, where she played a prominent role in amphibious operations during the Vietnam War, including riverine and coastal logistics support. The ship earned multiple battle stars for her service in Vietnam, notably participating in operations such as Market Time and supporting the Mobile Riverine Force. Decommissioned in 1973, USS Washtenaw County was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register and later repurposed for civilian use.

USS Watts (DD-567) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in May 1944. During World War II, Watts served in the Pacific Theater, providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine screening for carrier task forces and supporting amphibious landings, including operations in the Philippines and Okinawa. The ship endured kamikaze attacks and performed vital rescue and escort missions. After the war, USS Watts was decommissioned in 1946 and placed in reserve, eventually being struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1971.

USS Westchester County (LST-1167) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Throughout her service, she played a vital role in amphibious operations, logistics support, and troop transport, especially during the Vietnam War. In October 1968, she suffered a devastating Viet Cong explosive attack while anchored in the My Tho River, resulting in significant casualties and damage—the deadliest single attack on a U.S. Navy ship during the Vietnam conflict. After years of distinguished service, USS Westchester County was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Republic of the Philippines.

USS Zellars (DD-777) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1944. Named after Lieutenant Francis Zellars, she served with distinction during World War II, notably participating in the Okinawa campaign where she survived a damaging kamikaze attack in April 1945. After the war, Zellars supported occupation duties in Asia and later saw service during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carriers. Decommissioned in 1971, she was transferred to the Iranian Navy, where she continued her service under the name Babr.

The V-6, USNR (United States Naval Reserve), also known as the "General Service and Specialist" branch, was established during World War II to rapidly expand the Navy’s manpower. Created in 1942, the V-6 program allowed men to enlist in the Naval Reserve for general service or specialized technical roles, often before being called to active duty for training and deployment. Members of V-6 served in a wide range of positions, from combat operations to vital support and technical roles on ships, bases, and naval installations worldwide. The V-6 Reserve contributed significantly to the Navy's wartime expansion and success, and after WWII, many V-6 reservists were demobilized as the Navy downsized.

**V6** was a designation used by the United States Navy during World War II for the Naval Reserve’s Volunteer Specialist Branch. Established in the early 1940s, the V6 unit was composed of enlisted personnel who possessed specialized civilian skills—such as engineering, communications, and technical trades—that were critical to the war effort. Members of V6 served primarily in support roles both stateside and overseas, ensuring the Navy’s operations were efficient and well-supplied. After World War II, the V6 classification was discontinued as the Navy reorganized its reserve and specialist programs for the postwar era.

Attack Squadron 15 (VA-15), known as the "Valions," was a distinguished attack squadron of the United States Navy. Originally established as Torpedo Squadron VT-4 in 1942, the squadron was redesignated several times before becoming VA-15 in 1948. VA-15 participated in numerous major operations, including World War II missions in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, as well as combat deployments during the Vietnam War. The squadron flew a variety of aircraft over its history, such as the TBM Avenger and the A-4 Skyhawk, before it was disestablished in 1990.

Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164) "Ghostriders" was a U.S. Navy attack squadron established on September 1, 1960. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and flew the A-4 Skyhawk series of attack aircraft. VA-164 participated extensively in the Vietnam War, conducting strike missions from aircraft carriers such as the USS Oriskany. The squadron was known for its professionalism and valor under fire, earning several commendations before being disestablished on December 12, 1975.

Attack Squadron 43 (VA-43), known as the "Challengers," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1950 as Fighter Squadron 43 (VF-43) before being redesignated as VA-43 in 1959. Initially operating as a fleet replacement training squadron, VA-43 played a key role in training pilots to fly jet aircraft such as the F9F Panther and later the A-4 Skyhawk. Stationed primarily at Naval Air Station Oceana, the squadron provided essential instruction in carrier-based attack tactics throughout the 1960s. VA-43 was disestablished in 1971, having contributed significantly to the development and readiness of Navy attack aviators during the Cold War era.

VAQ-309, known as the "Axemen," was a United States Navy Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron established in 1979 as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. Based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, the squadron operated the EA-6B Prowler, providing electronic warfare support and training for fleet and reserve units. VAQ-309 participated in a variety of exercises and fleet support missions, contributing to the Navy’s electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses. The squadron was deactivated in 1994 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

VAW-78, known as the "Fighting Escargots," was a United States Navy Reserve Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron established in July 1970. The unit operated the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning and command and control capabilities. Based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, VAW-78 supported fleet operations, participated in numerous exercises, and contributed to drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean. The squadron was decommissioned in March 2005 as part of a broader reorganization of Naval Reserve aviation forces.

**VC-5 Detachment Cubi** was a unit of U.S. Navy Composite Squadron Five (VC-5), operating out of Cubi Point Naval Air Station in the Philippines during the Cold War era. The detachment was responsible for providing aerial target towing, electronic warfare training, and fleet support services to U.S. Navy and allied forces in the Western Pacific. Utilizing a variety of aircraft such as the A-3 Skywarrior and later the TA-4J Skyhawk, VC-5 Det Cubi played a vital role in maintaining fleet readiness and supporting exercises and operations throughout Southeast Asia. The unit was an essential part of the Navy’s forward-deployed air operations until the drawdown of U.S. bases in the Philippines in the early 1990s.

Strike Fighter Squadron Composite Twelve (VC-12), known as the "Fighting Omars," was initially established on September 6, 1943, as Composite Squadron Twelve during World War II. The squadron has a legacy of providing adversary training to fleet aircrews, simulating enemy tactics and aircraft to enhance combat readiness. Over the years, VC-12 has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, and most recently, the F/A-18 Hornet. Based at Naval Air Station Oceana, VC-12 continues to play a vital role in preparing Navy pilots for real-world air combat scenarios.

Fighter Squadron 302 (VF-302), known as the "Stallions," was a United States Naval Reserve fighter squadron established on 21 May 1971. As part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 (CVWR-30), VF-302 operated primarily out of Naval Air Station Miramar, California. The squadron flew the F-8 Crusader and later transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II before becoming one of the first reserve units to operate the F-14A Tomcat in the 1980s. VF-302 participated in numerous training exercises and contributed to the combat readiness of the Naval Reserve until its disestablishment on 11 September 1994.

Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211), known as the "Fighting Checkmates," was originally established as VF-211 in 1945. The squadron has a distinguished combat record, having participated in major conflicts including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. Transitioning from the F-14 Tomcat to the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2004, VFA-211 continues to serve as a key strike fighter squadron within the U.S. Navy. Today, the Checkmates are based at Naval Air Station Oceana and remain an integral part of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1).

Strike Fighter Squadron 213 (VFA-213), known as the "Blacklions," was established on June 22, 1955. Originally flying the F2H Banshee, the squadron has operated several aircraft over its history, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat, before transitioning to the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2006. VFA-213 has participated in numerous significant operations, such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing air superiority, precision strike, and reconnaissance capabilities. Today, the Blacklions continue to serve as a vital component of Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), projecting power and supporting U.S. Navy missions worldwide.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 53 (VR-53), also known as the "Capital Express," is a United States Navy Reserve squadron established in July 1970. Based at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, VR-53 provides critical worldwide air logistics support, transporting personnel, cargo, and mail for the Navy and Department of Defense. The squadron has operated various aircraft, including the C-9B Skytrain II and, more recently, the C-40A Clipper. VR-53 has played a vital role in supporting military operations, humanitarian missions, and fleet readiness through rapid global airlift capabilities.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 (VR-54), known as the "Revelers," is a United States Navy Reserve squadron established in 1976 and based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana. The squadron’s primary mission is to provide worldwide, around-the-clock air logistics support, transporting personnel, cargo, and mail in support of U.S. Navy and joint operations. VR-54 operates the C-130T Hercules aircraft, renowned for its versatility and reliability in a variety of operational environments. Over its history, the squadron has played a vital role in supporting military operations and humanitarian missions across the globe, earning a reputation for professionalism and operational excellence.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 59 (VR-59), known as the "Lone Star Express," is a United States Navy Reserve squadron based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. Established in July 1970, VR-59 is part of the Fleet Logistics Support Wing and operates the C-40A Clipper aircraft. The squadron’s primary mission is to provide worldwide airlift and logistics support for the Navy and other Department of Defense agencies. Over its history, VR-59 has played a vital role in supporting military operations, humanitarian missions, and exercises both at home and abroad.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 6 (VR-6) was a U.S. Navy Reserve squadron established during World War II to provide essential air transport and logistical support. Initially formed in late 1943, VR-6 operated primarily out of the continental United States and key forward bases, flying R5D (C-54) Skymaster aircraft to deliver personnel, mail, and critical supplies across the Atlantic and to various Allied outposts. The unit played a significant role in sustaining overseas operations by maintaining reliable airlift routes between the U.S., Europe, and North Africa. VR-6 continued supporting postwar logistical missions before being disestablished as part of the postwar drawdown.