USN

USS **Samuel Eliot Morison (FFG-13)** was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 11 June 1983. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison, a distinguished naval historian, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet. Throughout its service, FFG-13 participated in various operations, including counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean and multinational exercises, demonstrating versatility and commitment to maritime security. The frigate was decommissioned on 11 July 2002, after nearly two decades of service.

USS San Juan (SSN-751) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on August 6, 1988. She was the first of her class to be built with the improved 688i (Improved) design, featuring advanced quieting technologies and enhanced combat capabilities. Throughout her service, USS San Juan has participated in numerous deployments, including under-ice operations in the Arctic and supporting various fleet exercises and missions worldwide. Notably, she made headlines in 2007 during a brief loss of contact under the Atlantic, but was quickly located with all crew safe, highlighting the risks and professionalism associated with submarine operations.

USS **Seadragon** was the name given to two submarines in the United States Navy. The first, **USS Seadragon (SS-194)**, was a Sargo-class submarine commissioned in 1939. She served with distinction during World War II in the Pacific, conducting numerous war patrols, sinking enemy vessels, and earning multiple battle stars before being decommissioned in 1946. The second, **USS Seadragon (SSN-584)**, was a Skate-class nuclear-powered submarine commissioned in 1959, notable for her Arctic operations, including the first transit of the Northwest Passage by a submarine and surfacing at the North Pole. Both vessels played significant roles in advancing U.S. submarine capabilities and naval operations during their respective service periods.

USS Shadwell (LSD-15) was an Ashland-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She played a vital role in World War II, participating in the assault and occupation of Okinawa, where she supported amphibious operations by carrying and launching landing craft and vehicles. After the war, Shadwell took part in occupation duties in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1947, but was later recommissioned for service during the Korean War and Cold War era. In her later years, the ship was converted into a test platform for fire and damage control research, serving the Navy in experimental roles until her final decommissioning.

USS Soley (DD-707) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named after Lieutenant Commander James R. Soley, she served in the Pacific during the final months of World War II, supporting operations such as the bombardment of Japanese-held islands and escorting aircraft carriers. After the war, USS Soley participated in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carriers. The ship continued her service during the Cold War, conducting various operations and training exercises until she was decommissioned in 1970.

**USS Spear (AM-322)** was an Auk-class minesweeper commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Launched in 1943, she played a crucial role in clearing minefields in the Pacific Theater, ensuring safe passage for Allied ships during key island-hopping campaigns. After the war, USS Spear assisted with post-war mine clearance operations before being decommissioned in 1946. In 1948, she was transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she served under the name ARM Hermenegildo Galeana.

USS Thetis Bay (CVE-90), a Casablanca-class escort carrier, was commissioned in July 1944 and served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing vital air support for amphibious operations and convoy protection. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 but was later reactivated and extensively converted into the Navy’s first assault helicopter carrier, redesignated as CVHA-1 (and later LPH-6) in 1955. As USS Thetis Bay (LPH-6), she pioneered the integration of helicopters into amphibious warfare, supporting Marine Corps operations and training exercises throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s. She was decommissioned in 1964, having played a key role in the evolution of naval aviation and amphibious assault tactics.

USS Tingey (DD-539) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II. She participated in numerous Pacific Theater operations, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and shore bombardments in support of amphibious landings. Tingey was credited with rescuing survivors and providing vital anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defense for carrier task forces. After the war, she served briefly before being decommissioned in 1947, having earned eight battle stars for her distinguished service.

USS Tioga County (LST-1158) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Designed for amphibious operations, she served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet before being deployed to the Western Pacific, where she supported logistics and landing exercises. During the Vietnam War, Tioga County played a crucial role in transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to combat zones along the South Vietnamese coast. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1972 and later transferred to the Republic of the Philippines, where she served as BRP Benguet (LT-507).

USS Tombigbee (AOG-11) was a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. Serving throughout World War II, she supplied fuel to warships and remote bases in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations in locations such as the Solomon and Philippine Islands. After the war, Tombigbee continued to provide vital logistics support during the Korean War and later in the Vietnam War, demonstrating her versatility and endurance. Decommissioned in 1972, she was eventually transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as Ariadni (A414).

USS Traverse County (LST-1160) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Designed for amphibious operations, she transported troops, vehicles, and equipment to support U.S. military operations worldwide. Traverse County participated in numerous training exercises and deployments, notably supporting NATO operations in the Mediterranean and providing logistical support during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1970 and later transferred to the Venezuelan Navy.

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 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.