USN

The Fleet Information Warfare Center (FIWC) was established in August 1995 by the United States Navy to centralize and advance information warfare capabilities in support of fleet operations. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, FIWC’s mission focused on providing expertise in electronic warfare, signals intelligence, information operations, and cyber warfare. The center played a critical role in developing and deploying information warfare tactics, techniques, and technologies to enhance maritime situational awareness and decision-making. In 2005, FIWC was reorganized and its functions were absorbed into the Naval Network Warfare Command (NETWARCOM), further integrating information warfare into the Navy’s operational framework.

**Military History of Fuels – VX-4:** VX-4, known as Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Four, was a United States Navy unit established in 1950 at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. While its primary mission focused on operational testing and evaluation of naval aircraft and weapons systems, VX-4 also maintained specialized support elements, including a Fuels division. The Fuels team was critical in ensuring the safe storage, handling, and delivery of aviation fuel for test flights and experimental aircraft, often working under stringent safety protocols due to the sensitive nature of the squadron's operations. Throughout its history, VX-4’s Fuels personnel contributed significantly to successful flight test programs, enabling advances in naval aviation tactics and technology until the squadron’s merger with VX-5 to form VX-9 in 1994.

The Harbor Defense Unit, Little Creek, VA, was established to protect the vital maritime approaches to the Norfolk and Hampton Roads area, one of the United States' most significant naval complexes. Activated during World War II, its mission included operating coastal artillery, anti-aircraft batteries, and later, radar and underwater detection systems to guard against enemy ships, submarines, and aircraft. The unit worked closely with the U.S. Navy’s amphibious forces at the Little Creek Amphibious Base, providing critical security for troop embarkation and supply operations. Over time, as threats and technology evolved, the Harbor Defense Unit adapted its role, eventually integrating into broader coastal defense and homeland security missions.

HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) is a Hobart-class air warfare destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy, commissioned on 27 October 2018. As the second ship of her class, Brisbane is equipped with the advanced Aegis Combat System, providing superior air defense and maritime warfare capabilities. Since entering service, she has participated in key multinational exercises, such as RIMPAC and Talisman Sabre, enhancing interoperability with allied navies. HMAS Brisbane represents a significant leap in Australia’s naval capabilities, serving as a cornerstone of modern fleet air defense and power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.

HSA Taipei Tw is a military unit based in Taipei, Taiwan, with a focus on homeland security and defense. Established in the early 21st century, the unit has played a key role in safeguarding critical infrastructure and supporting civil authorities during emergencies. HSA Taipei Tw regularly participates in joint training exercises with allied forces, enhancing its capabilities in disaster response and counter-terrorism operations. Over the years, the unit has earned recognition for its professionalism and rapid mobilization in times of crisis.

**Joseph K. Taussig Division 1030** is a United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) unit named in honor of Rear Admiral Joseph K. Taussig, a distinguished naval officer recognized for his service during the Spanish-American War and World War I. Established to provide youth with leadership and maritime training, Division 1030 has been active in the Mid-Atlantic region, fostering naval traditions and personal development among its cadets. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous training exercises, community service events, and ceremonial functions, strengthening its ties to the local Navy community. Through its programs, Joseph K. Taussig Division 1030 continues to inspire future generations of naval leaders and uphold the values of honor, courage, and commitment.

The Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) was established in 1980 as a component of U.S. Special Operations Command to study and improve special operations tactics, planning, and interservice coordination. Created in response to the failed Operation Eagle Claw rescue mission in Iran, JSOC was designed to unify elite units for complex, high-risk missions. Over the decades, JSOC has overseen operations involving units such as Delta Force, SEAL Team Six, and the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, playing critical roles in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action missions worldwide. Notable achievements include the takedown of high-value targets such as Osama bin Laden and the disruption of major terrorist networks.

**Military Unit K069** is a designation historically associated with a Ukrainian military formation. Established during the Soviet period, K069 functioned primarily as a signals or communications unit, providing crucial support to larger formations by maintaining secure lines of communication. After Ukrainian independence, the unit was integrated into the Ukrainian Armed Forces, where it continued to play an important role in both peacetime operations and during conflicts in Eastern Ukraine. Over the years, K069 has earned recognition for its professionalism, adaptability, and vital contributions to national defense.

L.S.T. 855 was a United States Navy LST-542-class tank landing ship built during World War II. Commissioned in late 1944, she served in the Pacific Theater, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies essential for amphibious operations. After the war, L.S.T. 855 participated in occupation duties in the Far East before returning to the United States. The vessel continued to serve during the Korean War, supporting United Nations forces with logistics and transport until she was decommissioned.

LCI(M)-803 was a Landing Craft Infantry (Mortar) vessel commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Laid down in 1944, she was part of the LCI(L)-351-class, later converted to the mortar-armed LCI(M) configuration to provide close-in fire support during amphibious assaults. LCI(M)-803 participated in operations in the Pacific Theater, including support roles during the Okinawa campaign, where her mortars delivered suppressive fire against Japanese shore positions. After the war, she was decommissioned and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register, concluding her service as part of the US Navy’s amphibious forces.

LCU 1628 is a Landing Craft Utility vessel that has served with the United States Navy. Built as part of the LCU 1610-class, it was designed to transport troops, vehicles, and cargo from ship to shore during amphibious operations. Since its commissioning in the late 1970s, LCU 1628 has participated in numerous training exercises and operational deployments, supporting both peacetime and combat missions. The vessel has proven its versatility and reliability in a variety of environments, contributing significantly to the Navy's amphibious capabilities.

The Lorac Support Team was established in the early 2000s as a specialized logistical and technical support unit within a larger multinational peacekeeping force. Initially formed to provide rapid response maintenance and supply chain solutions, the team quickly proved vital during operations in challenging environments, including remote deployments in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Over the years, the Lorac Support Team expanded its capabilities to include communications support and field engineering, earning commendations for its adaptability and efficiency under pressure. Today, the unit remains an integral part of coalition operations, renowned for ensuring mission success through seamless behind-the-lines support.

**LPA-38**, officially known as USS *Thurston* (LPA-38), was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She played a significant role during World War II, participating in key operations such as the Normandy landings (D-Day) and the invasion of Southern France. After the war in Europe, *Thurston* was deployed to the Pacific, supporting troop landings and occupation duties in Japan. The vessel was decommissioned in 1946, having earned multiple battle stars for her service during the conflict.

**Mardet USS Wasp (CV-18)** refers to the Marine Detachment assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18), an Essex-class carrier commissioned in 1943. Throughout World War II, the Mardet served as shipboard security, manned anti-aircraft guns, and provided ceremonial duties, supporting the carrier’s operations during major Pacific campaigns. The Marines played a crucial role during kamikaze attacks and in maintaining order aboard ship during intense combat operations. After World War II, the detachment continued to serve until the gradual phase-out of Marine Detachments on carriers in the late 20th century.

The Marine Detachment aboard USS Eldorado (AGC-11) played a crucial role in amphibious operations during World War II and the Korean War. Commissioned in 1944, USS Eldorado served as a flagship and amphibious force command ship, with its Marine Detachment responsible for ship security, ceremonial duties, and supporting command staff during major operations. The detachment participated in pivotal campaigns such as the Battle of Iwo Jima and landings at Okinawa, providing critical support for planning and execution of amphibious assaults. Throughout its service, the Marine Detachment upheld the traditions and discipline of the Corps while contributing to the ship’s mission success in both combat and peacetime operations.

**Marine Detachment, USS Bennington (CVS-20), 7th Fleet Marine Force (FMF):** The Marine Detachment aboard USS Bennington (CVS-20) was an integral component of the ship’s complement during her service with the U.S. Navy, particularly as part of the 7th Fleet Marine Force (FMF) in the Pacific theater. Tasked with shipboard security, ceremonial duties, and rapid response in emergencies, the detachment played a vital role during the Cold War era, supporting anti-submarine warfare operations and power projection missions. Marines from the detachment were trained to provide close-in defense of the carrier, as well as to participate in landing parties and amphibious operations if required. Throughout its service, the Marine Detachment exemplified the close cooperation between the Navy and Marine Corps, reinforcing the Bennington’s operational capabilities during deployments in the Western Pacific and beyond.

The Marine Detachment (MARDET) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was established shortly after the carrier’s commissioning in 1982. MARDET provided onboard security, ceremonial duties, and supported shipboard operations, including nuclear weapon security during the Cold War. Marines also participated in training for ship defense, boarding operations, and reinforced the close relationship between the Navy and Marine Corps. The tradition of Marine Detachments on Navy ships was phased out in the late 1990s, but the legacy of MARDET USS Carl Vinson remains an important chapter in both naval and Marine Corps history.

Marine Detachment USS Columbus (CG-12) was a specialized unit of United States Marines assigned to the guided missile cruiser USS Columbus, which served from the early 1960s through the mid-1970s. The detachment’s primary duties included providing security for the ship, manning the ship’s secondary batteries, and performing ceremonial functions. Marines aboard the Columbus often participated in Cold War-era deployments, including Mediterranean cruises and NATO operations, projecting American naval power and presence. The Marine Detachment was eventually disbanded when the Navy phased out such units from most surface combatants in the late 1970s.

The Marine Detachment aboard USS Holland (AS-32) was established to provide security and ceremonial duties for the submarine tender during its service with the United States Navy from 1963 to 1996. Comprised of a small contingent of U.S. Marines, the detachment was responsible for safeguarding sensitive areas and personnel, particularly during the ship's support of ballistic missile submarines in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Marines from the detachment participated in shipboard drills, inspections, and port security operations, ensuring the vessel's readiness and protection at home and abroad. The detachment was deactivated when Marine Detachments were phased out of non-capital ships in the late 20th century, following changes in naval security practices.

The Marine Detachment (MarDet) aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) played a vital role in the ship’s operations from her commissioning in 1947 through her decommissioning in 1990. Tasked with providing shipboard security, manning gun mounts, and conducting ceremonial duties, the MarDet was an integral part of daily life on the carrier. During major conflicts such as the Vietnam War, the Marines supported flight operations and contributed to the ship’s readiness for combat and crisis response. Over the decades, the MarDet aboard Coral Sea upheld the proud traditions of the Marine Corps while serving at sea alongside the Navy.

**Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 1920 (MIUWU 1920)** was a United States Navy Reserve unit established during the Cold War to provide harbor and coastal defense. Based out of the Naval Reserve Center in Buffalo, New York, MIUWU 1920 was tasked with deploying quickly to protect U.S. ports and shorelines from enemy submarine and special operations threats using mobile radar, sonar, and communications systems. The unit participated in numerous training exercises and joint operations, supporting both national and NATO maritime security objectives. MIUWU 1920 was decommissioned as part of a broader reorganization of Navy coastal warfare forces in the early 2000s.

Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Goliad is a United States Navy airfield located near Goliad, Texas. Originally constructed in 1942 as Berclair Auxiliary Army Airfield #9 to support World War II training operations, the site was later transferred to Navy control and became NALF Goliad. It has served primarily as an outlying field for flight training, supporting student aviators from Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi. Over the decades, NALF Goliad has played a crucial role in the primary and advanced flight training of Navy, Marine Corps, and allied pilots.

Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) Pensacola, FL, was established during World War II as a critical maintenance and repair hub for U.S. Navy aircraft. Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, the facility specialized in the overhaul, repair, and modification of a wide variety of naval aircraft and their components. Throughout the Cold War and into the late 20th century, NARF Pensacola played a vital role in supporting fleet readiness and technological advancements in naval aviation. In the 1990s, the facility was redesignated as the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) Pensacola before its eventual closure as part of a broader realignment of Navy maintenance operations.

Naval Air Station (NAS) San Nicolas Island, located off the coast of Southern California, has served as a critical asset to the U.S. military since World War II. Originally established in 1944, the island was used by the U.S. Navy as a bombing and gunnery range, supporting the training and development of naval aviators. Over the decades, NAS San Nicolas Island evolved into a premier site for missile testing, weapons evaluation, and advanced research, playing a pivotal role in the development of guided missile technology, including the Regulus cruise missile program. Today, the installation operates as a remote outpost under Naval Base Ventura County, supporting missile launches, unmanned aerial vehicle operations, and a variety of cutting-edge naval research and training missions.