USN

USS Hornet (CV-12) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in November 1943, named to honor the previous Hornet (CV-8) lost at the Battle of Santa Cruz. Throughout World War II, she played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and attacks on the Japanese home islands. Hornet's aircraft were crucial in sinking enemy ships and providing air support for amphibious landings. After the war, she supported Operation Magic Carpet, bringing American servicemen home, and later participated in the recovery of Apollo space missions before being decommissioned in 1970.

USS Irex (SS-482) was a Tench-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Although she did not see combat during the war, Irex played a significant role in postwar naval developments, notably becoming the first submarine to be fitted with a snorkel in 1946, which allowed extended submerged operations. Throughout her service, Irex participated in numerous training exercises, fleet maneuvers, and NATO operations during the Cold War, enhancing anti-submarine warfare tactics. After a distinguished career, she was decommissioned in 1969 and later sold for scrap.

USS Jefferson City (SSN-759) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on February 29, 1992. Built by Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, the submarine was named after Jefferson City, Missouri. Throughout its service, USS Jefferson City has participated in various operations, including support missions for carrier strike groups and intelligence-gathering patrols. The submarine has also taken part in numerous multinational naval exercises, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's commitment to undersea warfare and global maritime security.

The USS Kentucky refers to two notable ships in United States Navy history. The first, USS Kentucky (BB-6), was an Illinois-class battleship commissioned in 1900, serving as the flagship during the Great White Fleet's world cruise and participating in early 20th-century exercises before decommissioning in 1920. The second, USS Kentucky (BB-66), was planned as an Iowa-class battleship, but construction was halted during World War II and she was never completed, ultimately being scrapped in 1958. Both ships reflect significant periods in U.S. naval development, from pre-World War I power projection to the rapid technological changes of World War II. The name USS Kentucky honors the 15th state and symbolizes the Navy's enduring tradition of state-named capital ships.

USS Knudson (APD-101) was a high-speed transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. Originally laid down as a destroyer escort (DE-591), she was converted to a Crosley-class fast transport to support amphibious operations. Knudson served in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the Okinawa campaign, where she performed escort and patrol duties. After the war, she aided in occupation efforts in Japan and China before being decommissioned in 1946.

USS KULA GULF (CVE-108) was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1945. Named after the Battle of Kula Gulf, the ship served briefly in the Pacific at the tail end of World War II, transporting aircraft and personnel and supporting occupation duties in Japan. After the war, she participated in Operation Magic Carpet, returning American servicemen home, and was decommissioned in 1946. Recommissioned during the Korean War, KULA GULF later served as a training and aircraft transport carrier before being struck from the Navy list in 1969.

USS Laboon (DDG-58) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in March 1995. Named in honor of Father John Francis Laboon, a decorated World War II submarine officer and Navy chaplain, the ship has participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, Arabian Gulf, and off the coast of Africa. USS Laboon has been involved in key missions such as supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve, as well as NATO exercises and maritime security operations. The ship continues to serve as a vital asset to the U.S. Navy, specializing in air defense, surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense.

USS **Lake Champlain (CG-57)** is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned on August 12, 1988. Named after the historic naval battle of Lake Champlain during the War of 1812, the ship has served extensively in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Over her career, Lake Champlain participated in numerous operations, including support for Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf and humanitarian assistance missions in the Pacific. The cruiser has also been a vital part of carrier strike groups, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities until her decommissioning in 2023.

USS Louisiana (SSBN-731) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on September 6, 1997. As the eighteenth and final boat of her class, Louisiana plays a vital role in the nation's strategic deterrence, capable of carrying Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. She operates out of Naval Base Kitsap in Washington as part of Submarine Squadron 17, conducting deterrent patrols in the Pacific Ocean. Over her service, USS Louisiana has exemplified the silent service's commitment to readiness and national security.

USS LST-561 was a United States Navy tank landing ship (LST) constructed during World War II. Commissioned in May 1944, she was part of the LST-542 class, designed to transport and deploy tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers. LST-561 participated in the European Theater, notably supporting operations during the invasion of southern France in August 1944. After the war, she was decommissioned in May 1946 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her service.

**USS LUCID (AM-458)** was an Aggressive-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy during the Cold War. Commissioned in 1955, USS LUCID was tasked with detecting and removing naval mines to ensure safe passage for allied vessels. She served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in training exercises and readiness operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific. The ship was decommissioned in 1970 and later used as a civilian houseboat before being acquired for restoration as a museum ship in Stockton, California.

USS Macon (CA-132) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on August 26, 1945, just after the end of World War II. Although she missed wartime service, Macon was actively engaged during the postwar years, participating in numerous training exercises, goodwill cruises, and fleet maneuvers in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. She served as flagship for various cruiser divisions and took part in NATO operations, helping to project American naval power and foster alliances during the early Cold War period. USS Macon was decommissioned on March 10, 1961, and ultimately struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1969.

USS Maddox (DD-731) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing fire support at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and participating in anti-aircraft and anti-submarine operations. After the war, Maddox was modernized and saw further service during the Korean War, supporting United Nations forces along the Korean Peninsula. Most notably, USS Maddox became famous for her involvement in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964, which played a key role in escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

USS Mahan (DDG-72) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on 14 February 1998. Named after Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, a noted naval historian and strategist, the ship has participated in various key operations, including maritime security patrols, ballistic missile defense, and multi-national exercises. USS Mahan has deployed multiple times to the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Atlantic Ocean, supporting missions such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Active Endeavor. The vessel gained attention in 2013 when it was involved in a standoff with Iranian boats in the Persian Gulf, demonstrating its ongoing role in safeguarding U.S. and allied interests worldwide.

USS Massey (DD-778) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named after Lieutenant Commander Lance E. Massey, the ship saw active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in the Battle of Okinawa and providing vital gunfire support and anti-aircraft defense. After the war, USS Massey was involved in the Korean War, supporting UN forces with shore bombardments and patrol duties. The destroyer later served during the Vietnam War before being decommissioned in 1973, ending nearly three decades of distinguished service.

USS Mattabasset (AOG-52) was a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Designed to transport gasoline and other petroleum products, she played a vital logistical role in fueling ships and remote bases, particularly during the closing months of World War II and throughout the Cold War. After serving in the Pacific and Atlantic fleets, Mattabasset continued her operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, supporting naval and allied forces with critical fuel deliveries. She was decommissioned in 1975 after three decades of service, reflecting the essential, behind-the-scenes work of naval auxiliary vessels.

The USS McCloy Ceremonial Guard is a distinguished unit named in honor of the USS McCloy (FF-1038), itself named after Medal of Honor recipient John McCloy. Established to represent the values and traditions of the United States Navy, the Ceremonial Guard participates in official ceremonies, parades, and funerals, upholding the highest standards of military decorum. Over the years, the unit has become a symbol of pride and professionalism, showcasing the Navy’s commitment to honoring its heritage and personnel. Through its precision and discipline, the USS McCloy Ceremonial Guard continues to serve as a living tribute to naval history and excellence.

USS McGinty (DE-365) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. During World War II, she served primarily in the Pacific Theater, performing convoy escort, anti-submarine, and patrol duties, notably supporting operations in the Philippines and Okinawa. After the war, McGinty was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, continuing her escort and patrol roles. She remained active during the Cold War era, participating in various training and support missions before her final decommissioning in 1969.

USS Meeker County (LST-980) was a tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II. Commissioned in 1944, she participated in the Normandy invasion, landing troops and vehicles on Omaha Beach. After the war, LST-980 served in occupation duties in Europe before being decommissioned in 1946. Reactivated for service during the Vietnam War, she was renamed USS Meeker County (LST-980) in 1955 and continued to support amphibious operations until her final decommissioning in 1970.

USS Mindoro (CVE-120) was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier commissioned by the United States Navy on December 4, 1945. Although too late to serve in World War II, Mindoro played a key role during the early Cold War period, primarily operating in the Atlantic Fleet. She participated in anti-submarine warfare exercises, fleet maneuvers, and midshipman training cruises, helping to develop postwar naval aviation tactics. Decommissioned on August 4, 1955, USS Mindoro was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for scrap.

The USS Mispillion (AO-105) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Serving through the final stages of World War II, she played a vital role in refueling ships at sea, thus extending the operational range of U.S. naval forces. The Mispillion saw extensive service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, supporting combat operations by providing logistical support to the fleet. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1974 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command before being scrapped in the early 21st century.

USS Momsen (DDG-92) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in the United States Navy, commissioned on August 28, 2004. Named after Vice Admiral Charles B. Momsen, a pioneer in submarine rescue techniques, the ship has participated in numerous multinational exercises and operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific and the Middle East. USS Momsen has supported maritime security, counter-piracy, and ballistic missile defense missions as part of various Carrier Strike Groups. The destroyer has earned recognition for its operational excellence and continues to play a vital role in maintaining U.S. naval presence and readiness worldwide.

USS New Orleans (CA-32) was a New Orleans-class heavy cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1934. She saw extensive service during World War II, participating in major engagements such as the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, and the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Despite suffering severe damage and losing her bow at Tassafaronga, she was skillfully repaired and returned to action, continuing to serve throughout the Pacific campaign. By war’s end, USS New Orleans earned 17 battle stars, marking her as one of the most decorated US ships of the conflict.

USS New York City (SSN-696) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on March 3, 1979. Built at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, she played a vital role in Cold War operations, conducting intelligence gathering, surveillance, and training exercises in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Throughout her service, USS New York City participated in numerous fleet exercises and supported national defense objectives, showcasing her capabilities in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. After a distinguished career, she was decommissioned on April 30, 1997.