U.S. Navy

USS Hubbard (DD-748) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. She served primarily in the Atlantic, participating in anti-submarine operations and convoy escort duties, notably aiding in the destruction of several German U-boats. After the war, Hubbard was involved in training and reserve duties before being decommissioned in 1947. The ship was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1971, marking the end of her distinguished service.

USS Hurricane (PC-3) is a Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in October 1993. Designed for coastal patrol and interdiction, Hurricane has supported a variety of missions including maritime security operations, anti-terrorism patrols, and the protection of high-value assets. The vessel has operated in key regions such as the Persian Gulf, participating in exercises and real-world operations alongside allied navies. Throughout its service, USS Hurricane has contributed to the Navy’s littoral warfare capabilities, ensuring the security of vital waterways and maritime infrastructure.

USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was a Portland-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in 1932. During World War II, she served as the flagship for Admiral Raymond Spruance and participated in major battles such as the Aleutian Islands campaign, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and the bombardments of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. In July 1945, Indianapolis delivered critical components of the first atomic bomb to Tinian Island. Shortly after, on July 30, 1945, she was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine, leading to one of the worst naval disasters in U.S. history, with over 800 crew members lost.

USS Ingraham (FFG-61) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on August 5, 1989. Named after Captain Duncan Ingraham, the ship was primarily assigned to Pacific Fleet operations, conducting missions including maritime security, escort duty, and counter-narcotics patrols. Ingraham participated in numerous multinational exercises and deployments, serving in the Persian Gulf and supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After 25 years of service, USS Ingraham was decommissioned on November 12, 2014, as the last active ship of her class in the U.S. Navy.

USS **Interdictor** (AGR-13) was a Guardian-class radar picket ship of the United States Navy, originally built as the Liberty ship *Charles A. Draper* in 1944. Converted and commissioned in 1958, she served as part of the Continental Air Defense Command's seaward radar barrier during the Cold War, extending America's early warning network against potential Soviet air attacks. Operating primarily in the North Atlantic, Interdictor provided radar surveillance and communication relay services for approaching aircraft. She was decommissioned in 1965 as advances in radar technology and airborne early warning systems rendered her role obsolete.

USS J. Franklin Bell (APA-16) was a Heywood-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1940. Originally built as a passenger liner, she was converted for military use and played a significant role in World War II, participating in major amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater, including landings at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and the Philippines. The ship was responsible for transporting troops, equipment, and casualties, demonstrating versatility in both combat and logistical support roles. After the war, USS J. Franklin Bell was decommissioned in 1946, having earned seven battle stars for her distinguished service.

USS James C. Owens (DD-776) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named after Lieutenant James C. Owens, Jr., the ship served in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II, participating in operations off Okinawa and conducting raids on the Japanese home islands. Following World War II, the destroyer saw action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. After decades of service, USS James C. Owens was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she continued her naval service under a new flag.

USS John C. Butler (DE-339) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1944. Named in honor of Ensign John Clarence Butler, the ship is best known for her heroic role in the Battle off Samar during the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944, where she and other small escorts bravely confronted a vastly superior Japanese force. Throughout World War II, the USS John C. Butler provided vital escort and anti-submarine duties in the Pacific Theater. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and placed in reserve, before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1972.

USS Juneau (CL-52) was an Atlanta-class light cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in February 1942. She participated in several significant World War II engagements, including the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. On November 13, 1942, during the latter battle, Juneau was struck by a Japanese torpedo and later suffered a catastrophic explosion after being hit by another torpedo, sinking rapidly. Tragically, most of her crew perished, including the five Sullivan brothers, whose loss deeply impacted the American public and influenced military family policies.

The USS Kenneth M. Willett (DE-354) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named in honor of Lieutenant (junior grade) Kenneth M. Willett, a Navy aviator killed in action during World War II, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Theater. She performed escort and patrol duties, protected convoys, and participated in anti-submarine operations until the end of the war. After the war, Kenneth M. Willett assisted in occupation duties before being decommissioned in 1946 and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1972.

USS KIDD (DD-661) is a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on April 23, 1943. Named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the KIDD served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, Philippines, and Okinawa. The destroyer earned twelve battle stars for its service and survived a kamikaze attack off Okinawa in April 1945. After the war, KIDD was decommissioned, later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, and today serves as a museum ship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

USS Lapon (SSN-661) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering during the Cold War, she conducted numerous covert operations and patrols, primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. USS Lapon earned a reputation for excellence, receiving multiple commendations for her service and operational achievements. After over two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in 1992, marking the end of her distinguished career.

USS Leader (MSO-490) was an Aggressive-class minesweeper commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Designed for clearing naval mines to ensure safe passage of fleet and commercial vessels, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Leader participated in multiple Western Pacific deployments, supporting operations during the Vietnam War and taking part in joint exercises with allied navies. After decades of service contributing to maritime security and mine countermeasures, USS Leader was decommissioned in 1990.

USS LeRay Wilson (DE-414) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. Named in honor of Seaman LeRay Wilson, who was killed in action during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, the ship served in the Pacific Theater. She performed escort duties for convoys and participated in operations supporting the liberation of the Philippines, surviving several attacks by enemy aircraft and kamikaze pilots. After the war, USS LeRay Wilson was decommissioned in 1946 and later struck from the Navy list in 1972.

USS Lipan (ATF-85) was an Abnaki-class fleet ocean tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. Throughout World War II, Lipan provided vital towing, salvage, and rescue services in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations at locations such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The vessel continued its valuable support role during the Korean War, assisting in logistics and recovery operations. After decades of distinguished service, USS Lipan was decommissioned in 1978, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast support to the U.S. Navy’s fleet operations.

USS Litchfield County (LST-901) was a tank landing ship of the LST-542 class, commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1945. She served in the Pacific Theater during the final stages of World War II, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to forward areas. After the war, LST-901 participated in occupation duties in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1946. Reactivated for the Korean War and later service, she was renamed USS Litchfield County in 1955 and continued to serve until her decommissioning in 1969.

USS LOUIS B. PULLER (FFG-23) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, named in honor of the legendary Marine Corps General Lewis "Chesty" Puller. Commissioned on April 17, 1982, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, conducting operations that included escort duties, drug interdiction missions, and participation in multinational exercises. The frigate played a key role in supporting U.S. interests during the latter years of the Cold War, as well as in regional stability operations. USS LOUIS B. PULLER was decommissioned on September 18, 1998, and later transferred to the Egyptian Navy.

USS LSM-168 was a Landing Ship Medium commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Built at the Charleston Navy Yard, she was launched in 1944 and assigned to the Pacific Theater. LSM-168 participated in several key amphibious operations, including the liberation of the Philippines, providing critical support for landing troops and equipment under fire. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her service.

USS LSM-297 was a Landing Ship Medium (LSM) commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. She was laid down on October 5, 1944, at Charleston Navy Yard and launched on October 26, 1944. Commissioned on November 18, 1944, LSM-297 served in the Pacific Theater, performing amphibious operations and transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment to forward areas. After the war, she was decommissioned on May 1, 1946, and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her brief but essential service.

USS LST-916 was a tank landing ship of the LST-542 class built for the United States Navy during World War II. Commissioned in 1944, LST-916 participated in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, supporting critical amphibious operations, including the Leyte and Okinawa campaigns. The ship played a vital role in transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies directly onto hostile shores, contributing significantly to Allied successes in the Pacific. After the war, LST-916 was decommissioned in 1946 and later sold, marking the end of her distinguished naval service.

**USS Lusino (ATF-156)** was an Abnaki-class fleet ocean tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Built towards the end of World War II, Lusino provided critical towing and salvage services, supporting the fleet with rescue and recovery operations. After the war, she continued to serve for a brief period before being decommissioned in 1947. The USS Lusino played a vital support role during her short service, exemplifying the essential but often overlooked contributions of fleet tugs to naval operations.

USS Luzon (ARG-2) was an internal combustion engine repair ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in May 1944 during World War II. Originally laid down as the Liberty ship SS J. Fred Essary, she was converted to serve as a vital support vessel, providing repair services to the fleet in the Pacific theater. Luzon played a critical role in maintaining the operational readiness of Allied naval forces during campaigns in the Philippines and Okinawa. After the war, she continued to serve in the Western Pacific until her decommissioning in 1947.

USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She saw extensive action in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing fire support during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and surviving multiple kamikaze attacks. During the Korean War, Lyman K. Swenson served as a screening ship and participated in the bombardment of enemy positions along the Korean coast. The destroyer continued her service through the Cold War era, participating in various training and patrol duties until she was decommissioned in 1971.

USS Lyon (AP-71) was a troop transport ship commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Originally built as the commercial liner Mormactide in 1939, she was acquired and converted for military service in 1942. USS Lyon played a crucial role in major amphibious operations, including the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, and Southern France, transporting thousands of troops and equipment to combat zones. After distinguished service throughout the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and returned to commercial operation.