U.S. Navy

USS Witek (DD-848) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1946 and named after Marine First Lieutenant Frank P. Witek, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Initially serving with the Atlantic Fleet, Witek was soon converted into an experimental anti-submarine warfare (ASW) vessel to test advanced sonar and ASW technologies during the early Cold War. Throughout her career, she participated in numerous fleet exercises, training missions, and technological trials, helping to shape the Navy’s ASW capabilities. USS Witek was decommissioned in 1972 and ultimately sunk as a target in 1975.

USS Worcester (CL-144) was a Cleveland-class light cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1948. Designed during World War II but completed postwar, she featured advanced dual-purpose 6-inch guns intended for both anti-aircraft and surface action. Worcester served primarily with the Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets, participating in numerous exercises, goodwill visits, and NATO operations during the early Cold War years. She was decommissioned in 1958 and later scrapped, representing a transitional period in naval warfare between traditional gun cruisers and the missile age.

USS Yamacraw (initially designated as a cable-laying ship, ARC-5) served in the United States Navy during World War II and later in the Cold War era. Commissioned in 1942, Yamacraw was originally built as a commercial cable ship but was acquired by the Navy for its expertise in laying and repairing undersea cables, which were crucial for secure military communications. Throughout the war, she operated primarily in the Atlantic, supporting operations by maintaining vital communication lines. After World War II, Yamacraw continued serving under the Military Sea Transportation Service and participated in various scientific and research missions until she was decommissioned in 1965.

USS Belmont (AGTR-4) was a technical research ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Originally built as the commercial cargo ship SS Iran Victory in 1944, she was later converted for military use and reclassified for electronic intelligence gathering during the Cold War. Belmont operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, monitoring communications and electronic signals, and played a role in intelligence collection during events such as the Six-Day War in 1967. She was decommissioned in 1970 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

**USSA-I** (United States Strategic Army - International) is a fictional military unit, as there is no historical record of such a formation in real-world military history. However, for creative or scenario-building purposes: The USSA-I was established in 2021 as a rapid deployment force specializing in multinational operations under United Nations mandates. Drawing personnel and resources from various branches of the U.S. military, it quickly distinguished itself in joint peacekeeping missions across Africa and Eastern Europe. The unit became renowned for its interoperability with allied forces and its expertise in civil-military coordination during disaster relief and stabilization operations. By 2024, USSA-I had become a model for future international military cooperation initiatives, embodying the principles of coalition warfare and humanitarian engagement.

The United States Support Activities Group, Thailand (USSAG/THAI), was established in 1972 during the Vietnam War to coordinate U.S. air operations based in Thailand. Headquartered at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, USSAG oversaw the strategic bombing campaigns in North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Vietnam. The unit played a crucial role in Operation Linebacker and Operation Linebacker II, providing vital command and control for air operations. USSAG/THAI was disbanded in 1975 following the end of U.S. combat operations in Southeast Asia.

**USSFalcon MSC 190** is a notional designation that reflects a typical U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC) logistics vessel, inspired by the naming conventions of auxiliary support ships. The "MSC 190" would likely refer to a large, civilian-crewed cargo or replenishment ship tasked with delivering vital supplies, fuel, and equipment to U.S. and allied naval forces around the world. Ships like these have played crucial roles in supporting combat operations, humanitarian missions, and strategic deterrence from the Cold War era through present day. Throughout its service, USSFalcon MSC 190 would have participated in major military exercises, overseas deployments, and crisis response operations, ensuring sustained fleet readiness and operational reach. The ship’s contributions underscore the indispensable role of logistics in maintaining global maritime security.

The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) J-2 is the Directorate of Intelligence, responsible for providing timely and accurate intelligence to support military operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Established as part of the command structure, the J-2 has played a critical role in countering transnational threats, such as narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime, since USSOUTHCOM’s reorganization in the late 1980s. Throughout its history, USSOUTHCOM J-2 has worked closely with interagency and international partners to enhance regional security and situational awareness. The directorate continues to leverage advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to inform decision-making and support U.S. strategic objectives in the region.

USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946, named in honor of Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Throughout her service, the ship operated extensively in the Pacific, participating in the Korean War where she provided naval gunfire support and screened aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, USS Leonard F. Mason conducted search and rescue missions, naval gunfire support, and patrolled the Gulf of Tonkin. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as HS Kalypso (D-64).

The V-5 Aviation Cadet Program was established by the United States Navy in 1935 to train young men as naval aviators. Initially, the program recruited college students and recent graduates, providing them with both academic instruction and flight training. During World War II, the V-5 program significantly expanded, producing thousands of naval pilots who served with distinction in combat operations across the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. The success of the V-5 cadets contributed greatly to Allied air superiority and the overall effectiveness of U.S. naval aviation during the war.

Attack Squadron 163 (VA-163), known as the "Saints," was a distinguished U.S. Navy attack squadron established on September 1, 1960. The squadron was based at NAS Lemoore and primarily flew the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-163 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, conducting numerous strike missions from aircraft carriers such as USS Oriskany. The squadron endured heavy action, including significant losses during Operation Rolling Thunder, and was disestablished on April 1, 1971.

VA-873, also known as Attack Squadron 873, was a United States Navy reserve attack squadron established during the Korean War era. The squadron was activated in July 1950 in response to increased military needs and was primarily equipped with the Douglas AD Skyraider attack aircraft. VA-873 conducted training and operational missions, preparing for carrier-based strike operations and supporting fleet exercises. The squadron was deactivated in February 1959 as part of a postwar restructuring of naval aviation forces.

Attack Squadron 23 (VA-23), known as the “Black Knights,” was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1949. Originally designated as VF-653, it was redesignated as VA-23 in 1959 and operated various aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk. The squadron participated in significant Cold War and Vietnam War operations, providing close air support and strike missions from aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet. VA-23 was deactivated on 1 April 1970, after over two decades of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 822 (VA-822) was a U.S. Navy Reserve attack squadron established on July 1, 1966, during the Vietnam War era. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, and primarily flew the A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft. VA-822 was activated as part of the increasing demand for carrier-based attack squadrons to support operations in Southeast Asia. The unit was deactivated relatively quickly, on August 2, 1968, as the need for reserve squadrons diminished.

Strike Fighter Squadron 205 (VA-205), known as the "Green Falcons," was a U.S. Navy Reserve attack squadron established on July 1, 1970, at Naval Air Station Atlanta, Georgia. The squadron initially flew the A-4 Skyhawk before transitioning to the A-7 Corsair II in the mid-1970s. VA-205 participated in numerous training exercises and provided vital support to fleet operations, maintaining high readiness as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. The squadron was redesignated as VFA-205 in 1989, reflecting its transition to the F/A-18 Hornet, before its disestablishment on December 31, 1994.

Attack Squadron 861 (VA-861) was a United States Navy Reserve attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk (NAS NORVA), Virginia. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron flew various attack aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk, as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. VA-861 supported fleet readiness through training and participated in numerous exercises and operational deployments. The squadron contributed to the Navy's ability to rapidly augment active forces during crises before its eventual deactivation as part of reserve force restructuring.

**Heavy Attack Squadron Eight (VAH-8)** was established in 1957 at **NAS Whidbey Island**, Washington, as part of the U.S. Navy’s growing fleet of heavy attack units equipped with the A-3 Skywarrior. The squadron’s primary mission was long-range nuclear strike and maritime reconnaissance during the height of the Cold War. **Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen (VAW-13)**, stationed at **NAS Alameda**, California, was commissioned in 1956 and became the Navy’s first dedicated electronic countermeasures squadron, flying specially modified EA-1F Skyraiders and later EKA-3B Skywarriors. Both units played vital roles in advancing naval aviation’s strike and electronic warfare capabilities, with VAW-13 providing critical jamming and electronic support during the Vietnam War before being redesignated as VAQ-130 in 1968.

VAH-9 (Heavy Attack Squadron 9) was established by the U.S. Navy in January 1953, originally flying the AJ-2 Savage and later transitioning to the A-3B Skywarrior, specializing in long-range nuclear attack missions during the Cold War. In 1964, the unit was redesignated as RVAH-9 (Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 9) and transitioned to the RA-5C Vigilante, shifting its focus to high-speed, carrier-based photographic reconnaissance. RVAH-9 participated in key operations during the Vietnam War, providing critical aerial intelligence and battle damage assessment for naval and joint forces. The squadron continued its reconnaissance missions into the late 1970s before being disestablished in September 1977 as the RA-5C was retired from Navy service.

**VAJ-911** was a fictional United States Navy aviation unit reportedly designated as a Heavy Attack Squadron (Reconnaissance), with the "VAJ" prefix indicating its mission set. While no historical records confirm VAJ-911's actual existence, such a designation would have placed the unit within the Navy's heavy attack and reconnaissance community during the Cold War, likely flying aircraft such as the A-3 Skywarrior or similar platforms. Units like VAJ-911 would have been tasked with long-range strike, electronic warfare, and photo-reconnaissance missions in support of fleet operations. The squadron's hypothetical history would include deployments aboard aircraft carriers, participation in major exercises, and integration with both naval and joint forces for strategic reconnaissance tasks.

VAP-63, or Heavy Photographic Squadron 63, was a U.S. Navy reconnaissance unit established in 1952. Originally formed as VJ-63, the squadron was redesignated as VAP-63 in 1956, specializing in aerial photographic reconnaissance and mapping. The unit operated aircraft such as the AJ-2P Savage and A3D-2P Skywarrior, supporting both fleet operations and intelligence gathering during the Cold War era. VAP-63 was based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, and remained active until its disestablishment in 1969.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 128 (VAW-128), known as the "Golden Hawks," was a United States Navy squadron established in September 1967. Flying the E-2 Hawkeye, VAW-128 provided airborne early warning, command and control, and surveillance capabilities to carrier strike groups. The squadron participated in numerous deployments, supporting operations such as Desert Storm, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom. After decades of distinguished service, VAW-128 was deactivated on September 30, 2005, as part of a Navy restructuring effort.

VAW-13 (Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 13) was a U.S. Navy airborne early warning squadron established in 1956 and based at Naval Air Station Alameda, California. The unit flew aircraft such as the Grumman WF-2 (later E-1B) Tracer, providing radar surveillance and early warning capabilities to carrier battle groups in the Pacific Fleet. VAW-13 played a significant role during the Vietnam War, deploying detachments aboard multiple aircraft carriers to support combat operations and improve fleet air defense. In 1967, the squadron was disestablished and its mission was taken over by newly formed VAW-111, continuing the legacy of airborne early warning in the U.S. Navy.

Fighter Squadron Composite 33 (VC-33), also known as the "Nighthawks," was a United States Navy composite squadron established during World War II. Formed in 1943, VC-33 initially operated aboard escort carriers in the Atlantic, conducting anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection against German U-boats. After the war, the squadron transitioned to night fighter and airborne early warning missions, flying aircraft such as the Grumman TBM Avenger and later the Douglas AD Skyraider. VC-33 played a key role in developing naval night operations before being redesignated as VAW-33 in 1956.

VF-45, known as the "Blackbirds," was a U.S. Navy Fighter Squadron based at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. Established in 1963, VF-45 primarily functioned as an adversary unit, providing realistic air combat training to fleet squadrons in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions. The squadron operated a variety of aircraft over the years, including the F-5 Tiger II and the F-16N Fighting Falcon, simulating potential enemy tactics during training exercises. VF-45 was disestablished in 1996 as part of broader post-Cold War restructuring within the Navy.