U.S. Navy

USS Suribachi (AE-21) was a Suribachi-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1956. Named after the iconic Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, the vessel played a critical role in supplying ammunition and explosives to the fleet during both peacetime operations and periods of conflict. Throughout her service, she supported U.S. naval operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean, participating in numerous exercises and deployments, including support missions during the Vietnam War. USS Suribachi was decommissioned in 1994 after nearly four decades of service, leaving behind a legacy of vital logistical support to the U.S. Navy.

USS White Plains (AFS-4) was a Mars-class combat stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Named after the Battle of White Plains from the American Revolutionary War, the vessel provided vital logistical support by delivering food, ammunition, and other supplies to ships at sea, primarily in the Pacific Fleet. White Plains played a significant role during the Vietnam War and later supported operations throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. After over two decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1995 and eventually scrapped.

Patrol Squadron 47 (VP-47), known as the "Golden Swordsmen," was established in 1944 during World War II. Initially equipped with PBM Mariner seaplanes, the squadron conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol operations in the Pacific theater. Throughout the Cold War, VP-47 transitioned to land-based patrol aircraft, including the P-3 Orion, and participated in missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Today, based at NAS Whidbey Island, VP-47 operates the P-8A Poseidon, continuing its legacy in maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 50 (VRC-50), known as the "Foo Dogs," was a United States Navy squadron established in 1966. The squadron specialized in Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) missions, utilizing aircraft such as the C-1 Trader, C-2 Greyhound, and C-130 Hercules to transport personnel, mail, and high-priority cargo to aircraft carriers and other fleet units throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. VRC-50 played a crucial logistical role during the Vietnam War and continued its support operations through the Cold War period. The unit was disestablished in 1994, with its mission and assets redistributed to other Navy logistics squadrons.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, located near Meridian, Mississippi, was commissioned on July 14, 1961, as a key training facility for the United States Navy. Originally established to address the need for expanded naval aviation training during the Cold War, the station quickly became home to advanced jet flight training programs. Over the decades, NAS Meridian has played a critical role in producing skilled naval aviators and supporting operational readiness, hosting Training Air Wing ONE and Training Squadron NINE (VT-9). In addition to its primary aviation mission, the base also supports other tenant commands and has been recognized for its contributions to national defense and community partnership.

Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station, located in Pensacola, Florida, was originally established in 1923 as a Navy auxiliary airfield. During World War II, the station played a pivotal role in training naval aviators and supporting the broader war effort. In the 1960s, Corry Station transitioned from aviation to a focus on communications and cryptologic training, becoming the Navy's premier center for information warfare education. Today, it serves as the Center for Information Warfare Training, providing instruction to Navy and joint service personnel in cyber operations, intelligence, and information technology.

USS Saint Paul (CA-73) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in February 1945. She served in the final months of World War II, participating in operations against the Japanese home islands and witnessing the official Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. During the Korean War, USS Saint Paul provided naval gunfire support for United Nations forces and took part in bombardment missions along the Korean coast. The cruiser continued to serve through the Vietnam War, offering crucial naval gunfire support before being decommissioned in 1971.

Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75), also known as the "Sunday Punchers," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1943. The squadron saw action in World War II, participating in numerous Pacific Theater operations, including strikes against Japanese-held islands. Over the decades, VA-75 was deployed aboard various aircraft carriers and flew several attack aircraft types, including the A-6 Intruder. The squadron continued to serve during the Cold War era until it was disestablished in 1997.

Strike Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102), known as the "Diamondbacks," is a distinguished U.S. Navy aviation unit established in 1955. Originally flying the F2H Banshee, the squadron transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat, before being redesignated as VFA-102 with the adoption of the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2002. VF-102 has participated in numerous operations, including deployments during the Cold War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout its history, the Diamondbacks have earned a reputation for operational excellence and adaptability in carrier-based strike fighter missions.

Patrol Squadron 22 (VP-22), known as the "Blue Geese," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1943 during World War II. Initially flying the PB4Y-1 Liberator, the squadron conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, VP-22 operated various aircraft, including the P2V Neptune and P-3 Orion, and participated in significant Cold War operations, as well as the Vietnam War. The squadron was based at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii for much of its service before its deactivation in March 1994.

USS Bataan (LHD 5) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy on September 20, 1997. Named in honor of the heroic defense of the Bataan Peninsula during World War II, the ship has played a pivotal role in numerous military and humanitarian operations worldwide. Over its service, USS Bataan has participated in major deployments, including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and disaster relief efforts such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The ship continues to serve as a versatile platform for Marine Corps and joint force operations, exemplifying the Navy’s expeditionary capabilities.

USS California (CGN-36) was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on February 16, 1974. As the lead ship of the California-class, she was designed to provide air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities for carrier battle groups during the Cold War. Over her service, USS California participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, notably escorting vital convoys and supporting U.S. interests overseas. After over two decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned on July 9, 1999, as advancements in naval technology and high operating costs led to the retirement of her class.

USS Columbus (CG-12) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy, originally commissioned as CA-74 in 1945. After serving in the post-World War II era, she was extensively modernized and converted to a guided missile cruiser, re-designated CG-12 in 1959. USS Columbus served as a flagship and participated in various Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments. She was decommissioned in 1975 after nearly three decades of service.

USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) is a United States Navy submarine tender commissioned on July 7, 1979. Named after Admiral Emory S. Land, the ship was designed to provide maintenance, logistical support, and supplies to submarines while at sea or in port. Throughout its service, Emory S. Land has supported both Pacific and Atlantic Fleet submarines, participating in numerous operations and exercises worldwide. The vessel has been homeported in various locations, including La Maddalena, Italy, and Diego Garcia, demonstrating its critical role in sustaining U.S. undersea warfare capabilities.

USS Horne (CG-30) was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1967. Originally designated as DLG-30 (frigate), she was reclassified as a cruiser (CG-30) in 1975. Throughout her service, USS Horne participated in notable operations including Vietnam War combat support, Indian Ocean deployments, and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The ship was decommissioned in 1994 after nearly three decades of service and was eventually sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2008.

USS **Shenandoah (AD-44)** was a Yellowstone-class destroyer tender commissioned into the United States Navy on 17 August 1983. Designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to destroyers and other surface combatants, the Shenandoah served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet based out of Norfolk, Virginia. During her service, she participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean Sea and support missions for U.S. naval forces. The ship was decommissioned on 15 April 1996, marking the end of her service after nearly 13 years of active duty.

USS Waddell (DDG-24) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1964. Named after Civil War officer James Iredell Waddell, the ship served extensively during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in carrier escort operations. Throughout her career, Waddell conducted multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. interests during the Cold War. Decommissioned in 1992, USS Waddell was later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as Nearchos (D219) before being retired.

Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33), known as the "Tarsiers," was a distinguished United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1948. The unit saw combat during the Korean War, flying F4U Corsairs, and later transitioned to jets, including the F-8 Crusader and the F-4 Phantom II. VF-33 played an active role in the Vietnam War and later operated the F-14 Tomcat, participating in various Cold War operations and deployments. The squadron was disestablished in October 1993 after decades of service and numerous accolades.

Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 21 (VR-21) was a United States Navy aviation unit established in 1948. Originally formed as Utility Squadron SIX (VU-6), it was redesignated as VR-21 in July 1950, operating out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. The squadron provided essential logistics, personnel, and cargo transport services throughout the Pacific, supporting fleet operations with a variety of aircraft including the R5D, C-54, and C-118. VR-21 was disestablished in 1971, having played a critical role in connecting and sustaining U.S. naval forces across the vast Pacific theater.

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ONE (HC-1), also known as "Pacific Fleet Angels," was established by the United States Navy on April 1, 1948. It was the Navy’s first helicopter squadron, pioneering the operational use of helicopters for search and rescue (SAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and fleet logistics missions. HC-1 participated in numerous critical operations, including support during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and played a vital role in the recovery of astronauts from space missions. The squadron was disestablished on April 29, 1994, after nearly five decades of distinguished service.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO (HS-2), known as the "Golden Falcons," was established in 1952 and played a pivotal role in U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare operations. Based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, HS-2 operated a series of helicopters, including the SH-3 Sea King, and was assigned to numerous aircraft carriers as part of Carrier Air Wings. The squadron participated in key operations such as the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and humanitarian missions, earning multiple commendations. In 2009, HS-2 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2) as part of the Navy’s transition to multi-mission helicopter units.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Cubi Point was established in 1956 at Subic Bay, Philippines, and quickly became a vital logistical and operational hub for the United States Navy in the Western Pacific. Constructed by the U.S. Navy Seabees, the base featured a unique pier and airfield complex carved directly from mountainous jungle terrain. Throughout the Vietnam War and the Cold War, NAS Cubi Point provided critical support for carrier-based aircraft, serving as a major repair, supply, and rest-and-recreation facility. The station remained active until its closure in 1992, following the expiration of the U.S.-Philippines base agreement, marking the end of an era for American naval presence in the region.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, was commissioned on April 1, 1943, to centralize U.S. Navy aviation testing during World War II. The station quickly became a hub for flight testing, evaluation, and development of naval aircraft and weapons. Over the decades, NAS Patuxent River has played a vital role in advancing naval aviation technology, including supporting the testing of the F/A-18 Hornet and the development of unmanned aerial systems. Today, it remains a premier site for research, development, testing, and evaluation, supporting the U.S. Navy’s mission worldwide.

NAVCOMMSTA Rota, Spain—formally known as the U.S. Naval Communications Station, Rota—was established in the late 1950s as a key component of the U.S. Navy’s global communications network. Strategically located at Naval Station Rota on Spain’s southwestern coast, the unit provided secure, reliable communications for U.S. and allied naval operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and surrounding regions. Throughout the Cold War, NAVCOMMSTA Rota played a crucial role in supporting fleet movements, intelligence activities, and joint operations with NATO partners. The command underwent several reorganizations as technology advanced, eventually merging into consolidated communications activities in the 1990s, but its legacy endures as a vital link in U.S. and NATO maritime operations.