U.S. Navy

The 32nd Street Naval Dispensary, located at Naval Base San Diego, has a longstanding history of providing essential medical care to U.S. Navy personnel, retirees, and their families. Established during World War II to support the expanding naval operations on the West Coast, the dispensary quickly became a central hub for both routine and emergency medical services. Over the decades, it has adapted to evolving military medical standards, integrating advanced technologies and practices to enhance patient care. Today, the 32nd Street Naval Dispensary continues its mission, playing a vital role in maintaining the health and readiness of the fleet and its support community.

Destroyer Squadron 6 (DesRon 6) is a distinguished unit of the United States Navy, with its origins tracing back to World War II. Commissioned in 1920, DesRon 6 participated in key operations during World War II, including escort duties and anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic theater. In the decades following the war, the squadron played significant roles in the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and various Cold War missions, adapting to evolving naval technologies and tactics. Today, DesRon 6 continues to serve as a vital component of the Navy’s surface combatant force, supporting fleet operations and maritime security across the globe.

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC-6), known as the “Chargers,” was established by the United States Navy in 1967. Based primarily at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, HC-6 provided vital logistics, vertical replenishment, search and rescue, and medevac support for the Atlantic Fleet. The squadron operated various helicopters over its history, including the UH-46 Sea Knight and later the MH-60S Knighthawk. HC-6 played significant roles in numerous operations and humanitarian missions before being disestablished in 2005, with its legacy carried forward by successor units.

USS Josephus Daniels (CG-27) was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned on 8 May 1965. Named after Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the Navy during World War I, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, undertaking deployments that included Mediterranean operations with the Sixth Fleet and participation in NATO exercises. Throughout her career, Josephus Daniels provided air defense, surface warfare, and command capabilities, reflecting the evolving role of guided missile cruisers during the Cold War. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on 21 January 1994 and later scrapped.

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.

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.

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 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 Ogden (LPD-5) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned by the United States Navy in 1965. Throughout her service, she played a pivotal role in transporting Marines, equipment, and landing craft, notably participating in the Vietnam War and later in Operation Desert Storm. Ogden also supported humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the Pacific. After over 39 years of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 2007 and later used as a target during a SINKEX exercise in 2014.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 Dixie (AD-14) was a destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in April 1940. During World War II, she provided critical repair and supply services to destroyers in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations in locations such as Pearl Harbor, New Guinea, and the Philippines. After the war, Dixie continued her service in the Far East, supporting U.S. Seventh Fleet operations during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. She was decommissioned in June 1982, having served the fleet for over four decades.

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 **McKee** (DD-575) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in March 1943 during World War II. She served extensively in the Pacific Theater, providing fire support for amphibious landings, escorting fast carrier task forces, and participating in key operations such as the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, and the Philippines. The McKee earned eight battle stars for her wartime service, reflecting her active and distinguished combat record. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1972.

USS Ponce (LPD-15) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Throughout her career, Ponce participated in numerous operations, including supporting the evacuation of American citizens during the Lebanese Civil War in 1982 and serving in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. In her later years, Ponce was converted into an Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB), providing critical support for mine countermeasures and special operations in the Persian Gulf. She was decommissioned in 2017 after more than 46 years of distinguished service.

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.