U.S. Navy

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.

USS Cape Cod (AD-43) was a Yellowstone-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1982. Designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to destroyers and other surface combatants, she played a vital role in keeping the fleet operational. Throughout her service, Cape Cod was deployed to various locations, including support missions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. She was decommissioned in 1995 after more than a decade of service, reflecting changing strategic needs following the end of the Cold War.

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 Milwaukee (AOR-2) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned into the United States Navy on November 1, 1969. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to naval task forces, she played a vital support role during the Vietnam War and Cold War operations. Throughout her service, Milwaukee operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in multiple NATO exercises and U.S. fleet operations. After over two decades of service, USS Milwaukee was decommissioned on January 27, 1994, and later scrapped.

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 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 Robison (DDG-12) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1961. Named after Rear Admiral Samuel Shelburne Robison, she served extensively in the Pacific, notably participating in operations during the Vietnam War, where she provided naval gunfire support and performed plane guard duties for aircraft carriers. Throughout her service, Robison took part in multiple deployments with the Seventh Fleet and contributed to numerous training exercises, strengthening U.S. naval presence in the region. After over two decades of active duty, USS Robison was decommissioned in 1983 and later scrapped.

Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14), also known as the "Tophatters," is recognized as the U.S. Navy’s oldest active aviation squadron, having been established in 1919. Throughout its long history, VF-14 has undergone numerous redesignations and has operated a variety of aircraft, from biplanes to modern jet fighters. The squadron saw extensive action in World War II, the Korean War, and later conflicts, consistently demonstrating excellence in carrier-based operations. Today, as VFA-14 (reflecting its strike fighter role), the Tophatters continue their legacy flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.

Patrol Squadron 16 (VP-16), known as the "War Eagles," was established in December 1943. The squadron served prominently during World War II, conducting anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrols in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Over the decades, VP-16 has participated in numerous operations, including Cold War surveillance, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and modern counter-narcotics missions. Today, flying the P-8A Poseidon, VP-16 continues to provide maritime patrol and reconnaissance support to the U.S. Navy's global operations.

Patrol Squadron 6 (VP-6), known as the "Blue Sharks," was a long-standing U.S. Navy patrol squadron established in 1943 during World War II. Initially equipped with PB4Y-1 Liberators, VP-6 conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions in the Pacific Theater. During the Korean War, the squadron operated P2V Neptunes, flying critical surveillance and combat sorties. VP-6 continued its service through the Cold War, participating in various operations until its disestablishment in 1993.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (VQ-2), known as the "Batmen," was a U.S. Navy squadron established in 1955 at Naval Station Port Lyautey, Morocco, before relocating to Rota, Spain, in 1959. The unit specialized in signals intelligence (SIGINT), operating aircraft such as the P4M Mercator, A3 Skywarrior, and later the EP-3 Aries. VQ-2 played a crucial role during the Cold War, monitoring Soviet naval and air activities in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. After decades of service, the squadron moved to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, before being disestablished in 2012.

**BMU-1 (Beachmaster Unit One)** is a United States Navy amphibious beach party unit, commissioned in July 1949 and based at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California. Its primary mission is to support amphibious landing operations by coordinating the movement of troops, vehicles, and supplies across the surf zone between landing craft and the shore. BMU-1 played a significant role in key operations including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and more recent Middle East deployments, providing critical beach management and logistics support. The unit continues to support fleet and joint amphibious exercises worldwide, maintaining readiness for rapid deployment in support of U.S. naval and joint operations.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, established in 1951, serves as a vital United States Navy installation in Naples, Italy. Originally created to support U.S. Sixth Fleet operations in the Mediterranean, the base has played a crucial role in logistical, administrative, and operational support for both American and NATO forces. Over the decades, NSA Naples has been instrumental during key events, including the Cold War, the Balkans conflicts, and ongoing operations in the Middle East and North Africa. Today, it remains a hub for U.S. Navy activities in Europe, ensuring readiness and cooperation among allied forces in the region.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Washington, located at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, traces its origins to 1943 when it was established as part of the U.S. Navy’s efforts during World War II. Initially serving as a support base for naval aviation operations in the National Capital Region, NAF Washington has evolved to provide administrative, logistical, and operational support to Navy and Marine Corps aviation units. Over the decades, the facility has played a vital role in supporting both active duty and reserve squadrons, as well as hosting visiting dignitaries and official flights. Today, NAF Washington continues its mission as a key hub for naval aviation in the region, supporting operational readiness and national defense objectives.

**Radio** units have played a crucial role in military history since the early 20th century. First adopted during World War I, military radio operators revolutionized battlefield communication by enabling real-time coordination and intelligence sharing. By World War II, dedicated radio units became essential for command and control, supporting everything from infantry operations to air and naval missions. In the modern era, these units have evolved into sophisticated communications and electronic warfare teams, ensuring secure and reliable information flow across complex, technologically advanced battlefields.

USS Charleston (LKA-113) was an amphibious cargo ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1968 as the lead ship of the Charleston-class. Designed to transport and land troops, equipment, and supplies, she played a vital role in supporting amphibious operations, particularly during the Vietnam War. Throughout her service, Charleston participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions. After over two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in 1992 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65), known as the "Tigers," was a U.S. Navy attack squadron established in 1945. Originally designated as VA-6B, the squadron underwent several redesignations before becoming VA-65 in 1959. Throughout its service, VA-65 operated various aircraft, including the A-6 Intruder, and participated in major conflicts such as the Vietnam War, the 1986 strikes against Libya (Operation El Dorado Canyon), and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The squadron was decommissioned in March 1993 after nearly five decades of distinguished service.

VF-213, known as the "Black Lions," was a distinguished U.S. Navy fighter squadron established in 1955. Initially flying the F2H Banshee, the squadron later transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the iconic F-14 Tomcat, becoming renowned for its operational excellence. VF-213 participated in numerous deployments, including combat operations during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2006, the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and was redesignated as VFA-213, continuing its legacy as a premier naval strike fighter squadron.

Patrol Squadron One (VP-1), known as the "Screaming Eagles," is a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1943 during World War II. Initially flying the PB2Y Coronado seaplane, the unit conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, VP-1 transitioned to land-based aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune and later the P-3 Orion, expanding its operational reach during the Cold War. Today, VP-1 operates the P-8A Poseidon, continuing its legacy of maritime patrol, anti-submarine, and intelligence missions from its home base at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.

Patrol Squadron 44 (VP-44) was a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established during World War II. Commissioned in June 1942, the unit initially flew the PBY Catalina on anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions in the Atlantic and later transitioned to the PBM Mariner and P5M Marlin. Throughout its service, VP-44 played a vital role in maritime patrol, surveillance, and search and rescue operations during the Cold War, particularly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. The squadron was eventually equipped with the P-3 Orion before being disestablished on June 1, 1991, as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

Patrol Squadron 46 (VP-46), known as the “Grey Knights,” is one of the oldest maritime patrol squadrons in the U.S. Navy, established in July 1931. Originally formed as Patrol Squadron 5-S (VP-5S), the unit has undergone several redesignations and has participated in significant operations, including World War II, the Cold War, and the Global War on Terrorism. Throughout its history, VP-46 has operated various aircraft, from the PBY Catalina to the P-3 Orion, and currently flies the P-8A Poseidon, conducting anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions. The squadron has earned numerous unit commendations for its distinguished service and continues to play a critical role in safeguarding U.S. maritime interests worldwide.

Patrol Squadron 56 (VP-56), known as the "Dragons," was a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1946. Originally flying PBM Mariners and later transitioning to P-2 Neptunes and P-3 Orions, VP-56 conducted anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and reconnaissance missions throughout the Cold War. The squadron was based primarily at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, and deployed to key locations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. VP-56 was disestablished on June 28, 1991, after decades of service contributing to U.S. naval operations worldwide.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels), often abbreviated as ABF, is a vital U.S. Navy rating established during World War II to support the growing demands of aircraft carrier operations. ABFs are responsible for fueling and defueling aircraft, maintaining fuel systems, and ensuring the safe handling and storage of aviation fuels aboard ships and shore installations. Their expertise has been crucial in every major conflict since WWII, enabling sustained air operations from carriers during the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf, and more recent conflicts. Over the decades, ABFs have adapted to advances in aviation technology, continually upholding rigorous safety and operational standards to support naval air power worldwide.

Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three (HA(L)-3), also known as the "Seawolves," was a unique United States Navy helicopter gunship squadron established on 1 April 1967 during the Vietnam War. Tasked primarily with supporting the Navy's riverine operations, HA(L)-3 provided crucial close air support, medical evacuations, and armed reconnaissance for the Mobile Riverine Force and SEAL teams operating in the Mekong Delta. The squadron operated UH-1B and UH-1C "Huey" helicopters, heavily armed for attack missions in the challenging riverine and jungle environment. HA(L)-3 became the most decorated Navy squadron of the Vietnam War before being disestablished on 16 March 1972.