U.S. Navy

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.

**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.

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.

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.

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 Alamo (LSD-33) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy on August 24, 1956. Designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles, the Alamo participated in numerous operations, including troop deployments during the Vietnam War and humanitarian missions in the Pacific. Throughout its service, the ship supported amphibious assaults, training exercises, and logistical missions, demonstrating the versatility of the dock landing ship design. After nearly four decades of active duty, USS Alamo was decommissioned on March 28, 1990, and later transferred to the Brazilian Navy.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

Naval Station (NAVSTA) Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was officially established in 1908 as a key U.S. naval base in the Pacific. Its strategic location made it central to American military operations, most notably on December 7, 1941, when it was the site of the infamous Japanese attack that led the United States into World War II. Throughout the war and the Cold War, Pearl Harbor served as a major hub for fleet logistics, repairs, and operations in the Pacific Theater. Today, NAVSTA Pearl Harbor is part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, continuing its legacy as a vital center for U.S. Navy operations and Indo-Pacific security.

**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.

USS PORTLAND (LSD-37) was an Anchorage-class dock landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy on 3 October 1970. Designed to support amphibious operations, she transported and launched landing craft, vehicles, and Marines during key deployments. Throughout her service, PORTLAND participated in numerous exercises, humanitarian missions, and operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and support during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The ship served with distinction until her decommissioning on 27 February 2003, after more than three decades of active service.

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 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.