U.S. Navy

NAVCOMMSTA Nea Makri, Greece, officially known as U.S. Naval Communications Station, Nea Makri, was established in the early 1950s as part of the United States’ efforts to enhance communications capabilities in the eastern Mediterranean during the Cold War. Located about 25 kilometers northeast of Athens, the station provided critical communications support to the U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO operations in the region. It served as a key node for secure naval communications, cryptographic operations, and high-frequency radio transmissions. The station was operational until its closure in 1991, when shifting strategic priorities and advances in communications technology led to the consolidation of U.S. Navy facilities in Europe.

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.

USS Barry (DD-933) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1956. Throughout her service, Barry conducted numerous operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean, including crisis response during the 1958 Lebanon crisis and patrols during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. She participated in NATO exercises and served as a goodwill ambassador during port visits around the world. Decommissioned in 1982, USS Barry later became a museum ship in Washington, D.C., until her removal in 2015.

USS Jouett (CG-29) was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1966. Originally designated as a destroyer leader (DLG-29), she was reclassified as a cruiser (CG-29) in 1975. Throughout her service, Jouett participated in numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting operations during the Vietnam War and later Cold War missions. After nearly three decades of distinguished service, USS Jouett was decommissioned in January 1994 and subsequently sunk as a target during fleet training exercises in 2007.

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.

USS Reeves (CG-24) was a Leahy-class guided-missile cruiser in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1964. Originally designated as a destroyer leader (DLG-24), she was reclassified as a cruiser in 1975. Reeves served extensively in the Pacific, including during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and anti-aircraft defense. Throughout the Cold War, she participated in numerous exercises and operations, projecting American naval power until her decommissioning in 1993.

Attack Squadron 122 (VA-122), known as the "Fighting Redhawks," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on 1 May 1950. Originally designated as VC-35, it was redesignated as VA-122 in April 1958 and served primarily as a fleet replacement training unit for the A-1 Skyraider and later the A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft. VA-122 played a crucial role in training thousands of pilots and maintenance personnel during the Vietnam War era and beyond. The squadron was disestablished on 29 May 1991 after over four decades of 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-103, originally established as VF-103 "Sluggers" in 1952, was a renowned United States Navy fighter squadron. The unit became famous as the "Jolly Rogers" in 1995, inheriting the iconic skull-and-crossbones insignia. Throughout its history, VF-103 flew various aircraft, most notably the F-14 Tomcat, participating in major operations such as Desert Storm and Southern Watch. In 2005, the squadron was redesignated as VFA-103, transitioning to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and continuing its distinguished legacy as a strike fighter squadron.

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.

VS-29, known as the “Dragonfires,” was a United States Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1960. Flying the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking, VS-29 served with distinction aboard various aircraft carriers, providing crucial anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime patrol capabilities. The squadron participated in numerous operations, including during the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, supporting carrier battle groups and contributing to fleet defense. VS-29 was deactivated in 2004 as part of the broader retirement of the S-3 Viking from active service.

The Commander Atlantic Fleet (COMLANTFLT) has historically served as the senior command responsible for overseeing all United States naval operations in the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1906, the Atlantic Fleet played a crucial role in both World Wars, coordinating convoy protection against German U-boats and projecting American naval power across the Atlantic theater. During the Cold War, the Commander Atlantic Fleet was central to countering Soviet naval forces, safeguarding transatlantic supply lines, and participating in major NATO exercises. In 2002, the Atlantic Fleet was re-designated as the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, continuing its vital mission of ensuring maritime security and operational readiness in the Atlantic region.

Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT-8), known as the "Eightballers," is a United States Navy squadron established in 1950. Originally based at Naval Air Station Ellyson Field, Pensacola, HT-8 is the Navy’s oldest active helicopter training squadron. The unit provides primary and advanced helicopter flight training for Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and selected international students. Over the decades, HT-8 has transitioned through various rotary-wing aircraft, currently operating the TH-73A Thrasher, and has played a vital role in producing professional naval aviators to support U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

The Naval Support Force Antarctica (NSFA) was a United States Navy unit established in 1955 to provide logistical, operational, and construction support for Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. mission in Antarctica. Headquartered at McMurdo Station, the NSFA managed sea and air logistics, constructed and maintained research facilities, and supported scientific expeditions across the continent. The unit played a crucial role in maintaining year-round access to Antarctica, enabling critical scientific research during the Cold War and beyond. The NSFA was deactivated in 1998, with its duties transferred to civilian agencies under the National Science Foundation.

Naval Weapons Station Charleston, located in South Carolina, was established in 1941 to support the U.S. Navy’s ordnance requirements during World War II. Over the decades, the installation expanded its mission to include the storage, maintenance, and shipment of conventional and nuclear munitions for Atlantic Fleet ships and submarines. During the Cold War, the station played a vital role in supporting the Navy’s fleet ballistic missile submarines and became a key hub for logistical and technical operations. In 2010, it was merged with other local military facilities to form Joint Base Charleston, continuing its legacy of supporting U.S. military operations.

River Division 554 was a unit of the U.S. Navy’s “Brownwater Navy” that operated in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. Established in 1967, the division was equipped with Patrol Boat, Rivers (PBRs) and tasked with patrolling inland waterways, interdicting enemy supply routes, and supporting ground operations against Viet Cong forces. River Division 554 played a crucial role in Operation Game Warden and frequently engaged in firefights, ambushes, and search-and-destroy missions in challenging riverine environments. The unit’s actions contributed significantly to disrupting enemy logistics and maintaining control over vital waterways throughout the conflict.

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 Berkeley (DDG-15) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on December 15, 1962. Named in honor of Admiral William Frederick Durand Berkeley, the ship served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in search and rescue operations. Throughout her service, USS Berkeley also conducted numerous deployments in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, taking part in fleet exercises and strengthening U.S. alliances. Decommissioned in 1992, the ship was later transferred to Greece, where she served as Themistoklis (D221).

USS Durham (LKA-114) was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1969. Named after the city of Durham, North Carolina, the ship played a significant role in transporting troops, equipment, and supplies during the Vietnam War. Throughout her service, USS Durham participated in numerous exercises and operations, including humanitarian missions and supporting U.S. military interests in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. She was decommissioned in 1994 after 25 years of distinguished service.

USS Sylvania (AFS-2) was a Mars-class combat stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Designed to deliver food, ammunition, and other supplies to ships at sea, Sylvania played a crucial logistical role in multiple operations, including support during the Vietnam War and later in the Mediterranean with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Throughout her service, the ship participated in numerous replenishment missions, enabling sustained naval operations far from home ports. After nearly three decades of service, USS Sylvania was decommissioned in 1994 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Tattnall (DDG-19) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1963. Throughout her service, Tattnall participated in Cold War operations, including Mediterranean deployments with the Sixth Fleet and NATO exercises, providing air defense and anti-submarine capabilities. The ship played a key role during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, operating as part of the U.S. naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. After nearly three decades of service, USS Tattnall was decommissioned in 1991 and later sunk as a target in 1999.

Attack Squadron 196 (VA-196), known as the "Main Battery," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1948. The squadron initially flew the AD Skyraider and later transitioned to the A-6 Intruder, specializing in all-weather attack missions. VA-196 served with distinction during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and participated in various Cold War operations, providing critical close air support and strike capabilities. The squadron was decommissioned in 1997 after nearly five decades of service.

**COMNAVSURFPAC** (Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet) was established on 1 March 1975 to serve as the principal command responsible for the readiness, training, and equipping of all surface warfare ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The command traces its heritage to earlier Pacific Fleet surface ship commands during World War II, evolving to consolidate destroyers, cruisers, amphibious, and other surface vessels under a single administrative and operational authority. Headquartered at Naval Base San Diego, COMNAVSURFPAC oversees a diverse fleet, including guided-missile destroyers, cruisers, littoral combat ships, and amphibious assault ships. The command plays a vital role in ensuring U.S. naval superiority and freedom of navigation in the Pacific region, supporting global operations and regional security.

COMSUBLANT (Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic), headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, was established in 1941 to oversee and coordinate the operations of the United States Navy's Atlantic Fleet submarines. Throughout World War II, COMSUBLANT played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and in securing maritime supply lines against German U-boats. During the Cold War, the command expanded its responsibilities to include the operation and maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines, including those armed with strategic ballistic missiles. Today, COMSUBLANT remains a critical component of U.S. naval power, ensuring undersea dominance, strategic deterrence, and the readiness of submarine forces in the Atlantic theater.