U.S. Navy

USS Sanctuary (AH-17) was a Haven-class hospital ship commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1945. Initially serving in the Pacific theater during the closing months of World War II, she provided vital medical support and care for wounded servicemen. Following the war, Sanctuary was decommissioned but later reactivated for service during the Vietnam War, where she rendered crucial medical and humanitarian assistance off the coast of Vietnam. The ship was notable for being the first Navy ship to have a mixed-gender crew, marking a significant milestone in naval history before her final decommissioning in 1975.

USS South Carolina (CGN-37) was a California-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in January 1975. Designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, she served as a multi-role escort for aircraft carrier battle groups during the Cold War. South Carolina participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, and the Persian Gulf, supporting U.S. interests and NATO allies. After over two decades of service, the cruiser was decommissioned in July 1999 and later scrapped as part of the Navy's reduction of its nuclear cruiser fleet.

VAW-120, known as the "Greyhawks," is a United States Navy Fleet Replacement Squadron established in 1961. Originally formed as Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron TWELVE (VAW-12), it was redesignated VAW-120 in 1967. The unit’s primary mission is to train aircrew and maintenance personnel for the Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft. VAW-120 has played a vital role in preparing carrier airborne early warning and logistics support crews, ensuring operational readiness for deployments worldwide.

VF-21, also known as Fighter Squadron 21, was a distinguished unit of the United States Navy with a lineage tracing back to World War II. Originally established as VF-81 in 1944, the squadron underwent several redesignations before becoming VF-21 in 1959. Throughout its history, VF-21 flew a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat, and participated in major conflicts such as the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The squadron was homeported at Naval Air Station Miramar and was disestablished in 1996 after nearly five decades of service.

VFP-63, or Light Photographic Squadron 63, was a United States Navy reconnaissance squadron established on January 1, 1949, originally designated as VJ-63. The unit specialized in aerial photographic reconnaissance, providing crucial intelligence and surveillance during the Cold War era and throughout the Vietnam War. VFP-63 operated the RF-8 Crusader aircraft and played a key role in gathering imagery intelligence for carrier air wings in the Pacific Fleet. The squadron was disestablished on June 30, 1982, following the retirement of the RF-8 from active service.

VS-32, known as the "Maulers," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established during World War II in 1943. The squadron initially flew SBD Dauntless and TBF Avenger aircraft, conducting patrol and convoy escort missions in the Atlantic. Reactivated during the Cold War, VS-32 operated S-2 Tracker and later S-3 Viking aircraft from various aircraft carriers, focusing on hunting submarines and maritime surveillance. The unit was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, and served with distinction until its deactivation in 1997.

Certainly! Here’s a short military history for the unit 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, often abbreviated as 1/25 4th MarDiv: The 1st Battalion, 25th Marines (1/25), is a Reserve infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps and part of the 4th Marine Division. Originally activated during World War II, the unit saw action in the Pacific Theater, participating in major battles such as Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Reactivated and reorganized several times since, 1/25 has provided trained units and individual Marines for active duty in conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The battalion continues to serve as a crucial reserve force, ready to deploy in support of national defense requirements.

COMSERVRON 7, or Commander Service Squadron Seven, was a vital logistics unit of the United States Navy, especially active during the Vietnam War era. Its primary mission was to provide underway replenishment, repair, and support services to the U.S. Seventh Fleet and allied naval forces operating in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. The squadron coordinated a diverse group of auxiliary ships, including oilers, ammunition ships, and supply vessels, ensuring sustained fleet operations far from home ports. Through its efforts, COMSERVRON 7 played a crucial role in maintaining the operational readiness and endurance of deployed naval forces during periods of conflict and tension in the Pacific theater.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron THREE (HS-3), known as the "Tridents," was established on June 18, 1952. Operating primarily from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, HS-3 played a pivotal role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) during the Cold War, employing a variety of aircraft including the SH-3 Sea King and later the SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk helicopters. The squadron participated in numerous deployments aboard aircraft carriers, supporting NATO and U.S. Navy operations across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. In December 2009, HS-3 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron NINE (HSC-9), transitioning to a broader mission set with the MH-60S Seahawk.

Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron FIVE (HS-5), known as the "Nightdippers," was established on January 3, 1956. Based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, HS-5 operated a variety of helicopters, including the HSS-1 Seabat and later the SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawks, focusing on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue, and fleet support missions. The squadron participated in major operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2016, HS-5 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE (HSC-5), reflecting its expanded mission set and transition to the MH-60S Seahawk.

Naval Hospital Bremerton, located in Bremerton, Washington, was originally commissioned in 1897 as a small dispensary to support naval operations in the Puget Sound region. Over the decades, it expanded significantly, particularly during World War II, serving as a crucial medical facility for wounded service members from the Pacific Theater. Throughout the Cold War and into the present, the hospital has continued to provide comprehensive medical care to Navy personnel, retirees, and their families. Today, Naval Hospital Bremerton plays a vital role in military readiness, offering a wide range of healthcare services and supporting operational forces in the Pacific Northwest.

Naval Communication Station Guam (NAVCOMMSTA Guam) was established in 1944 following the liberation of Guam during World War II, serving as a vital communications hub for the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. Throughout the Cold War, the station played a crucial role in long-range radio communications, supporting both fleet operations and strategic command-and-control functions across the Pacific theater. NAVCOMMSTA Guam was notable for operating powerful transmitters and large antenna arrays, including the iconic AN/FRD-10 Circularly Disposed Antenna Array. In 1997, the command was reorganized and its functions integrated into Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Guam, continuing its mission of providing secure communications support to U.S. and allied forces in the region.

Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific (NCTAMS PAC), headquartered in Wahiawa, Hawaii, traces its roots to the early days of naval communications in the Pacific theater during World War II. Originally established to provide radio and telegraph support for U.S. naval operations, the command evolved with advancing technology to become the central hub for secure communications, data transfer, and cyber operations across the Indo-Pacific region. In 1990, the unit officially became NCTAMS PAC, consolidating several communications commands to streamline and strengthen fleet connectivity. Today, NCTAMS PAC remains vital to U.S. national security, ensuring uninterrupted global communications for the Navy, joint forces, and allied partners throughout the Pacific area of responsibility.

Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) Mayport, Florida, was established to provide essential maintenance and logistical support to the numerous ships homeported at Naval Station Mayport. Throughout its operational history, SIMA Mayport played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and sustainability of U.S. Navy surface combatants by delivering a wide range of intermediate-level repairs, technical assistance, and training. The unit's skilled personnel serviced everything from propulsion systems to weapons and electronic equipment, often under tight deadlines to keep the fleet mission-ready. Over the years, SIMA Mayport adapted its capabilities to match technological advancements and shifting naval priorities until its functions were integrated into the Regional Maintenance Center framework in the early 2000s.

The USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in November 1944. She served in the final months of World War II, participating in air strikes against Japan and supporting Allied occupation forces after the war. Reactivated for the Korean War, Bon Homme Richard conducted multiple combat tours, launching air strikes against North Korean and Chinese targets from 1951 to 1953. The carrier later underwent modernization and served through the Vietnam War, providing air support for U.S. forces before her decommissioning in 1971.

USS Buchanan (DDG-14) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1962. Named after Admiral Franklin Buchanan, she served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duty, and assisting in search and rescue operations. Throughout her career, Buchanan participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Decommissioned in 1991, she was eventually expended as a target during a training exercise in 2000.

USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Serving primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, she provided vital underway replenishment services, supplying fuel and other logistics to U.S. and NATO warships during the Cold War. Caloosahatchee participated in numerous exercises and operations, including supporting the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean and deployments during tensions such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1990 and later scrapped.

The USS Coronado (AGF-11) was originally commissioned as an Austin-class amphibious transport dock (LPD-11) in 1970. In 1980, she was converted to a command ship and re-designated as AGF-11, serving as a flagship for multiple U.S. Navy commands, including U.S. Third Fleet and U.S. Fifth Fleet. Coronado played a significant role in fleet command and control, particularly during operations in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and as part of multinational exercises. The ship was decommissioned in 2006 after more than three decades of distinguished service and later used as a test platform for advanced naval technologies.

USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Although she arrived too late to participate in combat during World War II, she played a vital role in Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating American servicemen from Europe and the Pacific. Reactivated for the Korean War, Lake Champlain provided air support for United Nations forces and later served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the Cold War. She was also notable for recovering the Mercury-Atlas 7 astronaut in 1962 before being decommissioned in 1966.

USS *Spruance* (DD-963) was the lead ship of the Spruance-class destroyers, commissioned by the United States Navy in 1975. Named after Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, she served as a multi-mission destroyer specializing in anti-submarine warfare, while also providing anti-air and anti-surface capabilities. Over her nearly three decades of service, *Spruance* participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, and Persian Gulf, notably supporting Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The ship was decommissioned in 2005 and subsequently sunk as a target during a naval exercise in 2006.

Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), known as the "Vikings," was established on March 1, 1961, at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. Initially, the squadron served as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, tasked with training aircrews and maintenance personnel for the A-3 Skywarrior and later the EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft. Over the decades, VAQ-129 became the Navy’s primary training unit for electronic warfare, transitioning to the advanced EA-18G Growler in 2009. Today, VAQ-129 continues to prepare sailors and aviators for critical electronic attack missions, maintaining a legacy of innovation and excellence in naval aviation.

Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45), known as the “Pelicans,” is a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established on November 10, 1942. Originally flying the PBY Catalina during World War II, VP-45 conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions in the Atlantic and Caribbean theaters. Over the decades, the squadron transitioned to more advanced aircraft, including the P-5 Marlin, P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon, significantly expanding its operational capabilities. VP-45 has participated in numerous conflicts and operations, including the Cold War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and ongoing global maritime security missions. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

COMNAVPERSCOM, or Commander, Navy Personnel Command, is headquartered in Millington, Tennessee. Established in 1998 following the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, the command consolidated various Navy personnel management functions previously located in Washington, D.C. and other sites. Its mission is to oversee all aspects of Navy human resources, including assignments, promotions, and records management for active duty and reserve personnel. As a crucial component of Navy readiness, COMNAVPERSCOM ensures the right people are in the right jobs at the right time, supporting operational effectiveness across the fleet.

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11), known as the "Gunbearers," was established on 1 October 1977 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. The squadron operated primarily the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King and later the Sikorsky UH-60 Seahawk helicopters, providing vertical replenishment (VERTREP), search and rescue (SAR), and logistics support for the U.S. Navy fleet in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. HC-11 played a vital role in supporting carrier battle groups and amphibious ready groups, especially during operations and exercises in the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf. The squadron was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HSC-21) on 1 April 2005 as part of the Navy’s helicopter reorganization initiative.