U.S. Navy

USS Arkansas (CGN-41) was a Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on October 18, 1980. Designed for multi-role operations, she served as an escort for aircraft carrier battle groups, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities with her advanced missile systems. Throughout her active service, Arkansas participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, and support missions during the Gulf War. Decommissioned on July 7, 1998, the ship was subsequently dismantled as part of the Navy’s Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Canisteo (AO-99) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1945. Serving primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, Canisteo provided vital underway replenishment support to U.S. and allied ships during the early Cold War, including operations in the Mediterranean and participation in NATO exercises. The ship also aided in the U.S. response to crises such as the Suez Crisis and the Lebanon intervention in 1958. After decades of service, Canisteo was decommissioned in 1989, marking the end of a distinguished career supporting naval operations around the globe.

USS Halsey (CG-23) was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in July 1963. Named in honor of Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr., the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous operations during the Vietnam War and later Cold War exercises. Halsey was involved in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and carrier escort missions, reflecting her advanced missile capabilities for the era. After nearly three decades of service, USS Halsey was decommissioned in January 1994 and subsequently scrapped.

USS Mars (AFS-1) was the lead ship of her class of combat stores ships in the United States Navy, commissioned on 21 December 1963. Designed to provide underway replenishment of provisions, ammunition, and stores to ships at sea, Mars played a crucial support role during the Vietnam War and later in the Western Pacific. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous operations, earning several campaign and service medals. USS Mars was decommissioned on 1 February 1993, concluding nearly three decades of distinguished service to the fleet.

USS Mississippi (CGN-40) was a Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on August 5, 1978. Designed for multi-mission capabilities, she was equipped with advanced radar and missile systems, serving as an escort for carrier battle groups and providing air defense, surface warfare, and anti-submarine capabilities. Throughout her service, Mississippi participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, supporting U.S. interests and allied operations. The ship was decommissioned on July 28, 1997, following the end of the Cold War and subsequent reductions in the Navy’s nuclear-powered surface fleet.

USS Monticello (LSD-35) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles, she played a critical role in numerous operations, including troop deployments and humanitarian missions. During the Vietnam War, Monticello supported amphibious assaults and logistical operations, earning several campaign stars for her service. After decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in 1985 and eventually sold for scrap, marking the end of her distinguished naval career.

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.

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 Mobile (LKA-115) was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1969. Designed to transport and land troops, equipment, and supplies in support of amphibious operations, she served extensively during the Vietnam War, providing logistical support and participating in major operations. Following Vietnam, USS Mobile continued to support U.S. military operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The ship remained active until her decommissioning in 1994, earning multiple commendations for her service before being scrapped.

USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship of the United States Navy, commissioned in April 1944. She served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing crucial naval gunfire support during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After being decommissioned post-war, Wisconsin was reactivated for service in the Korean War, again offering significant fire support for United Nations forces. Modernized in the 1980s, she saw action during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 before being decommissioned for the final time in 1991 and later becoming a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia.

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.