U.S. Navy

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.

Patrol Squadron 8 (VP-8), known as the “Fighting Tigers,” was established in September 1942 during World War II. Originally flying the PBY Catalina and later the PB4Y-1 Liberator, the squadron conducted anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol missions in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Over the decades, VP-8 transitioned to various maritime patrol aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune, P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon. Throughout its history, VP-8 has participated in key operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, Cold War patrols, and modern global anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions, earning a reputation for operational excellence.

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.

Naval Facility Bermuda was a United States Navy Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) station established in 1955 on the island of Bermuda. Its primary mission was to track Soviet submarines during the Cold War by detecting underwater acoustic signals in the Atlantic Ocean. Operated by a small contingent of U.S. Navy personnel and civilian technicians, the facility played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare and maritime intelligence. Naval Facility Bermuda remained operational until 1992, when advances in technology and changes in global geopolitics led to its closure.

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, established in 1918 in Virginia, was originally created to support the U.S. Navy during World War I by providing a safe location for the storage and loading of naval munitions. Over the decades, it expanded its mission, playing a critical role in supplying ammunition and ordnance for the Atlantic Fleet during World War II and subsequent conflicts. The station has continued to evolve, supporting a wide range of Navy and joint-service operations, including logistics, training, and maintenance. Today, it remains a vital component of U.S. naval power, serving as both an ordnance hub and a support installation for numerous tenant commands.

Service School Command, located at Great Lakes, Illinois, has played a pivotal role in the training and professional development of United States Navy personnel. Established in the early 20th century as part of Naval Station Great Lakes, the command became the Navy’s primary technical training hub following World War II, offering specialized instruction in various naval ratings and technical disciplines. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, Service School Command adapted its curriculum to meet evolving technological and operational needs, ensuring sailors are well-prepared for fleet assignments. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Navy training, maintaining its legacy of excellence in preparing enlisted personnel for service at sea and ashore.

USS ANCHORAGE (LSD-36)

U.S. Navy

USS Anchorage (LSD-36) was a dock landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy on March 15, 1970. As the lead ship of her class, Anchorage served extensively in the Pacific Fleet, supporting amphibious operations and transporting Marines, vehicles, and landing craft. Throughout her career, the ship participated in major exercises, humanitarian missions, and deployments, including operations during the Vietnam War and later in the Persian Gulf. After more than three decades of service, USS Anchorage was decommissioned on October 1, 2003, leaving a legacy of versatility and reliability in naval amphibious operations.

USS Goldsborough (DDG-20) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1963. Named after Rear Admiral Louis M. Goldsborough, the ship served extensively in the Pacific Fleet during the Cold War era. Goldsborough saw multiple deployments to the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in carrier escort operations. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she served as ROCS An Yang.

USS Harry E. Yarnell (CG-17) was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in 1963. Named after Admiral Harry E. Yarnell, the ship served as a key component of the Atlantic Fleet during the Cold War, specializing in anti-air and anti-submarine warfare. Throughout her career, Yarnell participated in numerous NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and crisis response operations, demonstrating U.S. naval presence and power projection. After nearly three decades of service, USS Harry E. Yarnell was decommissioned in 1993 and subsequently scrapped.

USS Juneau (LPD-10) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned into the United States Navy in 1969. Designed to transport and land Marines, equipment, and supplies, Juneau participated in several major operations, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The ship also supported humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief in the Philippines and tsunami aid in Indonesia. After nearly 40 years of service, USS Juneau was decommissioned in 2008.

USS Nitro (AE-23) was an ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy on May 1, 1959. As the lead ship of her class, Nitro played a crucial role in replenishing fleet units with munitions and explosives at sea, supporting naval operations during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and Middle East crises. Homeported on the East Coast, she participated in numerous Mediterranean deployments with the U.S. Sixth Fleet and provided logistical support during various combat and training exercises. USS Nitro was decommissioned in 1995 after nearly four decades of dedicated service and was later scrapped.

USS Peterson (DD-969) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on 9 July 1977. Named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Carl Jerrold Peterson, the ship served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in operations such as Desert Storm and maritime interdiction in the Persian Gulf. Throughout her career, Peterson conducted multiple deployments, including anti-submarine warfare, escort missions, and multinational exercises with NATO allies. After over 25 years of distinguished service, USS Peterson was decommissioned on 4 October 2002 and subsequently sunk as a target during a naval exercise in 2004.

USS Virginia (CGN-38) was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on September 11, 1976. As the lead ship of the Virginia-class cruisers, she was equipped with advanced missile systems and served as a key component in carrier battle groups, specializing in air defense and surface warfare. Throughout her career, USS Virginia participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, supporting American interests during the Cold War. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned on November 29, 1994, as part of post-Cold War fleet reductions.

USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) is the lead ship of her class of dock landing ships in the United States Navy, commissioned on February 9, 1985. Designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with embarked Marines, she has played a key role in numerous military operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and humanitarian missions such as disaster relief in Haiti. Over her decades of active service, Whidbey Island participated in exercises and deployments throughout the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern regions, supporting joint and coalition forces. Renowned for her versatility and reliability, she represents a vital component of the Navy’s amphibious assault capabilities.

USS WILLIAM V. PRATT (DLG-13), a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer leader, was commissioned into the United States Navy on 4 November 1961. Named after Admiral William Veazie Pratt, the ship served prominently during the Cold War era, conducting operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. PRATT participated in significant exercises with NATO allies and supported U.S. naval operations during the Vietnam War, providing gunfire support and plane guard duties. After decades of service, the ship was decommissioned on 30 September 1991 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

Attack Squadron 93 (VA-93), known as the "Ravens," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on 4 March 1952. Initially flying the F4U Corsair, the squadron transitioned through various aircraft, including the F9F Panther, A-4 Skyhawk, and finally the A-7 Corsair II. VA-93 participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, conducting numerous strike missions from aircraft carriers stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and was disestablished on 1 August 1986.

Patrol Squadron 17 (VP-17), known as the "White Lightnings," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1946. Throughout its service, VP-17 operated a variety of aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune and P-3 Orion, conducting anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions. The squadron played a significant role during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and in various Pacific and Indian Ocean operations. VP-17 was based at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, until its disestablishment in 1995 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

The military Chaplain is a unique unit whose origins trace back to ancient armies, where spiritual leaders provided religious support on the battlefield. In modern times, chaplains became officially recognized as part of military organizations during the 18th and 19th centuries, notably within the British and American armed forces. Their primary role is to offer spiritual care, moral guidance, and counseling to service members of all faiths, often serving in combat zones alongside troops. Throughout history, military chaplains have been honored for their courage, compassion, and commitment to the wellbeing of soldiers, regardless of religious affiliation.

Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron ONE (HS-1), known as "Seabaters," was established on October 1, 1951, as the U.S. Navy’s first antisubmarine helicopter squadron. Based at Naval Air Station Key West and later at Jacksonville, Florida, HS-1 operated various helicopters, including the HSS-1 Seabat and SH-3 Sea King, pioneering tactics in airborne antisubmarine warfare (ASW). The squadron played a crucial role in developing and testing ASW technology and training successive generations of Navy helicopter crews. HS-1 was disestablished on June 29, 1993, leaving a legacy of innovation in naval aviation and ASW excellence.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 11 (HS-11), known as the "Dragonslayers," was established in June 1957. Initially based at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, HS-11 specialized in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, employing helicopters such as the HSS-1 Seabat and later the SH-3 Sea King. The squadron participated in key operations during the Cold War and beyond, including deployments aboard aircraft carriers in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. In 2014, HS-11 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 11 (HSC-11), transitioning to the MH-60S Seahawk and expanding its mission set to include search and rescue, logistics, and combat support roles.

Naval Station Argentia was a major United States Navy base established in 1941 near Argentia, Newfoundland, as part of the "Destroyers for Bases Agreement" with the United Kingdom during World War II. The base played a strategic role in the Battle of the Atlantic, serving as a vital convoy assembly and anti-submarine warfare center, as well as providing support for Allied naval and air operations. Argentia also hosted the historic 1941 Atlantic Conference between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, which led to the Atlantic Charter. After serving throughout the Cold War as a key North Atlantic defense installation, the base was closed by the U.S. Navy in 1994 and returned to the Canadian government.

NAVCOMMSTA Wahiawa, officially known as Naval Communication Station Wahiawa, is a pivotal United States Navy communications facility located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Established during World War II, the station played a crucial role in maintaining secure and reliable communications across the Pacific theater. Over the decades, NAVCOMMSTA Wahiawa evolved with advancing technology, supporting fleet communications, cryptologic operations, and global command and control networks. Today, it operates as part of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific (NCTAMS PAC), continuing its legacy as a cornerstone of naval communications in the Indo-Pacific region.

Navy Hospital Orlando, located in Orlando, Florida, was originally established during World War II as part of the U.S. military’s expansion to support wartime medical needs. The facility served as a key naval hospital, providing medical care and support to Navy personnel, their families, and veterans throughout its operational years. It played a vital role during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars by treating wounded service members and training medical staff. The hospital remained active until the 1990s, when it was closed as part of the Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.