U.S. Navy

Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Kamiseya, Japan, was established in the early 1950s as a key U.S. Navy signals intelligence (SIGINT) facility during the Cold War. Located near Yokosuka, it played a vital role in intercepting and analyzing communications from the Soviet Union, China, and regional actors in the Western Pacific. The unit provided crucial intelligence support to U.S. and allied naval operations, particularly during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NSGA Kamiseya operated until its closure in 1995, after which its missions were consolidated with other intelligence activities in the region.

USS El Paso (LKA-117) was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Named after El Paso, Texas, the vessel was designed to transport troops, equipment, and supplies for amphibious operations. Throughout her service, El Paso participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including support missions in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, as well as contingency operations during global crises. The ship was decommissioned in 1994 after over two decades of distinguished service and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS *Galveston* (CLG-3) was a Cleveland-class light cruiser originally commissioned during World War II, but later converted to a guided missile cruiser and recommissioned in 1958. As a part of the U.S. Navy's modernization program, she was equipped with the Talos surface-to-air missile system, enhancing her air defense capabilities during the Cold War. *Galveston* served primarily in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, participating in operations such as patrols, training exercises, and showing the flag missions. She was decommissioned in 1970, marking the end of her distinguished service as one of the early missile-armed cruisers in the U.S. Navy.

USS Gridley (CG-21) was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on May 25, 1963. Originally designated as DLG-21 (destroyer leader), she was later reclassified as CG-21 in 1975. Throughout her service, Gridley played key roles in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving as a radar picket and missile defense ship. Over her career, she participated in numerous Pacific Fleet exercises and operations before being decommissioned on January 21, 1994.

USS Hull (DD-945) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1958. Named after Commodore Isaac Hull, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in numerous training exercises and operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Vietnam War combat support missions. In the 1970s, USS Hull was notable for testing the prototype 8"/55 Mark 71 Major Caliber Lightweight Gun (MCLWG), making it unique among destroyers. After decades of service, the ship was decommissioned in 1983 and later sunk as a target during naval exercises in 1998.

USS Jason (AR-8) was a Vulcan-class repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1944. During World War II, she provided critical repair and maintenance services to the Pacific Fleet, supporting operations at locations such as Ulithi and Leyte. After the war, USS Jason continued her service through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, offering vital support to active combat ships and naval units. Decommissioned in 1995, USS Jason had a distinguished career spanning over five decades, earning numerous commendations for her contributions to U.S. naval operations.

USS Nashville (LPD-13) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned into the United States Navy on February 14, 1970. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous amphibious operations, humanitarian missions, and exercises, including deployments to the Mediterranean and support for peacekeeping in Lebanon during the early 1980s. In 2006, Nashville played a key role in the evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict as part of Operation Strengthen Hope. After nearly four decades of service, USS Nashville was decommissioned on September 30, 2009.

USS Pensacola (LSD-38) was an Anchorage-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy on 27 March 1971. Designed to support amphibious operations, she carried and launched landing craft, vehicles, and Marines during numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Pensacola played a key logistical role in exercises and real-world missions, notably supporting Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on 30 September 1999 and later sold for scrap.

USS Randolph (CV-15) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1944. She saw extensive action during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations such as the raids on Tokyo and the Battle of Okinawa, where her air groups contributed significantly to the Allied air campaign. After the war, Randolph was decommissioned but was later modernized and recommissioned, serving during the Korean War era and playing key roles in Cold War operations, including as a recovery ship for the Gemini IV space mission. The carrier was finally decommissioned in 1969, closing a distinguished chapter in American naval aviation history.

USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) was the lead ship of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers in the United States Navy, commissioned on January 22, 1983. She was the first surface combatant equipped with the revolutionary Aegis Combat System, significantly enhancing the Navy's air defense capabilities. Throughout her service, Ticonderoga participated in numerous operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where she provided air defense and launched Tomahawk missiles. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned on September 30, 2004, leaving a legacy as a pioneering warship in modern naval warfare.

Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10), nicknamed the "Red Lancers," is a long-standing maritime patrol squadron of the United States Navy. Established in 1930, VP-10 has participated in numerous operations, including anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and reconnaissance missions during World War II, the Cold War, and into the present day. The squadron has operated various aircraft over its history, including the PBY Catalina, the P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon. Throughout its service, VP-10 has been recognized for its professionalism and contributions to naval operations worldwide.

Patrol Squadron 49 (VP-49), known as the "Woodpeckers," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1944. Initially equipped with PBM Mariner seaplanes, the squadron participated in anti-submarine warfare and convoy escort missions during World War II in the Atlantic. During the Cold War, VP-49 transitioned to land-based patrol aircraft, flying P-3 Orion planes and conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions, often in support of NATO operations. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, until its disestablishment in March 1994.

Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9), known as the "Golden Eagles," is a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in March 1951. Originally flying the P2V Neptune, the squadron has operated several aircraft types, including the P-3 Orion and, more recently, the P-8A Poseidon. VP-9 has conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions across the Pacific, including significant deployments during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and ongoing Indo-Pacific operations. The squadron is currently based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

The 3rd Marine Division, activated in 1942, is a distinguished infantry division of the United States Marine Corps, renowned for its pivotal role in World War II campaigns such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. The 3rd Force Service Support Group (3rd FSSG), now known as the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, was established to provide combat service support to III Marine Expeditionary Force units in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the decades, these units have operated closely together, supporting operations from the Vietnam War to humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions across the Indo-Pacific. Today, the 3rd Marine Division and 3rd MLG remain forward-deployed in Okinawa, Japan, playing a vital role in regional security and rapid crisis response.

Allied Forces Southern Europe (AFSOUTH) was established in 1951 as a major NATO headquarters based in Naples, Italy. Its primary mission was to oversee and coordinate the defense of Southern Europe, including Italy, Greece, and Turkey, during the Cold War. AFSOUTH played a crucial role in planning joint exercises, fostering multinational cooperation, and deterring potential aggression in the Mediterranean region. The command was reorganized and renamed Allied Joint Force Command Naples in 2004, continuing its legacy of promoting security and stability in Southern Europe and beyond.

Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT) is a key echelon II command in the United States Navy, established in 1975 to oversee and manage the readiness, training, and operational deployment of Atlantic Fleet surface warships. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, COMNAVSURFLANT is responsible for all surface combatants, amphibious ships, and associated support units assigned to the Atlantic Fleet. The command has played a vital role in operations ranging from the Cold War maritime strategy to post-9/11 homeland defense and overseas contingency operations. Throughout its history, COMNAVSURFLANT has ensured that U.S. surface forces remain prepared to project power, maintain sea control, and support joint and allied operations worldwide.

Fleet Combat Training Center, Atlantic (FCTCLANT) Dam Neck, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has a storied history as a premier training facility for the United States Navy. Established during World War II, the site originally served as a gunnery school and later evolved to support advanced fleet combat systems training. Over the decades, FCTCLANT Dam Neck has played a crucial role in preparing sailors and officers for modern naval warfare, with a focus on radar, missile systems, and tactical operations. Today, the facility continues its legacy by providing state-of-the-art instruction to ensure the operational effectiveness of the Atlantic Fleet.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Albany, located in Albany, Georgia, was originally established as Turner Field by the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1941. During World War II, the base served as a training site for bomber crews and later functioned as a Strategic Air Command base during the early Cold War era. In 1967, control of the installation shifted to the U.S. Navy, becoming NAS Albany and serving as the home of Reconnaissance Attack Wing One, which operated the A-3 Skywarrior and A-5 Vigilante aircraft. The base was closed in 1974, with its facilities transferred to the Marine Corps, where it became part of the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, located in Kingsville, Texas, was commissioned in 1942 as an advanced naval aviation training facility during World War II. Originally established to meet the urgent demand for naval aviators, NAS Kingsville played a crucial role in training carrier-based pilots for combat operations. Over the decades, the base has remained a premier jet aviation training center, primarily hosting Training Air Wing Two and supporting advanced strike training for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Today, NAS Kingsville continues to be integral to naval aviation, preparing pilots for fleet assignments and ensuring operational readiness for the nation’s defense.

The Naval Training Station (NTS) is a key military facility dedicated to the initial and advanced training of naval personnel. Established during periods of expanding naval operations, particularly in the early 20th century and both World Wars, NTS locations across the United States prepared recruits with essential seamanship, technical, and combat skills. These stations played a crucial role in rapidly scaling up the Navy’s manpower, ensuring sailors were ready for deployment at sea and in support roles. Over time, many NTS facilities evolved or merged with other commands, but their legacy remains central to the Navy’s training mission.

NAVCOMSTA Sidi Yahia, short for Naval Communications Station Sidi Yahia, was a United States Navy communications facility located near Sidi Yahia el Gharb in Morocco. Commissioned in the early 1950s, the station played a vital role during the Cold War, providing critical communications support for the U.S. Sixth Fleet and other naval operations in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. Operated under the United States Naval Communications Command, the base maintained secure lines of communication, supported naval intelligence, and relayed messages between Washington, D.C., and deployed forces. NAVCOMSTA Sidi Yahia was eventually closed in the early 1970s as part of the U.S. withdrawal from its Moroccan bases following renegotiations with the Moroccan government.

USS Bausell (DD-845) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in February 1946. Named after Marine Private First Class Lewis K. Bausell, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, including multiple deployments to the Western Pacific. USS Bausell saw action during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing naval gunfire support and participating in various operations. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1978 and later transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy, where she served as ROKS Taejon (DD-919).

USS Caron (DD-970) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1977. Throughout her service, Caron participated in numerous exercises and operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, as well as involvement in Cold War naval confrontations. Notably, in 1986 and 1988, USS Caron was involved in incidents with Soviet forces in the Black Sea while asserting freedom of navigation rights. The ship served until 2001, when she was decommissioned and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2002.

USS EMORY S LAND

U.S. Navy

USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) is a submarine tender of the United States Navy, named in honor of Admiral Emory S. Land, a key figure in naval shipbuilding. Commissioned on July 7, 1979, the vessel was designed to provide maintenance, logistics, and support services to submarines and their crews while deployed at sea or in port. Over its service life, USS Emory S. Land has operated in various regions, including the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific, supporting both attack and ballistic missile submarines. The ship remains active and forward-deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet, continuing to play a vital role in sustaining naval undersea operations.