U.S. Navy

USS Princeton (LPH-5) was originally commissioned as an Essex-class aircraft carrier during World War II in 1945. After serving in the late stages of the war and in the Korean War, she was converted to an amphibious assault ship (LPH) in 1959, specializing in helicopter operations. As an amphibious assault ship, Princeton played a significant role in the early years of U.S. helicopter-borne warfare, including critical operations during the Vietnam War, such as troop deployments and evacuations. USS Princeton was decommissioned in 1970, concluding a distinguished career marked by adaptability and service across multiple conflicts.

USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG-23) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on March 7, 1964. Named after the famed polar explorer Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, the ship served during the Cold War era, conducting operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. She participated in numerous NATO exercises, showed presence during the Lebanon crisis of 1983, and provided naval gunfire support and escort duties. After nearly three decades of service, USS Richard E. Byrd was decommissioned on April 27, 1990, and later scrapped.

Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46), known as the "Clansmen," was established by the United States Navy on September 24, 1955. The squadron initially flew the F9F-5 Panther and later transitioned to various attack aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk and the A-7 Corsair II. VA-46 saw combat during the Vietnam War and participated in Operation El Dorado Canyon, the 1986 air strike against Libya. The Clansmen were also active during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 before being disestablished on June 30, 1991.

Attack Squadron 52 (VA-52), known as the "Knight Riders," was a distinguished attack squadron of the United States Navy. Established in 1950, VA-52 served aboard numerous aircraft carriers, flying a variety of aircraft including the A-1 Skyraider, A-6 Intruder, and others. The squadron saw extensive combat service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, delivering both conventional and electronic warfare capabilities. VA-52 was decommissioned in 1995 after over four decades of service, leaving a legacy of operational excellence and dedication.

Electronic Attack Squadron 135 (VAQ-135), also known as the "Black Ravens," was established in 1969. Originally flying the EKA-3B Skywarrior, the squadron transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler in 1973, becoming a key asset in electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses. VAQ-135 has participated in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing critical electronic attack and jamming support. Today, the squadron operates the EA-18G Growler and continues to serve as a vital component of U.S. Navy carrier air wings.

Patrol Squadron 23 (VP-23), known as the "Seahawks," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1943 during World War II. Initially flying the PB4Y-1 Liberator, the squadron conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and convoy escort missions in the Atlantic and later the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, VP-23 transitioned to newer aircraft, including the P-3 Orion, and participated in Cold War surveillance and maritime patrol operations. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine, until its disestablishment in 1994.

VW-1, also known as Weather Squadron One or the "Typhoon Trackers," was a U.S. Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron established in 1952. Initially based at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, VW-1 operated specialized aircraft such as the Lockheed WV-2 (EC-121 Warning Star) to conduct weather reconnaissance and early warning missions, particularly tracking typhoons across the Pacific Ocean. The squadron played a vital role during the Cold War, providing crucial meteorological data and supporting both military and humanitarian operations. VW-1 was decommissioned in 1971, marking the end of an era in naval aerial weather reconnaissance.

**Commander Submarine Squadron 14 (COMSUBRON 14)** was a United States Navy submarine squadron established during the early years of the Cold War. Commissioned in 1961, the squadron was based at Holy Loch, Scotland, and played a pivotal role in the Atlantic by supporting the deployment and maintenance of Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) submarines, specifically the Polaris and later Poseidon-equipped submarines. COMSUBRON 14 provided logistical, technical, and administrative support to these nuclear-powered submarines, ensuring continuous strategic deterrent patrols against the Soviet Union. The squadron remained active at Holy Loch until the base's closure in 1992, after which its submarines and missions were redistributed to other commands.

Fleet Intelligence Center Pacific (FICPAC) is a United States Navy intelligence unit with origins dating back to World War II, when Pacific Fleet intelligence operations were centralized to support major combat operations against Japan. Officially established in various forms throughout the Cold War, FICPAC has provided critical intelligence analysis and support to U.S. Pacific Fleet commanders. Its mission includes the collection, processing, and dissemination of intelligence relevant to maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Over the decades, FICPAC has evolved with advances in technology and global threats, playing a vital role in supporting U.S. naval operations, planning, and decision-making in the Pacific theater.

Fleet Weather Central (FWC) is a specialized meteorological unit within the United States Navy, established during World War II to provide critical weather forecasting and oceanographic support to naval operations. Initially formed to support the vast Pacific theater, FWC's meteorologists played a pivotal role in planning and executing major amphibious assaults by delivering accurate weather predictions crucial for fleet movements and air operations. Over the decades, the unit evolved with advances in technology, integrating satellite data and computer modeling to enhance forecasting accuracy. Today, Fleet Weather Central continues to support naval and joint operations worldwide, ensuring mission safety and effectiveness through timely and precise environmental intelligence.

Harbor Clearance Unit One (HCU-1) was a specialized U.S. Navy unit established in 1966 during the Vietnam War to provide salvage, diving, and clearance operations in Southeast Asia. The unit's primary mission was to clear harbors, rivers, and coastal waters of sunken vessels, unexploded ordnance, and other hazards to navigation, thereby ensuring the safe movement of military and civilian shipping. HCU-1 operated a variety of craft and utilized advanced diving equipment, often working under dangerous conditions in combat zones such as Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, and the Mekong Delta. The unit played a crucial role in maintaining logistical supply lines throughout the conflict and contributed significantly to postwar salvage and clearance operations in the Pacific region.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14), also known as the "Vanguard," was established on May 12, 1978, at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. As the first U.S. Navy squadron dedicated to airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM), HM-14 operated the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter, specializing in mine detection and clearance to ensure safe passage for naval and commercial vessels. Throughout its history, HM-14 supported numerous operations worldwide, including the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and humanitarian missions such as disaster relief. The squadron was deactivated in 2022, concluding over four decades of distinguished service.

Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, established in 1944, is a premier United States Navy installation located in Coronado, California. Originally created to support amphibious training during World War II, the base quickly became a vital center for the development and execution of amphibious operations. Over the decades, NAB Coronado has been home to several elite units, including the Navy SEALs, and remains the primary training center for Naval Special Warfare. Today, it continues to play a critical role in preparing U.S. military personnel for a wide range of maritime and special operations missions worldwide.

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 Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, located in California's Mojave Desert, was established in 1943 as the Naval Ordnance Test Station to support World War II weapons development and testing. Over the decades, it became a premier research, development, and testing facility for the U.S. Navy, playing a crucial role in the advancement of air-launched weapons, including the widely used Sidewinder missile. The station has continually supported U.S. military readiness by innovating and evaluating cutting-edge armament and electronic warfare systems. Today, NAWS China Lake remains an essential hub for the Navy, responsible for a significant portion of its land holdings and weapons testing operations.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was officially commissioned in 1917, making it one of the oldest U.S. naval installations overseas. Initially established to provide coaling facilities and support for the U.S. fleet in the Caribbean, the station expanded its role during World War II, serving as a vital training and anti-submarine warfare base. Throughout the Cold War, NAS Guantanamo Bay played a crucial part in regional surveillance and as a staging area during events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Today, while its air operations are limited, the base continues to provide strategic support and logistical functions for U.S. military operations in the region.

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.

Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) Charleston, S.C., was established to provide essential maintenance and repair support to the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet ships stationed at the historic Charleston Naval Base. Activated during the buildup of the Cold War, SIMA Charleston played a crucial role in ensuring operational readiness by delivering technical expertise, equipment repairs, and modernization services for a wide range of vessels. Throughout its tenure, the unit supported numerous naval operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War, Cold War patrols, and fleet exercises in the Atlantic and Caribbean. SIMA Charleston's contributions were integral to the Navy’s mission until the base realignment and closure process in the 1990s led to its deactivation, marking the end of an era for Charleston’s naval maintenance community.

Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA), Little Creek, was a critical U.S. Navy unit located at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia. Established to provide intermediate-level maintenance, repair, and logistics support, SIMA Little Creek primarily served the Atlantic Fleet’s amphibious and support vessels. Throughout its operational history, the unit played a vital role in ensuring fleet readiness, especially for ships homeported at Little Creek. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, as part of Navy restructuring efforts, SIMA Little Creek's functions were integrated into the Regional Maintenance Centers, marking the end of its independent operations.

USS **Bryce Canyon (AD-36)** was a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1950. Named after Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, she provided vital repair, maintenance, and logistical support to destroyers and other ships, primarily in the Pacific Fleet. During the Korean War and throughout the Cold War, Bryce Canyon operated out of ports such as Pearl Harbor, Yokosuka, and Subic Bay, supporting fleet operations and enhancing naval readiness. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1981 and later sold for scrap.

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 John King (DDG-3) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Named after Medal of Honor recipient John King, the ship served during the Cold War and participated in a variety of operations, including Mediterranean deployments with the Sixth Fleet and patrols in the Atlantic. Notably, USS John King played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, helping to enforce the naval quarantine of Cuba. The destroyer remained active through the 1980s, before being decommissioned in 1990 and ultimately scrapped in 1999.

USS Kidd (DDG-993) was the lead ship of the Kidd-class guided missile destroyers, commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1981. Originally ordered for the Imperial Iranian Navy, the ship was retained by the U.S. following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Known for its advanced air-defense capabilities and robust design tailored for operations in hot climates, USS Kidd served prominently in the Pacific and Middle Eastern theaters during the Cold War. The destroyer was decommissioned in March 1998 and eventually sold to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she continues to serve as ROCS Tso Ying.

USS King (DDG-41) was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in November 1960. Originally designated as DLG-10, she was reclassified as DDG-41 in 1975. Throughout her service, King participated in key Cold War operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific and service off the coast of Vietnam, where she provided naval gunfire support and carrier escort duties. After nearly three decades of active duty, USS King was decommissioned in March 1991 and subsequently stricken from the Naval Vessel Register.