U.S. Navy

USS Essex (LHD-2) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy on October 17, 1992. Throughout its service, the Essex has played a key role in numerous military operations, including supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 by deploying Marines and equipment to the Persian Gulf. The ship has also participated in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Essex continues to serve as a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious readiness and rapid response capabilities in the Pacific and beyond.

USS Flint is the name given to two ships in the United States Navy. The first, USS Flint (CL-97), was a Cleveland-class light cruiser commissioned in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa and providing anti-aircraft support for carrier task forces. The second, USS Flint (AE-32), was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned in 1971, tasked with carrying and transferring ammunition and explosives to other ships at sea, supporting fleet operations during the Vietnam War and later global deployments. Both vessels played vital roles in their respective eras, contributing to the Navy's logistics and combat capabilities. The legacy of the USS Flint reflects the importance of both combat and support ships in U.S. naval history.

USS Hermitage (LSD-34) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1956. Designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles, Hermitage played a vital role in numerous amphibious operations and training exercises during the Cold War. The ship supported U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Atlantic, and participated in contingency operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis response. After nearly three decades of service, USS Hermitage was decommissioned in 1989 and later transferred to the Brazilian Navy, where she served as Ceará (C-30).

USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1973. Designed to support carrier battle groups, she provided vital underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, Kalamazoo operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in numerous NATO exercises and U.S. fleet operations. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1996 and later scrapped, having played a crucial logistical role in sustaining naval operations.

USS LUCE (DLG-7), a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer leader, was commissioned into the United States Navy on May 20, 1961. Designed primarily for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare, LUCE served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. The ship played significant roles during the Cold War, including crisis response operations and showing the flag missions. LUCE was reclassified as a guided missile destroyer (DDG-38) in 1975 and remained active until her decommissioning on April 1, 1991.

USS Morton (DD-948) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Lieutenant Commander Dudley Morton, she served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in search and rescue operations. Throughout her career, Morton conducted numerous deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as joint exercises with allied navies. The ship was decommissioned in 1982 and later sold for scrap, concluding over two decades of distinguished service.

USS PAUL REVERE (LPA-248) was a Paul Revere-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1958. Originally built as a civilian ship, she was converted to serve as an amphibious assault vessel, tasked with transporting troops, equipment, and landing craft for amphibious operations. Throughout her service, PAUL REVERE played a significant role in the Pacific, particularly during the Vietnam War, where she participated in multiple troop landings and support operations. After years of active duty, she was decommissioned in 1980 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Princeton is the name given to several ships in the United States Navy, each with its own notable service history. The first USS Princeton, launched in 1843, was the Navy’s first screw steam warship and is remembered for a tragic gun explosion in 1844 that killed several high-ranking officials. Later ships bearing the name served with distinction, including USS Princeton (CVL-23), an Independence-class light aircraft carrier active during World War II, which participated in major Pacific battles before being sunk in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944. The most recent USS Princeton (CG-59), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned in 1989, participated in the Gulf War, where she survived a mine strike and continues to serve as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

USS SANTA BARBARA (AE-28) was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy on July 11, 1970. Homeported in Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey, she provided underway replenishment of ammunition and explosives to fleet units, playing a vital logistic role during the Cold War and supporting operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. SANTA BARBARA participated in numerous NATO exercises and deployments with the U.S. Sixth Fleet, ensuring combat readiness for naval strike groups. The ship was decommissioned on December 30, 1998, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

USS Sperry (AS-12) was a Fulton-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1942. Serving throughout World War II, Sperry provided vital maintenance and logistical support to submarines operating in the Pacific Theater, contributing to successful undersea operations against Japanese forces. After the war, Sperry continued her service during the Cold War, supporting both conventional and nuclear-powered submarines. She remained active until her decommissioning in 1982, earning multiple battle stars for her distinguished service.

USS Sumter (LST-1181) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed to deploy tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto unimproved shores, she served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet during the Cold War, participating in numerous amphibious exercises and operations. Sumter supported U.S. and allied forces during NATO exercises and was active in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and along the U.S. East Coast. She was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Republic of China Navy, where she served as ROCS Chung Ping (LST-233).

Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34), also known as the "Blue Blasters," was a distinguished United States Navy attack squadron originally established in 1943. Throughout its history, VA-34 participated in numerous significant conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, providing vital close air support and strike capabilities. The squadron was known for flying various aircraft, such as the A-6 Intruder, and earning multiple commendations for its operational excellence. VA-34 was disestablished in 1996, but its traditions are carried on by its successor squadrons.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113), also known as the "Black Eagles," was established on April 20, 1967. The squadron provides airborne early warning and command and control capabilities, primarily operating the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft. VAW-113 has participated in major conflicts and operations, including the Vietnam War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, supporting carrier strike group deployments in the Pacific and Middle East. Over the decades, the unit has earned numerous awards for operational excellence and continues to play a vital role in U.S. Navy carrier operations.

VF-114, known as the "Aardvarks," was a distinguished United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1945. Over its history, the unit flew a variety of aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, F-8 Crusader, and most notably the F-4 Phantom II and F-14 Tomcat. VF-114 participated in major conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War, earning a reputation for combat excellence and operational innovation. The squadron was based at NAS Miramar, California, and was attached to several aircraft carriers before being disestablished in 1993 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

VF-124, also known as the "Gunfighters," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in August 1948. Its primary mission throughout much of its history was as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), responsible for training pilots and maintenance personnel for the F-8 Crusader and later the F-14 Tomcat. Based at NAS Miramar in California, VF-124 played a key role in preparing naval aviators for carrier operations during the Cold War era. The squadron was disestablished in 1994 following the retirement of the F-14 Tomcat from the Pacific Fleet.

VF-51, known as the "Screaming Eagles," was a distinguished United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1943. Originally flying F6F Hellcats during World War II, the squadron participated in major Pacific campaigns, earning a formidable reputation. Over its history, VF-51 transitioned through various aircraft, including the F-8 Crusader and F-14 Tomcat, and saw extensive combat during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The squadron was deactivated in 1995, marking the end of one of the Navy's most storied fighter units.

The 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, commonly known as 3rd Recon, is a United States Marine Corps unit established during World War II in 1943. Tasked with providing ground and amphibious reconnaissance, the battalion saw significant action in the Pacific theater and later during the Vietnam War, where it conducted deep reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions behind enemy lines. Reactivated and restructured over the decades, 3rd Recon continued to support Marine Expeditionary Forces in operations such as Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Renowned for its rigorous selection and training, 3rd Recon remains at the forefront of the Marine Corps' intelligence and surveillance capabilities.

Commander, U.S. Naval Activities, United Kingdom (COMNAVACTUK), London, England, served as a key administrative and operational command for the United States Navy in the United Kingdom during the Cold War and into the late 20th century. Established to coordinate U.S. naval interests, logistics, and support in the region, COMNAVACTUK played a vital role in fostering Anglo-American naval cooperation and providing support for U.S. ships and personnel operating in European waters. The command managed multiple subordinate activities, including naval facilities, housing, and communication sites throughout the UK. COMNAVACTUK was eventually disestablished in the 1990s following post-Cold War realignment and reductions in U.S. overseas military presence.

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Four (HC-4), known as the "Black Stallions," was established on July 1, 1983. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, and primarily operated the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. HC-4 provided heavy lift, logistics, and vertical replenishment support throughout the Mediterranean, Europe, and the Middle East, including missions during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The unit was decommissioned in 2005, marking the end of over two decades of distinguished service.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TEN (HS-10), known as the "Warhawks," was established by the United States Navy in 1952. The squadron served as a Fleet Replacement Squadron tasked with training pilots and aircrew in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter operations. Over its history, HS-10 operated a range of helicopters, including the HSS-1 Seabat, SH-3 Sea King, and later the SH-60 Seahawk. The squadron played a crucial role in developing ASW tactics and supporting fleet readiness until its disestablishment in 2012.

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a United States Navy organization established in 1949 to provide ocean transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies, and ammunition to sustain U.S. military forces worldwide. Originally formed as the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), the MSC has evolved to manage a fleet of civilian-crewed ships that perform essential logistics, special mission, and prepositioning operations. Throughout major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and recent operations in the Middle East, MSC vessels have delivered critical cargo and supported naval operations. Today, the MSC remains a vital component of U.S. military readiness, ensuring rapid and efficient global sealift capability.

NAS Agana Guam Crash & Rescue was a specialized emergency response unit stationed at the Naval Air Station Agana on Guam. The unit was responsible for providing rapid aircraft crash, fire, and rescue services to support U.S. Navy operations and ensure the safety of flight crews and support personnel. Throughout its operational years, Crash & Rescue teams responded to numerous aircraft emergencies, participated in extensive training, and supported both military and civilian aviation incidents on the island. Their professionalism and readiness played a vital role in safeguarding lives and assets at a key strategic location in the Pacific until the base’s closure in 1995.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Dallas was established in 1941 in Grand Prairie, Texas, as a training base for naval aviators during World War II. Throughout its operational history, NAS Dallas played a vital role in the training and support of Navy and Marine Corps Reserve aviation units, as well as hosting Air Force and Army Reserve units. During the Cold War, the base continued its mission as a hub for reserve aviation activities and supported various operational and training missions. NAS Dallas was officially closed as part of the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, and its facilities were transferred to the city, becoming the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Glenview was a United States Navy airfield located in Glenview, Illinois. Established in 1929, it served as a key aviation training base for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviators, especially during World War II when thousands of pilots trained there for carrier operations on Lake Michigan. The base continued to support reserve aviation and anti-submarine warfare missions throughout the Cold War, becoming a vital hub for naval air reserve activities in the Midwest. NAS Glenview was closed in 1995 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program, and the site has since been redeveloped for civilian use.