U.S. Navy

United States Forces Japan (USFJ) was established in 1957 as a unified command to oversee all U.S. military forces stationed in Japan. Its primary mission is to support the U.S.-Japan security alliance, maintain regional stability, and provide a rapid response capability in East Asia. Throughout its history, USFJ has played a crucial role in deterrence during the Cold War, as well as in disaster relief and humanitarian operations such as after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Headquartered at Yokota Air Base, USFJ continues to foster close cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces to ensure peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

USS Arlington (AGMR-2) was a command and communications ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1966. Originally laid down as the attack transport USS Arlington (APA-129), she was later converted to serve as an Auxiliary General Major Relay (AGMR) ship, tasked with providing advanced communications support. During the Vietnam War, Arlington played a crucial role in relaying communications between naval forces and command centers ashore, ensuring effective operational coordination. After distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1970 and eventually scrapped, but her contributions to naval communications marked a significant advancement in fleet command and control capabilities.

USS Fresno (LST-1182) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1969. Designed for rapid loading and unloading of tanks, vehicles, and troops, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her career, USS Fresno participated in numerous amphibious operations, training exercises, and humanitarian missions, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1993 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

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 Koelsch (FF-1049) was a Garcia-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1967. Named after Lieutenant (jg) John Kelvin Koelsch, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, the ship primarily performed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) duties during the Cold War. Throughout her service, Koelsch participated in numerous NATO exercises, Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, and supported search and rescue operations. Decommissioned in 1989, she was later transferred to the Pakistani Navy, where she served as PNS Siqqat until 1993.

USS Little Rock (CL-92) was a Cleveland-class light cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1945, near the end of World War II. Although she missed combat in WWII, Little Rock served with the Atlantic Fleet, participating in training cruises and goodwill missions during the early Cold War years. In the late 1950s, she was converted to a guided missile cruiser (CLG-4/CG-4), equipped with the Talos missile system, and became flagship for the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean. Decommissioned in 1976, USS Little Rock now serves as a museum ship at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo, New York.

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 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.

Strike Fighter Squadron VA-174 "Hellrazors" was a distinguished U.S. Navy attack squadron originally established as VBF-81 in 1944. The squadron underwent several redesignations, becoming VA-174 in 1966 and earning a reputation as the Navy’s premier fleet replacement squadron for the A-7 Corsair II aircraft. Throughout its service, VA-174 was instrumental in training thousands of Navy and Marine Corps pilots and maintenance personnel, ensuring fleet readiness during the Vietnam War and Cold War eras. The squadron was based at NAS Cecil Field, Florida, until it was disestablished on 30 September 1988.

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.

Attack Squadron 42 (VA-42), known as the "Green Pawns," was established on 1 September 1950. Originally based at NAS Oceana, the squadron served as a fleet replacement training unit, preparing aviators and maintenance crews for carrier-based attack operations. VA-42 played a key role in introducing and training personnel on the A-6 Intruder, a pioneering all-weather attack aircraft, beginning in the early 1960s. The squadron was disestablished on 30 September 1994 after over four decades of distinguished service to the U.S. Navy.

Electronic Attack Squadron 131 (VAQ-131), known as the “Lancers,” was originally established as Patrol Squadron 931 (VP-931) in 1946, redesignated as VAQ-131 in 1968. The squadron initially operated as an electronic warfare unit flying the EA-6B Prowler, and later transitioned to the EA-18G Growler. VAQ-131 has a distinguished history of providing airborne electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses, participating in major operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Today, the Lancers continue their legacy of excellence, supporting U.S. Navy and joint-force operations worldwide.

Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2), also known as the "Bounty Hunters," is a distinguished United States Navy fighter squadron originally established on October 14, 1972. VF-2 was first equipped with the F-14A Tomcat and deployed aboard the USS Enterprise, participating in operations including the Vietnam War’s final stages and later Cold War missions. The squadron earned a reputation for excellence in air combat and fleet defense, notably during deployments in the Persian Gulf and Operation Desert Storm. In 1993, the unit was redesignated as VFA-2 and transitioned to flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet, continuing its legacy as a premier carrier-based strike fighter squadron.

Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24), known as the "Fighting Renegades," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1943 during World War II. Originally designated as VF-24, it underwent several redesignations and operated various aircraft, including the F6F Hellcat, F8F Bearcat, F3H Demon, F-8 Crusader, and ultimately the F-14 Tomcat. VF-24 saw significant action in the Vietnam War, conducting combat deployments from aircraft carriers and earning multiple commendations for its performance. The squadron was disestablished in 1996, concluding over five decades of distinguished service in naval aviation history.

**COMCRUDESPAC** stands for **Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Pacific Fleet**, a United States Navy command responsible for overseeing cruisers and destroyers in the Pacific theater. Established during the Cold War, COMCRUDESPAC played a crucial role in coordinating surface warfare operations, training, and readiness for the Pacific Fleet’s surface combatants. The command managed task group formations, deployed forces for exercises and real-world contingencies, and contributed to naval strategy during key events such as the Vietnam War. In the late 20th century, the command structure evolved, eventually being reorganized under broader surface warfare commands as the Navy streamlined its operational forces.

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.

Heli-tron 8, based at Ellyson Field in Pensacola, Florida, was a United States Navy helicopter training squadron active during the Cold War era. Established in the late 1950s, the unit played a pivotal role in advanced rotary-wing training for Navy, Marine Corps, and allied student pilots. At Ellyson Field, Heli-tron 8 utilized a variety of helicopters, including the TH-13 and H-19, to provide comprehensive instruction in essential naval aviation skills. The squadron contributed significantly to the development of naval helicopter tactics and the operational readiness of rotary-wing aviators until its deactivation as training operations consolidated at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in the 1970s.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 31 (HSL-31), also known as the "Arch Angels," was a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron established in 1969. Based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, HSL-31 served primarily as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training pilots and aircrew to operate the SH-2 Seasprite helicopter for anti-submarine warfare and other naval missions. Over its years of service, the unit played a critical role in preparing crews for deployment aboard surface combatants. HSL-31 was disestablished in 1994 as part of a broader reorganization of Navy helicopter units.

The Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was a United States unified command established in February 1962 to provide military assistance and advisory support to the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. MACV initially oversaw the expanding U.S. advisory effort, but as American involvement grew, it became responsible for all U.S. military operations in Vietnam. It coordinated the activities of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, as well as allied forces from other nations. General William C. Westmoreland was among its most notable commanders. MACV was disbanded in March 1973 following the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces and the implementation of the Paris Peace Accords.

Naval Air Station (NAS) New Orleans was first established in 1942 on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, as a key training airfield during World War II. The base played a crucial role in supporting naval aviation training and anti-submarine patrols throughout the war. After WWII, NAS New Orleans became home to various Navy and Marine Corps Reserve aviation units, providing operational readiness and supporting missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 2011, the installation was realigned and redesignated as Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans, continuing its legacy as a center for reserve aviation and joint military operations.

The NAS Willow Grove Branch Clinic was a United States Navy medical facility located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Willow Grove in Pennsylvania. Established to provide medical and dental care to active-duty personnel, reservists, and their families, the clinic played a vital role in supporting the base’s operational readiness from the Cold War era through the early 21st century. Throughout its service, the clinic participated in annual training exercises, health promotions, and mobilization support for deployments. The clinic’s mission concluded following the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision, leading to the closure of NAS Willow Grove and the clinic’s decommissioning in 2011.

The Naval Photographic Center (NPC) was established during World War II as a key unit within the United States Navy responsible for the creation, processing, and distribution of photographic and motion picture materials. Located in Anacostia, Washington, D.C., the center played a vital role in documenting naval operations, producing training films, and providing reconnaissance imagery for intelligence purposes. Throughout the Cold War and into the Vietnam era, the NPC continued to innovate in photographic technology, supporting both operational and public relations efforts of the Navy. Its legacy endures in the vast archives of visual documentation that continue to serve as an important resource for military history and research.

The Officer Candidate School (OCS) Rhode Island is a pivotal training unit located at Camp Varnum, Narragansett, Rhode Island. Established in 1957, OCS Rhode Island has been responsible for commissioning officers for the Rhode Island Army National Guard and other state National Guard units. The program provides rigorous leadership and military training to qualified enlisted personnel and civilians, preparing them for service as second lieutenants. Over the decades, OCS Rhode Island has upheld a reputation for excellence, producing capable leaders who have served with distinction both domestically and abroad.

The San Diego Recruit Depot, officially known as Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego), was established in 1921 and has served as one of the United States Marine Corps’ primary training centers for enlisted recruits west of the Mississippi River. During World War II, the depot experienced a dramatic increase in activity, training over 200,000 recruits to meet the demands of the expanding Marine Corps. Over the decades, MCRD San Diego has maintained its tradition of transforming civilians into Marines, upholding rigorous standards of discipline and honor. Today, it continues to play a vital role in preparing new Marines for service, shaping generations of warriors who serve around the globe.