U.S. Navy

**Trident Refit Facility Bangor** (TRFB), located at Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor, Washington, was established in 1981 to provide maintenance and refit services for the U.S. Navy’s Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). As one of only two Trident Refit Facilities in the United States, TRFB plays a crucial role in supporting the Navy’s strategic deterrent mission by ensuring the operational readiness, modernization, and repair of these submarines. Over the decades, TRFB has expanded its capabilities to include support for guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) and other fleet assets. Its skilled workforce of military personnel and civilian employees continues to uphold a legacy of excellence in submarine maintenance and national security support.

USS AMPHION (AR-13) was a repair ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1946 shortly after World War II. Initially assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, Amphion provided vital repair and maintenance services to naval vessels, significantly enhancing fleet readiness during the Cold War era. She was deployed to the Mediterranean numerous times, supporting the 6th Fleet and participating in various NATO exercises. After decades of distinguished service, Amphion was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Venezuelan Navy, where she continued her service as ARV Los Llanos (T-21).

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) was a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy on August 15, 1998. Named after the famous Revolutionary War-era frigate commanded by John Paul Jones, LHD 6 served primarily in the Pacific, supporting expeditionary and humanitarian missions, as well as joint exercises with allied navies. The ship participated in operations such as disaster relief in Southeast Asia and routine deployments with the U.S. 7th Fleet. Tragically, on July 12, 2020, Bonhomme Richard was severely damaged by a massive fire while docked in San Diego, leading to the decision to decommission and scrap the ship in 2021.

USS Brooke (DEG-1) was the lead ship of her class of guided missile frigates (originally designated as a Destroyer Escort) in the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1966, she was notable for being among the first U.S. Navy ships equipped with the Tartar guided missile system, enhancing the fleet's air defense capabilities during the Cold War. Throughout her service, USS Brooke operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises and various deployments to support American interests overseas. After two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1988 and later transferred to Pakistan, where she served as PNS Khaibar.

USS Dale (DLG-19), a Leahy-class guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the United States Navy on 23 November 1963. Primarily designed for anti-aircraft warfare, she played a vital role in fleet air defense and participated in multiple deployments in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. During her service, USS Dale took part in numerous NATO exercises and provided support during crises such as the Yom Kippur War in 1973. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on 27 September 1994.

USS Fort Fisher (LSD-40) was a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Designed to support amphibious operations, she provided transport and launch capability for Marines, vehicles, and landing craft. Throughout her service, Fort Fisher participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including support missions during the Gulf War and humanitarian relief efforts. The ship was decommissioned in 1998, concluding over two decades of service to the fleet.

USS Haleakala (AE-25) was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Designed to transport and deliver ammunition to ships at sea, she played a vital logistical role during the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. naval operations in the Pacific. Throughout her service, Haleakala conducted numerous underway replenishments, ensuring combat ships remained supplied during extended deployments. The ship was decommissioned in 1993 after more than two decades of dedicated service, reflecting the Navy’s evolving logistical needs in the post-Cold War era.

USS Jonas Ingram (DD-938) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named in honor of Admiral Jonas H. Ingram, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in fleet exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and NATO operations. In addition to her routine patrols, she took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962 and supported space mission recoveries. After over two decades of active service, USS Jonas Ingram was decommissioned in 1983 and later sunk as a target in 1988.

USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy on April 24, 1971. Named after Joseph Hewes, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare, escort duties, and surface operations during the Cold War. Throughout its service, USS Joseph Hewes participated in various NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and Caribbean operations, enhancing U.S. naval presence and cooperation with allied forces. The frigate was decommissioned on June 30, 1994, and subsequently transferred to Taiwan, where it served as ROCS Lan Yang (FFG-935).

USS Kiska (AE-35) was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy on 16 December 1972. Built to provide underway replenishment of munitions to combat ships at sea, Kiska played a vital support role during the latter years of the Cold War. Throughout her service, she operated primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises and deployments to ensure fleet readiness. After decades of distinguished service, USS Kiska was decommissioned on 1 August 1996 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command as USNS Kiska (T-AE-35), continuing her mission with a civilian crew until her final retirement.

USS Lafayette (SSBN-616) was the lead ship of her class of fleet ballistic missile submarines in the United States Navy. Commissioned on April 23, 1963, she played a key role in the nation's strategic deterrent during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Lafayette operated primarily out of Holy Loch, Scotland, and later Kings Bay, Georgia, ensuring a continuous at-sea deterrent presence. The submarine was decommissioned on August 12, 1991, after nearly three decades of service and was eventually recycled through the Navy’s Ship-Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Leftwich (DD-984) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on 25 August 1979. Named after Lieutenant Colonel William G. Leftwich, Jr., a decorated Marine killed in action during the Vietnam War, the destroyer served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout its service, USS Leftwich participated in numerous operations, including escort missions and multinational exercises, and played a role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, launching Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets. The ship was decommissioned on 28 March 1998, after nearly two decades of active service.

USS Los Alamos (AFDB-7) was a floating dry dock constructed for the United States Navy during the mid-20th century. Commissioned in 1945, it served as a critical support asset, enabling the repair and maintenance of large naval vessels, including aircraft carriers and submarines, while deployed in remote locations. Throughout its service, Los Alamos operated primarily in the Pacific, playing a vital logistical role during the Cold War by extending the operational reach of the U.S. fleet. Eventually, the dry dock was decommissioned and transferred to the Republic of Chile in 1995, where it continued its service under a new flag.

USS Merrill (DD-976) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1978. Named after Rear Admiral Aaron S. Merrill, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, deployments, and operations, including support during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the early 1990s. Throughout her service, USS Merrill was recognized for her advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and contributions to multinational naval exercises. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in March 1998 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2003.

USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on February 21, 1987. Named after the Battle of Mobile Bay from the American Civil War, the ship served in numerous operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where she provided air defense and missile strike capabilities. Throughout her career, Mobile Bay participated in multiple deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions. After more than three decades of service, USS Mobile Bay was decommissioned on August 10, 2023.

USS Point Defiance (LSD-31) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Throughout her service, she played a vital role in amphibious operations, including significant participation during the Vietnam War, where she transported troops, vehicles, and equipment to support combat missions. The ship also contributed to various training exercises and humanitarian missions in the Pacific region. After decades of distinguished service, USS Point Defiance was decommissioned in 1983 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Sampson (DDG-10) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Named after Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, she served extensively during the Cold War, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Sampson played a significant role during the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine operations in 1962 and later provided naval gunfire support during the Vietnam War. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1991 and eventually scrapped, having earned several commendations for her operational excellence.

USS San Diego (AFS-6) was a Mars-class combat stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy on May 24, 1969. Designed to provide underway replenishment of food, stores, and munitions to fleet units, San Diego played a crucial logistical role during the Cold War, supporting operations in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The ship regularly participated in exercises and deployments with the U.S. Sixth Fleet, notably aiding naval readiness during tense periods such as the Yom Kippur War and various NATO operations. USS San Diego was decommissioned on August 11, 1993, after more than two decades of distinguished service.

USS Somers (DDG-34) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1962. Named after Master Commandant Richard Somers, she served extensively during the Cold War, providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defense for carrier task forces. Throughout her service, Somers participated in numerous exercises and operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and the Western Pacific. The ship was decommissioned in 1982 and later expended as a target in 1998.

Attack Squadron 12 (VA-12), known as the "Flying Ubangis," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1945. Originally designated as VB-104, the unit was redesignated VA-12 in 1948. Over its history, VA-12 operated various aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk, and participated in significant Cold War and Vietnam War operations. The squadron was homeported at NAS Cecil Field, Florida, and was disestablished in 1988 after more than four decades of service.

Patrol Squadron 50 (VP-50), known as the "Blue Dragons," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in June 1944. Initially flying PBM Mariners during World War II, the unit conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue operations in the Pacific. Over its long service, VP-50 transitioned to newer aircraft, including the P-5 Marlin and eventually the P-3 Orion, adapting to Cold War missions such as surveillance and intelligence-gathering. The squadron was based at NAS Moffett Field, California, and participated in significant operations until its decommissioning in March 1992.

VS-33, known as the “Screwbirds,” was a United States Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1949. Initially flying the Grumman TBM Avenger, the squadron transitioned over the years to aircraft such as the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking. VS-33 was actively deployed with various carrier air wings, participating in key Cold War operations and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The squadron was ultimately disestablished in 1997, following the U.S. Navy’s restructuring and retirement of carrier-based anti-submarine warfare squadrons.

Sea Control Squadron 41 (VS-41), known as the "Shamrocks," was established on 30 June 1960 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. Originally tasked with training crews and maintaining aircraft for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), VS-41 played a key role in preparing aviators and maintenance personnel for operational deployment aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The squadron operated various aircraft over its history, most notably the S-3 Viking, which it supported from the early 1970s onward. After nearly 46 years of service, VS-41 was disestablished on 30 September 2006, having trained thousands of ASW specialists and contributed significantly to the Navy's maritime patrol capabilities.

ATG Mayport (Afloat Training Group Mayport) is a United States Navy command located at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. It was established to provide training, certification, and assessment to Atlantic Fleet surface ships homeported in the Mayport area. Throughout its history, ATG Mayport has played a vital role in ensuring crews are prepared for deployment by conducting drills in damage control, navigation, engineering, and combat systems. The unit continues to support fleet readiness by adapting its training programs to evolving naval tactics and technologies.