U.S. Navy

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.

**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 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 James Monroe (SSBN-622) was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1963. Named after the fifth President of the United States, the submarine served as a critical component of America's nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, conducting strategic deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Over her service life, USS James Monroe completed numerous patrols in the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to the nation's strategic stability. The submarine was decommissioned in September 1990 and subsequently scrapped as part of the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

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 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 Niagara Falls (AFS-3) was a Mars-class combat stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1967. Designed to provide underway replenishment of food, stores, and ammunition, she played a vital logistical role during the Vietnam War, supporting Seventh Fleet operations. Throughout her service, Niagara Falls participated in numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, ensuring sustained fleet readiness during both peacetime and conflict. After over 27 years of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS PAUL (FF-1080) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, she served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in numerous exercises and NATO operations throughout the Cold War. USS PAUL also conducted patrols and provided escort duty during times of heightened international tension. After more than two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she continued to serve under a new designation.

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 **Semmes (DDG-18)** was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on December 10, 1962. Named after Confederate Navy officer Raphael Semmes, the ship served prominently during the Cold War, participating in NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and Atlantic operations. Semmes was equipped with advanced missile systems for air defense and anti-submarine warfare, reflecting the technological advancements of her era. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on April 14, 1991, and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as **Kimon**.

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.