U.S. Navy

COMCRUSDESFLOT 12, or Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Twelve, was a significant U.S. Navy surface warfare command established during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1950s, the unit was responsible for overseeing the operations, training, and readiness of assigned cruisers and destroyers within the Atlantic Fleet. COMCRUSDESFLOT 12 played a vital role in NATO exercises, crisis response operations, and technological advancements in naval warfare, particularly during periods of heightened tension with the Soviet Union. The command was later re-designated as part of broader organizational changes within the Navy, reflecting the evolving structure of surface combatant leadership.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy on March 13, 1982. Named after Congressman Carl Vinson, the "Gold Eagle" has played a pivotal role in U.S. naval operations, including Operation Desert Strike, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The carrier notably participated in humanitarian missions and made headlines in 2011 as the ship from which Osama bin Laden's body was buried at sea. Homeported in San Diego, California, CVN-70 continues to project American naval power and support allied operations worldwide.

HS-6, known as the "Indians," was a United States Navy Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron established in 1956. The squadron was initially based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, and operated a series of rotary-wing aircraft, including the SH-3 Sea King and later the SH-60F Seahawk. HS-6 played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue missions, and fleet support, frequently deploying aboard aircraft carriers in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The squadron participated in notable operations such as the recovery of Apollo astronauts and various combat deployments, before being redesignated as HSC-6 in 2009 to reflect its broader mission set.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 9 (HS-9), known as the "Sea Griffins," was a distinguished United States Navy helicopter squadron established in 1956. Flying primarily the SH-3 Sea King and later the SH-60 Seahawk helicopters, HS-9 specialized in anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and fleet support missions. The squadron participated in numerous major operations, including deployments in the Atlantic and Mediterranean aboard various aircraft carriers, such as the USS Nimitz and USS Saratoga. HS-9 was deactivated in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of operational excellence and innovation in naval aviation.

The Naval Security Forces (NSF) is a specialized unit within the United States Navy responsible for the protection and security of naval installations, personnel, and assets worldwide. Originating from the traditional roles of Navy Master-at-Arms, the NSF was formally established to address evolving security threats, including terrorism, espionage, and sabotage. Throughout its history, the NSF has played a crucial role in force protection, anti-terrorism operations, and law enforcement activities both onshore and afloat. Their presence is vital for safeguarding key naval infrastructure and ensuring mission readiness in support of U.S. naval operations globally.

Task Force 116 (TF-116), also known as the River Patrol Force, was a United States Navy unit established in December 1965 during the Vietnam War. Its primary mission was to interdict the movement of Viet Cong personnel and supplies along the rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta under Operation Game Warden. TF-116 operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft, conducting patrols, ambushes, and supporting ground operations in the challenging riverine environment. The unit played a crucial role in disrupting enemy logistics and providing security for South Vietnamese communities until its disestablishment in March 1973.

USS Briscoe (DD-977) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on June 3, 1978. Named after Admiral Robert P. Briscoe, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in key operations such as Operation Desert Storm and numerous multinational exercises. Briscoe played vital roles in counter-narcotics, humanitarian missions, and maritime security operations throughout her career. After over 26 years of distinguished service, USS Briscoe was decommissioned on October 2, 2003.

USS Cook (FF-1083) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in December 1971. Named after Lieutenant Commander Wilmer P. Cook, a naval aviator killed in action during the Vietnam War, the ship specialized in anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era. USS Cook served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises and missions to support U.S. interests and allies, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The frigate was decommissioned in April 1992 and later transferred to Taiwan, where she served as ROCS Hai-Yang (FFG-936).

USS Cushing (DD-985) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1978. Named after Commander William B. Cushing, a Civil War naval hero, Cushing served extensively in the Pacific Fleet during the Cold War and post-Cold War periods. The ship participated in numerous multinational exercises, including RIMPAC, and supported operations such as Desert Storm. After over two decades of service, USS Cushing was decommissioned in 2005 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise.

USS Davidson (FF-1045) was a Garcia-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1965. Named after Rear Admiral Lyal A. Davidson, the ship primarily served in the Pacific Fleet, participating in multiple Vietnam War deployments where she provided naval gunfire support and escorted aircraft carriers. Davidson was reclassified from a destroyer escort (DE) to a frigate (FF) in 1975. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1988 and later transferred to the Brazilian Navy, where she served as Paraíba (D28) until 1995.

USS Decatur (DDG-31) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy, commissioned on December 7, 1956. Initially serving as DD-936, she was reclassified as a guided missile destroyer in 1967 and redesignated DDG-31. Throughout her career, Decatur participated in key Cold War operations, including Vietnam War deployments, providing naval gunfire support and anti-aircraft defense. After decades of service, she was decommissioned on June 30, 1983, and later used as a target ship before her final disposal.

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 Kinkaid (DD-965) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on December 9, 1976. Named in honor of Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, the ship served extensively in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting carrier battle groups and conducting various operations, including Middle East Force deployments and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Throughout her service, USS Kinkaid participated in joint exercises with allied navies and performed escort, anti-submarine, and surface warfare missions. After nearly three decades of active service, she was decommissioned on January 6, 2003, and later sunk as a target in 2004.

The USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) was a Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1961, serving as a key flagship of the United States Navy for nearly five decades. Homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, she played a pivotal role in projecting American naval power in the Western Pacific, particularly during the Vietnam War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and as a forward-deployed carrier in the 7th Fleet. The Engineering Division (E-DIV) was responsible for maintaining and operating the ship’s complex propulsion and electrical systems, ensuring readiness and mobility. Kitty Hawk was decommissioned in 2009, marking the end of an era as the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier in active service for the U.S. Navy.

USS La Moure County (LST-1194) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Designed for rapid deployment of tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto shore, she played a vital role in amphibious operations and training exercises throughout her service. La Moure County participated in numerous joint exercises, including NATO operations and support missions in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 2000 and later transferred to the Chilean Navy.

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 Patterson (DE-1061), a Knox-class frigate, was commissioned into the United States Navy in March 1970. Named after Commodore Daniel Todd Patterson, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and escort duties during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, Patterson participated in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, NATO exercises, and supported U.S. interests during periods of heightened tension. After nearly two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in September 1991 and later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Karadeniz (F-255).

USS Sample (FF-1048) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1968. Named after Rear Admiral William Dodge Sample, the ship primarily conducted anti-submarine warfare operations during the Cold War, patrolling the Pacific and supporting U.S. interests in the region. USS Sample participated in several key exercises and deployments, including service during the Vietnam War, where she provided escort and screening duties. The frigate was decommissioned in 1988 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Muavenet.

USS San Jose (AFS-7) was a Mars-class combat stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed to provide underway replenishment of food, spare parts, and other supplies to naval vessels at sea, she played a vital logistical role during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War era. San Jose participated in numerous operations, including support for the U.S. Pacific Fleet and deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. She was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command as USNS San Jose (T-AFS-7), continuing her service until her final deactivation in 2010.

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 Stein (FF-1065) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Named after Marine Private First Class Tony Stein, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, the ship specialized in anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, USS Stein participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting U.S. interests and allied operations. The ship was decommissioned in 1992 and later sold for scrapping, having served honorably for two decades.

USS Trippe (DE-1075) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Named after Lieutenant John Trippe, a hero of the First Barbary War, the ship primarily served in the Atlantic Fleet. Throughout her career, Trippe participated in numerous Cold War-era operations, including NATO exercises and deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean. She was redesignated as FF-1075 (frigate) in 1975 and remained in service until her decommissioning in 1992, after which she was transferred to the Hellenic Navy as Thraki (F457).

USS Tutuila (ARG-4) was a Luzon-class internal combustion engine repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Launched on September 12, 1943, and commissioned on March 8, 1944, Tutuila served in the Pacific Theater, providing vital repair and maintenance services to the fleet, particularly during the Philippines campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, she continued to support occupation forces in Japan and later served during the Korean War. In 1972, Tutuila was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she served as ROCS Pien Tai (ARG-516).

Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106), known as the "Gladiators," was established on April 27, 1984, at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. The squadron serves as the U.S. Navy's East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, tasked with training new naval aviators and maintenance personnel. Over the decades, VFA-106 has played a critical role in preparing pilots and aircrew for deployment to operational fleet squadrons. The unit relocated to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, in 1999, continuing its mission as a cornerstone of naval aviation training.