U.S. Navy

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 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).

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.

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.

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-24, known as the "Scouts" and later the "Duty Cats," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1943. Originally flying SBD Dauntless dive bombers during World War II, the squadron transitioned to anti-submarine warfare missions with the advent of the Cold War, operating aircraft like the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking. VS-24 served aboard various aircraft carriers, supporting Atlantic and Mediterranean operations and participating in major exercises and real-world contingencies, including operations in the Persian Gulf. The squadron was disestablished in 2007 after more than six decades of distinguished service.

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.

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.

**DP A SCHOOL, San Diego Naval Training Center** served as a primary training facility for Data Processing (DP) personnel in the United States Navy. Established during the Cold War era, the school was located at the Naval Training Center (NTC) San Diego, which operated from 1923 until its closure in 1997. At DP A School, sailors received specialized instruction in computer operations, data management, and the maintenance of Navy information systems, reflecting the growing importance of technology in naval operations. Graduates of the school supported fleet-wide administrative and operational functions, contributing to the Navy’s transition into the digital age. Following the BRAC-mandated closure of NTC San Diego, DP training was consolidated at other naval education commands.

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 Bordelon (DDR-881) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1945 near the end of World War II. Named after Marine Sergeant William J. Bordelon, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served extensively during the Cold War era, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments with the 6th Fleet. Bordelon provided escort, anti-aircraft, and anti-submarine services, including support during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. After more than three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1977 and later sunk as a target in 1983.

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 Butte (AE-27) was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1968. Designed to deliver ammunition and ordnance to combat ships at sea, Butte played a vital logistical role during the Vietnam War and later participated in operations throughout the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern waters. The ship supported multiple U.S. and allied naval operations, including deployments during the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After decades of distinguished service, USS Butte was decommissioned in 1996 and later scrapped.

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 Davis (DD-937) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named after Admiral Charles H. Davis, the ship served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises, crisis response operations, and providing naval gunfire support during the Vietnam War. Throughout her career, Davis engaged in anti-submarine warfare training and multiple deployments with the Sixth Fleet. She was decommissioned in 1982 and subsequently stricken from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of nearly 25 years of distinguished service.

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.