U.S. Navy

VS-28, known as the "Gamblers," was a United States Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1943 during World War II. Originally flying the SBD Dauntless and later the TBM Avenger, the squadron conducted anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations in the Atlantic theater. After several periods of deactivation and reactivation, VS-28 transitioned to flying the S-2 Tracker and finally the S-3 Viking, providing carrier-based ASW support throughout the Cold War and into the 1990s. The squadron was ultimately disestablished in March 2004 after decades of distinguished service.

Air Development Squadron Six (VXE-6), known as the "Puckered Penguins," was a United States Navy aviation unit established in 1955. Its primary mission was to provide air support for Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military’s logistical support of Antarctic research and exploration. VXE-6 operated a variety of aircraft, including ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules and helicopters, enabling transport of personnel, supplies, and scientists to remote Antarctic stations. The squadron played a crucial role in the success of Antarctic exploration until its deactivation in 1999, after which its mission was transferred to civilian contractors.

Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 302 (CBMU-302) was a United States Navy Seabee unit established during the Vietnam War. Commissioned in 1967, CBMU-302 was tasked with providing construction, maintenance, and logistical support for U.S. Navy and allied forces throughout the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. The unit played a crucial role in building and maintaining infrastructure such as airfields, roads, and base facilities, particularly in support of the Vietnamization effort. After years of distinguished service, CBMU-302 was decommissioned in the early 1970s as U.S. involvement in Vietnam diminished.

**COMCRUDESGRU 1** (Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 1) was a major U.S. Navy surface warfare command headquartered at Naval Base San Diego, 32nd Street. Established in the latter half of the 20th century, the group was responsible for the operational readiness, training, and deployment of assigned cruisers and destroyers in the Pacific Fleet. Over the decades, COMCRUDESGRU 1 played a pivotal role in major exercises, deployments, and real-world operations, including support for carrier strike groups and independent surface action groups. The command was eventually re-designated as Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1) in the early 2000s, reflecting evolving naval organizational structures.

**Commander Fleet Air, Mediterranean (COMFAIRMED)** was a United States Navy aviation command established in the post-World War II era to oversee naval air operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, COMFAIRMED provided operational control and support for carrier-based and land-based naval aviation units assigned to the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Its primary missions included maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and coordination with NATO allies during the Cold War. The command played a critical role in projecting American air power and maintaining maritime security in the Mediterranean region until its deactivation in the late 20th century.

USS **Taussig (DD-743)** was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer of the United States Navy. Commissioned in May 1944, Taussig served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, she saw extensive action during the Korean War, performing shore bombardment and escort duties. Taussig continued her service through the Vietnam War, before being decommissioned and transferred to the Republic of China Navy in 1974.

**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.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15), also known as the "Blackhawks," was established in 1987. The squadron specializes in airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) and vertical onboard delivery using the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter. HM-15 has participated in numerous operations worldwide, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing crucial support in clearing naval mines and ensuring safe passage for allied vessels. The unit is based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and remains a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s mine warfare and logistics missions.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, was commissioned in 1950 and has served as a critical hub for U.S. naval aviation in the Pacific region. Initially constructed by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II, the airfield was taken over by U.S. forces following Japan's surrender. Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, NAS Atsugi played a vital role in supporting air operations, logistics, and reconnaissance missions across Asia. Today, it continues to support U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force operations, strengthening the U.S.-Japan security alliance in the Indo-Pacific.

NAVADVGRP, short for Naval Advisory Group, was a United States Navy unit established during the Vietnam War to provide crucial support to the Republic of Vietnam Navy (RVNN). Formed in the early 1960s, NAVADVGRP's mission was to advise, train, and assist South Vietnamese naval forces in riverine, coastal, and maritime operations against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. The unit played a significant role in implementing the "Vietnamization" policy, gradually transferring operational responsibilities to the RVNN. Throughout its existence, NAVADVGRP contributed to enhancing the combat effectiveness and self-sufficiency of South Vietnam’s navy until the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the end of American involvement in 1973.

Naval Hospital Long Beach was established in 1941 in Long Beach, California, to support the rapid expansion of the U.S. Navy during World War II. The hospital played a critical role in treating wounded service members returning from the Pacific Theater, quickly growing to accommodate thousands of patients. In the postwar years, it continued to provide medical care for Navy personnel and their families, serving as a key medical center during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The original facility was eventually closed in the 1990s, with its operations moved to the new Naval Hospital at the nearby Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

Naval Hospital Newport, located in Newport, Rhode Island, was established in 1913 to provide medical care to Navy personnel and their families. Throughout both World Wars, the hospital played a critical role in treating wounded sailors and supporting the Atlantic Fleet stationed in the area. Over the decades, the facility expanded and modernized, adapting to advances in military medicine and the changing needs of the Navy community. In 1991, the hospital was officially closed as part of a broader realignment of military medical facilities, though medical support for the Newport naval complex continues through a branch health clinic.

Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMMSTA) Japan was established in the post-World War II era to support United States Navy operations throughout the Western Pacific. Originally set up in the 1950s, the station provided vital communications, cryptographic, and support services for fleet operations during the Cold War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Over the decades, NAVCOMMSTA Japan expanded its facilities and capabilities, adapting to advances in communications technology and shifting regional security needs. In the 1990s, the unit was reorganized and became part of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Far East, continuing its mission of providing secure, reliable communications for U.S. and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

**NAVCOMMSTAPHIL** stands for **Naval Communications Station Philippines**, a United States Navy communications facility established at San Miguel, Zambales, following World War II. Commissioned in 1959, NAVCOMMSTAPHIL played a vital role in relaying naval communications throughout the Pacific and supporting U.S. and allied operations during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. The station featured extensive antenna fields and advanced communication equipment, making it a strategic hub for secure military messaging. NAVCOMMSTAPHIL remained operational until 1992, when the U.S. Navy withdrew from the Philippines following the expiration of military basing agreements.

NAVFAC Guam, or Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas, traces its origins to World War II when the U.S. Navy established a significant presence on Guam following the island’s liberation in 1944. Initially focused on constructing and maintaining critical wartime infrastructure, the unit played a key role in supporting naval operations in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, NAVFAC Guam has evolved to provide comprehensive engineering, construction, and facilities management services for all U.S. military branches stationed on Guam and throughout the Marianas. Today, it remains a vital component of U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, ensuring operational readiness and supporting the strategic posture of American forces in the region.

Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 12 (RVAH-12) was a U.S. Navy squadron established on 1 November 1965 as part of the transition to the RA-5C Vigilante, a high-speed reconnaissance aircraft. The unit played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, conducting critical photographic reconnaissance missions over hostile territory from aircraft carriers. Throughout its service, RVAH-12 participated in numerous deployments with the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, earning several commendations for its operational effectiveness. The squadron was disestablished on 2 July 1979, following the retirement of the Vigilante from active service.

The US Navy Ceremonial Guard was established in 1931 in Washington, D.C., to represent the Navy at official ceremonies and public events. The unit is renowned for its precise drill performances and serves as the official ceremonial unit for the Navy, providing honor guards for the President, Secretary of the Navy, and other dignitaries. Throughout its history, the Guard has participated in presidential inaugurations, state funerals, and international ceremonies, showcasing the professionalism and tradition of the United States Navy. Members are selected for their exceptional appearance and discipline, upholding the highest standards of military bearing and conduct.

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 Bristol County (LST-1198) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Designed for rapid deployment of tanks, vehicles, and troops, she served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet, participating in amphibious exercises and operations supporting NATO and U.S. interests. Throughout her service, Bristol County was involved in numerous training missions, humanitarian efforts, and readiness operations, notably enhancing the Navy's amphibious capabilities during the Cold War era. Decommissioned in 1994, she was later transferred to the Royal Moroccan Navy, where she continued her service under a new flag.

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 Coontz (DDG-40) was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1960. Originally designated as DLG-9, she was later reclassified as DDG-40 in 1975. Throughout her service, Coontz participated in a variety of operations, including Mediterranean deployments with the Sixth Fleet and support for U.S. interests during the Cold War. She was decommissioned in 1989 after nearly three decades of service, and ultimately scrapped in 2003.

USS Daniel Boone (SSBN-629) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the American pioneer Daniel Boone, she played a strategic role during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Over her nearly three decades of service, Daniel Boone contributed to the United States' nuclear triad, ensuring second-strike capability. The submarine was decommissioned in 1994 and subsequently scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

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 Dewey (DLG-14, later redesignated DDG-45) was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Admiral George Dewey, hero of the Battle of Manila Bay, she served extensively with the Atlantic Fleet during the Cold War, participating in numerous NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments. Dewey was notable for her advanced missile systems, providing anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities. The ship was redesignated from a guided missile frigate (DLG) to a guided missile destroyer (DDG) in 1975, and she remained in service until her decommissioning in 1990.