U.S. Navy

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 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.

USS ESTES (AGC-12) was an amphibious force flagship commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1944. Serving as a command ship, she played a pivotal role in coordinating amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably participating in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns. After the war, USS ESTES supported occupation forces in Japan and later served during the Korean War, aiding in the Inchon landings and other key operations. She continued to serve as a flagship in the Pacific until her decommissioning in 1969, earning multiple battle stars for her distinguished service.

USS GARCIA (FF-1040) was a Garcia-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on December 21, 1964. Named in honor of U.S. Marine Private First Class Fernando Luis Garcia, the ship was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, USS GARCIA participated in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, supporting NATO operations and maintaining a forward presence. She was decommissioned on January 31, 1989, and later transferred to the Pakistan Navy, where she served as PNS Saif.

USS **Henry Clay (SSBN-625)** was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the American statesman Henry Clay, she played a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear deterrent force during the Cold War by conducting strategic deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. The submarine completed numerous deterrent patrols throughout the Atlantic, contributing to the nation's second-strike capability. After over two decades of service, USS Henry Clay was decommissioned in November 1990 and subsequently scrapped as part of the Navy's Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Ingraham (DD-694) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa and providing vital anti-aircraft and shore bombardment support. After the war, Ingraham was active during the Korean War, where she performed screening, patrol, and gunfire support missions. The ship continued to serve through the Cold War until her decommissioning in 1971, after which she was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece.

USS Julius A. Furer (FFG-6) was a Brooke-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 11 May 1966. Named after Rear Admiral Julius A. Furer, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, undertaking anti-submarine warfare operations and participating in NATO exercises. During her service, she was actively involved in Cold War patrols, escort missions, and goodwill visits to allied ports. Decommissioned on 31 July 1989, USS Julius A. Furer was later transferred to Pakistan, where she served as PNS Siqqat (F-267).

USS Mauna Kea (AE-22) was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1960. Designed to transport and deliver ordnance to fleet units at sea, she played a vital logistic support role during the Vietnam War, conducting numerous underway replenishments to U.S. and allied vessels. Throughout her service, Mauna Kea participated in multiple operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, demonstrating the importance of at-sea resupply in modern naval warfare. Decommissioned in 1995, she was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her 35 years of distinguished service.

USS Miller (FF-1091) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1973 and named in honor of Doris Miller, the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross. Initially classified as a destroyer escort (DE-1091), Miller was reclassified as a frigate (FF-1091) in 1975. During her service, she participated in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean operations, focusing on anti-submarine warfare and escort duties during the Cold War. USS Miller served until 1991, when she was decommissioned and later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Gaziantep (F 490).

USS Moosbrugger (DD-980) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on December 16, 1978. Named in honor of Vice Admiral Frederick Moosbrugger, a noted World War II destroyer commander, the ship specialized in anti-submarine warfare and served extensively in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Throughout her career, Moosbrugger participated in numerous multinational exercises, provided escort duties, and supported various operations, including deployments during the Gulf War era. After over two decades of service, USS Moosbrugger was decommissioned on December 15, 2000, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2004.

USS Mullinnix (DD-944) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named after Admiral Henry M. Mullinnix, the ship served actively during the Cold War, participating in key operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade and providing naval gunfire support during the Vietnam War. Throughout her career, Mullinnix conducted numerous training exercises and deployments in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. She was decommissioned in 1983 and later sold for scrap, marking the end of her distinguished service.

USS Normandy (CG-60) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1989. Named after the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, the ship has played a vital role in U.S. naval operations, including participation in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where it launched Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets. Over its service, USS Normandy has conducted numerous deployments supporting maritime security, anti-piracy efforts, and multinational exercises. The ship remains an integral asset to the Atlantic Fleet, demonstrating advanced air defense and surface warfare capabilities.

USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on February 21, 1976. Named in honor of Vice Admiral Paul F. Foster, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served in numerous operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf. Throughout its career, Paul F. Foster participated in key missions such as Operation Praying Mantis in 1988, where it engaged Iranian naval forces. After nearly three decades of service, the destroyer was decommissioned on March 27, 2003, and later repurposed as the Navy's Self Defense Test Ship.

USS Peoria (LST-1183) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed for rapid deployment of tanks, vehicles, and troops, she played a key logistical role in amphibious operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War and numerous exercises in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Throughout her service, Peoria supported humanitarian missions, such as the evacuation of Saigon during Operation Frequent Wind in 1975. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1994 and later expended as a target during naval exercises.

USS Raleigh (LPD-1) was the lead ship of the Raleigh-class amphibious transport docks, commissioned into the United States Navy on 8 September 1962. Designed to support amphibious assault operations, Raleigh participated in several major exercises and deployments, including operations during the Vietnam War, where she transported Marines and equipment ashore. Throughout her service, she was involved in numerous training missions, humanitarian efforts, and multinational exercises, showcasing her versatility in both combat and non-combat scenarios. After over two decades of service, USS Raleigh was decommissioned on 13 December 1991.

USS Thomaston (LSD-28) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1954. Named after Thomaston, Maine, the vessel played a critical role in amphibious operations, including extensive service during the Vietnam War where she supported troop landings, transported equipment, and participated in riverine and coastal missions. Over her three decades of active service, USS Thomaston was involved in numerous training exercises and humanitarian missions across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The ship was decommissioned in September 1984, leaving a legacy of versatility and dependable support to U.S. naval amphibious forces.

USS Wainwright (CG-28) was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1966. Named after a distinguished family of naval officers, Wainwright served extensively during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and conducting search and rescue operations. Throughout the Cold War, the cruiser participated in numerous NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and operations to project American naval power. USS Wainwright was decommissioned in 1993 after nearly three decades of service, leaving a legacy of versatility and dedication to national defense.

Electronic Attack Squadron 141 (VAQ-141), known as the "Shadowhawks," was established on July 1, 1987. Initially based at NAS Whidbey Island, the squadron operates the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. VAQ-141 has participated in multiple major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing vital electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses. In 2012, VAQ-141 relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, becoming the first forward-deployed Growler squadron in the Pacific, supporting U.S. and allied operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region.