U.S. Navy

USS **Blakely (FF-1072)** was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War, she participated in numerous training exercises, patrols, and fleet operations in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Blakely provided escort services, supported U.S. interests during periods of heightened tension, and took part in multinational NATO exercises. Decommissioned in 1992, she was later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Akdeniz (F-257).

USS Coontz (DLG-9), later reclassified as DDG-40, was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer leader commissioned by the United States Navy in 1960. Named after Admiral Robert E. Coontz, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean with the Sixth Fleet and off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Coontz underwent modernization in the late 1960s to enhance her missile and anti-submarine capabilities. She remained active until her decommissioning in 1989, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

USS Elliot (DD-967) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on January 22, 1977. Named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Arthur J. Elliot II, the ship served extensively in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War and Operation Desert Storm. USS Elliot provided crucial escort and anti-submarine warfare capabilities and was recognized for her crew’s professionalism and effectiveness. After over 27 years of service, the destroyer was decommissioned on December 2, 2003, and later sunk as a target during naval exercises in 2005.

USS Fairfax County (LST-1193) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1971. Designed to transport tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks, she played a crucial role in amphibious operations and training exercises throughout her service. The ship participated in numerous deployments with the Atlantic Fleet, supporting NATO operations and multinational exercises. Decommissioned in 1994, she was later transferred to the Australian Navy, where she continued service as HMAS Manoora (L 52).

USS Fort Snelling (LSD-30) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Named after the historic fort in Minnesota, she served primarily in amphibious operations, supporting the deployment of Marines, vehicles, and landing craft. Throughout her career, Fort Snelling participated in significant operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine in 1962 and the recovery of the Gemini VI and VII space missions in 1965. The ship remained active during the Vietnam War and other Cold War deployments before being decommissioned in 1984.

USS Gridley (DLG-21), a Leahy-class guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the United States Navy on May 25, 1963. Named after Captain Charles Gridley, famed for Admiral Dewey's command at the Battle of Manila Bay, Gridley served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving on Yankee Station. Throughout her career, she conducted numerous deployments to the Western Pacific, participating in fleet exercises and supporting U.S. interests during the Cold War. Decommissioned on January 4, 1994, USS Gridley earned multiple battle stars and unit commendations for her distinguished service.

USS Harold J. Ellison (DD-864) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, near the end of World War II. Named after Ensign Harold John Ellison, a naval aviator killed during the Battle of Midway, the ship served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets during her lengthy career. She participated in various Cold War operations, including patrols, NATO exercises, and the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine. After over three decades of service, the Harold J. Ellison was decommissioned in 1983 and subsequently transferred to Pakistan, where she was renamed Shah Jahan.

USS Hassayampa (AO-145) was a Neosho-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Throughout her service, she played a crucial role in supplying fuel and logistical support to U.S. naval vessels, particularly during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. Hassayampa participated in significant operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade and various Pacific fleet exercises. The vessel was decommissioned in 1991 after over three decades of continuous service, earning numerous awards for her contributions.

USS James Madison (SSBN-627) was a James Madison-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. As part of the "41 for Freedom" submarines, she was equipped with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles, serving as a critical element of the U.S. nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. Throughout her career, USS James Madison conducted numerous strategic deterrent patrols in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, helping to maintain the balance of power. She was decommissioned in 1992 following the end of the Cold War and subsequently scrapped as part of the Navy's nuclear ship recycling program.

USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1963. Named after Admiral Joseph Strauss, the ship served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties for aircraft carriers, and participating in search and rescue operations. Throughout her career, USS Joseph Strauss operated extensively in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting U.S. naval presence during the Cold War. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1990 and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as Formion (D220) before being retired.

USS Kilauea (AE-26) was the lead ship of the Kilauea-class ammunition ships in the United States Navy, commissioned on August 10, 1968. Designed to transport and transfer ammunition and explosives to combat ships at sea, she played a vital logistical role during the Vietnam War and later in the Gulf War. Throughout her service, USS Kilauea supported various fleet operations, ensuring combat readiness for U.S. naval forces worldwide. The ship was decommissioned on October 18, 1996, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

The USS O'Bannon (DD-987) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on 15 December 1979. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon, the ship served during the latter years of the Cold War, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, NATO exercises, and Persian Gulf operations. O'Bannon played a key role in maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and enforcing sanctions during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After over two decades of service, the destroyer was decommissioned on 19 August 2005 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2008.

USS Orleck (DD-886) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1945. Named after Lieutenant Joseph Orleck, the ship served during the final stages of World War II and later participated extensively in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties, and patrol operations. After decades of active service, Orleck was transferred to the Turkish Navy in 1982, where she operated as TCG Yücetepe (D-345) until her decommissioning in 2000. Today, USS Orleck serves as a museum ship, preserving her legacy and honoring the sailors who served aboard her.

USS Roanoke (AOR-7) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned by the United States Navy on 30 October 1976. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel, munitions, and stores to naval battle groups, Roanoke served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her career, she supported numerous operations and exercises, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, playing a vital logistical role during peacetime and crisis. After nearly two decades of service, USS Roanoke was decommissioned on 6 October 1995.

USS Sellers (DDG-11) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Named after Admiral David F. Sellers, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, NATO operations, and Mediterranean deployments during the Cold War. Sellers provided anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities, supporting carrier battle groups and performing escort duties. After more than two decades of service, USS Sellers was decommissioned in 1989 and later scrapped.

USS **Thomas S. Gates (CG-51)** was a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on December 22, 1987. Named after Thomas S. Gates, the 7th Secretary of Defense, the ship served as a multi-role warship capable of air defense, surface warfare, and strike operations. Throughout her service, Thomas S. Gates participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm, and counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned on December 15, 2005.

USS TOWERS (DDG-9) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on June 6, 1961. Named in honor of Admiral John Henry Towers, the ship served extensively in the Pacific Fleet, participating in multiple deployments during the Vietnam War, where she provided naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers. Throughout her career, TOWERS took part in numerous exercises and operations, enhancing U.S. naval presence and readiness in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. After over three decades of service, USS TOWERS was decommissioned on October 1, 1990, and later sunk as a target in 2002.

USS Warrington (DD-843) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1945. Named after Lewis Warrington, a notable naval officer from the War of 1812, the ship served during the Cold War era, participating in fleet exercises, NATO operations, and Mediterranean deployments. During the 1960s, Warrington was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine and later saw action off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1972 and transferred to the Taiwanese Navy, where she continued service under the name ROCS Chao Yang.

USS William C. Lawe (DD-763) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1946. Named after Lieutenant William C. Lawe, she served during the Cold War era, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, including support for the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962. The ship was also active during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving on Yankee Station. After over three decades of service, USS William C. Lawe was decommissioned in October 1983 and later sunk as a target in 1999.

Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105), known as the "Mad Dogs," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on May 1, 1952. The unit was originally equipped with the AD Skyraider and later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-105 participated in several key operations, including the Lebanon crisis in 1958, providing close air support for U.S. Marine landings. The squadron was disestablished on February 1, 1959, after nearly seven years of service.

Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VA-115), nicknamed the "Eagles," was originally established as Torpedo Squadron Eleven (VT-11) on October 10, 1942. The unit participated in major Pacific Theater operations during World War II, including strikes in the Solomon Islands, the Marianas, and the Philippines. Over the decades, VA-115 transitioned through several aircraft, from torpedo bombers to attack jets, and was redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115) in 1996. The squadron has seen action in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror, operating from forward-deployed carriers in the Western Pacific and Middle East.

Attack Squadron 155 (VA-155), also known as the "Silver Foxes," was a United States Navy attack squadron first established in 1945. Over its history, the squadron was activated and disestablished three separate times, with the final iteration active from 1987 to 1993. VA-155 flew a variety of aircraft, including the AD Skyraider and the A-6E Intruder, and participated in numerous operations, including significant action during the Vietnam War. The squadron was ultimately disestablished in 1993 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

Attack Squadron 192 (VA-192), known as the "Golden Dragons," was established in 1945 as VF-153 and redesignated VA-192 in 1950. The squadron gained fame during the Korean War, flying AD Skyraiders from aircraft carriers and participating in major combat operations. VA-192 continued its service through the Vietnam War, transitioning to jet aircraft and conducting numerous strike missions. The unit was ultimately redesignated as VFA-192 in 1986, transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet and continuing its distinguished service with the U.S. Navy.

Strike Fighter Squadron 82 (VA-82), also known as the "Marauders," was established on April 1, 1967. The squadron initially flew the A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft and was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. VA-82 participated in major operations including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, providing close air support and strike missions from various aircraft carriers. The unit was redesignated as VFA-82 in 1987 after transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet and was ultimately disestablished on September 30, 2005.