U.S. Navy

Attack Squadron 86 (VA-86), known as the "Sidewinders," was established in 1955 by the United States Navy. Initially flying the FJ-3 Fury, the squadron later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk and then to the A-7 Corsair II, participating in major operations during the Vietnam War and the Gulf of Sidra incidents. VA-86 played a key role in enforcing U.S. policies during the Cold War, including deployments to the Mediterranean and support for operations in Lebanon and Libya. The squadron was disestablished in 1995 after four decades of distinguished service.

Electronic Attack Squadron 137 (VAQ-137), known as the "Rooks," was established in December 1973. The squadron initially flew the EA-6B Prowler, specializing in electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses. VAQ-137 has participated in numerous significant operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In recent years, the squadron transitioned to the advanced EA-18G Growler, continuing its legacy of providing critical electronic attack capabilities to the U.S. Navy.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124 (VAW-124), known as the "Bear Aces," was established on September 1, 1967. The squadron operates the E-2 Hawkeye, providing airborne early warning, command and control, and battle management for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups. VAW-124 has participated in key operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, delivering critical situational awareness and airspace management. The Bear Aces continue to play a vital role in maintaining the U.S. Navy’s operational readiness and maritime security worldwide.

VF-11, originally established as Fighter Squadron 11 in 1942, is one of the U.S. Navy’s most historic fighter squadrons. Known as the "Red Rippers," the unit served with distinction during World War II, flying F4F Wildcats and later F6F Hellcats in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, VF-11 transitioned through multiple aircraft, including the F-14 Tomcat, and participated in key conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. The squadron was later redesignated as VFA-11, reflecting its transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and continues to serve as a vital component of U.S. naval aviation.

VF-111, known as the "Sundowners," was a distinguished U.S. Navy fighter squadron originally established during World War II in October 1942. The unit earned fame in the Pacific theater, achieving numerous aerial victories against Japanese aircraft. Reactivated several times, VF-111 later flew iconic aircraft such as the F-8 Crusader and the F-14 Tomcat during the Cold War, participating in the Vietnam War and other significant deployments. The squadron was finally disestablished in 1995, but its legacy remains a proud part of naval aviation history.

VF-151, originally established as VF-23 in 1948 and redesignated VF-151 in 1960, was a distinguished US Navy fighter squadron. Known as the "Vigilantes," the unit flew a variety of aircraft over its history, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat. VF-151 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, conducting air-to-air and strike missions from carriers such as USS Coral Sea and USS Midway. The squadron remained active in the Western Pacific until its disestablishment in 1993, leaving a legacy of operational excellence and service.

Patrol Squadron 94 (VP-94), known as the "Crawfishers," was a United States Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on 1 November 1970 at Naval Air Station New Orleans, Louisiana. The squadron operated the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, performing anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions. Throughout its history, VP-94 participated in numerous exercises and real-world operations, including drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean and support for Operations Desert Storm and Allied Force. VP-94 was disestablished on 17 September 2006 as part of the Navy’s post-Cold War force restructuring.

VS-21, known as the "Fighting Redtails," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1945. The squadron operated a variety of carrier-based aircraft, including the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking, focusing on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. Throughout its history, VS-21 participated in major operations, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and various Cold War deployments, providing critical ASW and maritime patrol support from aircraft carriers. After over five decades of distinguished service, VS-21 was disestablished in 2005 as part of the Navy's restructuring of its carrier air wings.

Sea Control Squadron 22 (VS-22), known as the "Checkmates," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established in 1950. Initially flying the Grumman S-2 Tracker, VS-22 later transitioned to the S-3 Viking, operating primarily from aircraft carriers in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. The squadron participated in significant operations, including NATO exercises and combat support missions during the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After over five decades of service, VS-22 was decommissioned in 2009 as the S-3 Viking was retired from frontline service.

USS Thuban (AKA-13) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She served extensively in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major amphibious operations including the invasions of Kwajalein, Saipan, Leyte, and Okinawa. Thuban provided vital logistics support, delivering troops, vehicles, and supplies to the front lines under combat conditions. After the war, she continued to serve with the Atlantic Fleet until her decommissioning in 1967. Throughout her service, USS Thuban earned six battle stars for her World War II contributions.

Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific (COMNAVAIRPAC) is the aviation type command for the United States Pacific Fleet. Established in July 1942 during World War II, COMNAVAIRPAC played a pivotal role in directing carrier-based air operations throughout the Pacific Theater, significantly contributing to Allied victories against Japan. In the decades since, the command has overseen the training, readiness, and deployment of Pacific Fleet naval aviation forces, adapting to evolving technologies and global challenges. Today, COMNAVAIRPAC continues to ensure the operational effectiveness and combat readiness of U.S. Navy air assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SEVEN (HS-7), also known as the "Dusty Dogs," was established in 1960 by the United States Navy. Originally flying the Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat, the unit specialized in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations, supporting fleet defense during the Cold War. Over the decades, HS-7 transitioned to newer helicopters, including the SH-3 Sea King and later the SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk, expanding its mission to include search and rescue (SAR) and combat support. The squadron was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN (HSC-7) in 2009, reflecting its broadened operational capabilities.

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC), located in Norfolk, Virginia, traces its origins to the consolidation of several naval maintenance activities in the early 2000s. Officially established in 2004, MARMC was created as part of the U.S. Navy’s initiative to streamline and modernize fleet maintenance and support operations. The center provides comprehensive maintenance, repair, and technical support for ships, submarines, and associated systems across the Mid-Atlantic region. MARMC continues to play a crucial role in ensuring fleet readiness and supporting both Atlantic Fleet and deployed naval forces worldwide.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Port Hueneme, located in Ventura County, California, has a rich military history dating back to World War II. Established in 1942 as a key construction and logistics hub, it served as the West Coast home of the Navy’s Seabees, who played a crucial role in building airfields and bases throughout the Pacific theater. Over the decades, NAS Port Hueneme supported various naval aviation operations and provided essential training facilities. Today, it operates as part of Naval Base Ventura County, continuing its legacy of supporting Navy operations, logistics, and Seabee units.

Naval Communication Station Kodiak, Alaska, was established during World War II as part of the United States' efforts to defend the North Pacific and maintain secure communications in the strategically vital Aleutian Islands. Commissioned in 1941, the station provided critical radio and communications support for U.S. naval operations, particularly during the Aleutian Islands Campaign against Japanese forces. Throughout the Cold War, the station continued to play an important role in monitoring Soviet activity and supporting fleet operations in the North Pacific. The facility was eventually decommissioned as advances in technology and changing strategic priorities reduced the need for remote communication stations in Alaska.

The Naval Strike Warfare Center (NSWC) was established in 1984 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nevada, as the U.S. Navy’s premier command for strike warfare training and tactics development. Its mission was to provide advanced training to naval aviators, aircrews, and strike groups, focusing on integrated strike warfare, electronic warfare, and air wing tactics. The NSWC became renowned for its realistic training scenarios, using the vast Fallon ranges to simulate complex combat environments. In 1996, the NSWC merged with other commands to form the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC), continuing its legacy of excellence in naval aviation training.

Naval Support Activity Hospital Danang was a major U.S. Navy medical facility established in 1965 in Danang, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. Initially set up to provide medical care for American and allied forces, the hospital rapidly expanded to accommodate the increasing number of casualties resulting from intensified combat operations in the region. Staffed by Navy doctors, nurses, and corpsmen, it became one of the largest and most advanced military hospitals in Vietnam, offering surgery, trauma care, and treatment for tropical diseases. Naval Support Activity Hospital Danang played a critical role in saving thousands of lives before winding down operations as U.S. forces withdrew from Vietnam in the early 1970s.

NAVCAMS MED, or Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Mediterranean, is a key United States Navy communications unit located in Naples, Italy. Established to provide reliable and secure communications across the Mediterranean theater, NAVCAMS MED plays a crucial role in supporting the operational requirements of the U.S. Sixth Fleet and allied forces in the region. The unit manages and maintains sophisticated communication networks, ensuring uninterrupted command and control for naval and joint operations. Over the years, NAVCAMS MED has evolved with advancing technology, adapting to modern cyber and information warfare demands while maintaining its legacy of excellence in military communications.

Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMMSTA) Adak, Alaska, was commissioned in 1943 on Adak Island in the Aleutian chain during World War II. Initially established to support wartime operations against Japanese forces in the North Pacific, the station evolved into a crucial Cold War outpost for monitoring Soviet naval and submarine activity. Throughout its operational years, NAVCOMMSTA Adak provided vital communications, electronic intelligence, and navigation support for the U.S. Navy and its allies. The station was eventually decommissioned in 1997 as the strategic landscape shifted and advances in technology reduced the need for remote communications outposts.

The Naval Regional Medical Center Oakland (NRMC Oakland), originally established as the U.S. Naval Hospital Oakland in 1942, was built to care for casualties during World War II. Located in Oakland, California, the facility rapidly expanded during the war to accommodate thousands of wounded service members returning from the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, NRMC Oakland served as a major medical center for Navy personnel and their families, providing a wide range of medical services and training for military medical staff. The hospital was eventually decommissioned in 1996 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, with its legacy continuing through the veterans and medical professionals it served.

RVAW-110, known as the "Nazgul," was a United States Navy Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) in San Diego, California. Established in 1967, RVAW-110 was primarily responsible for training naval aircrew and maintenance personnel on the E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. The squadron played a key role in preparing crews for operational deployment with carrier-based fleet squadrons, ensuring readiness for both peacetime and combat missions. RVAW-110 was disestablished in 1994 as part of post-Cold War force reductions, with its training responsibilities consolidated into other units.

US Naval Facility Brawdy, Wales, was a key American military installation operated by the United States Navy from 1974 to 1995. Situated on the southwestern coast of Wales, the facility played a crucial role in undersea surveillance as part of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS), designed to track Soviet submarine activity during the Cold War. Staffed by both US Navy personnel and civilian contractors, NAVFAC Brawdy supported NATO maritime defense operations in the North Atlantic. The facility was closed following the end of the Cold War, with its mission and function transferred or decommissioned as part of broader post-Cold War military reductions.

USS Badger (FF-1071) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on December 1, 1970. Named in honor of Commodore Oscar C. Badger and his father, USS Badger served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous operations, including escort duties, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and deployments to the Western Pacific during the Vietnam War era. The ship earned recognition for its service in supporting fleet operations and maintaining maritime security during the Cold War. After over two decades of active service, USS Badger was decommissioned on December 20, 1991, and later scrapped in 2000.

USS BELKNAP (DLG-26/CG-26) was commissioned in 1964 as a guided missile frigate and later reclassified as a guided missile cruiser in 1975. Serving as the lead ship of her class, BELKNAP participated in key operations during the Vietnam War and provided vital support in the Mediterranean as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. The ship is notably remembered for a devastating collision with USS JOHN F. KENNEDY in 1975, which resulted in a major fire and significant damage. After extensive repairs and modernization, BELKNAP returned to service, eventually serving as the Sixth Fleet flagship before being decommissioned in 1995.