U.S. Navy

USS Du Pont (DD-941) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1957. Named after Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont, she served actively during the Cold War, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments. The destroyer saw action in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in operations off the coast of Southeast Asia. USS Du Pont was decommissioned in March 1983 after over 25 years of service and was eventually scrapped in 1992.

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 Forrest Sherman (DD-931) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Named after Admiral Forrest P. Sherman, the ship served prominently during the Cold War, participating in various Atlantic and Mediterranean operations, including NATO exercises and crisis response missions. During her service, Forrest Sherman was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine and provided support during the Lebanon Crisis of 1958. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1982 and later used as a test ship before being sunk as a target in 2012.

USS George C. Marshall (SSBN-654) was a Benjamin Franklin-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1966. Named after General George C. Marshall, the vessel played a vital role in the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon missiles. Throughout her service, she was a key part of the U.S. Navy’s “41 for Freedom” fleet of ballistic missile submarines. The USS George C. Marshall was decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1992, following the end of the Cold War and subsequent nuclear arms reductions.

USS Harold E. Holt (DE-1074) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971, named in honor of Harold E. Holt, the former Prime Minister of Australia. Throughout her service, she conducted anti-submarine warfare, escort, and patrol duties, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Notably, in May 1975, Harold E. Holt played a key role in the rescue operation of the SS Mayaguez and her crew from Cambodian forces. After two decades of active service, the ship was decommissioned in 1992 and later sunk as a target during naval exercises.

USS Ingersoll (DD-990) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on April 12, 1980. Named in honor of Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Throughout its service, USS Ingersoll provided vital anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and surface warfare capabilities to carrier battle groups and independent task forces. The destroyer was decommissioned on July 24, 1998, and later expended as a target during a fleet training exercise in 2003.

USS Jamestown (AGTR-3) was a technical research ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1963. Originally built as a Liberty ship during World War II, she was later converted for electronic intelligence gathering during the Cold War. Serving primarily in the Pacific, Jamestown monitored communications and electronic signals, supporting U.S. intelligence operations during the Vietnam War. She was decommissioned in 1969 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS *Kawishiwi* (AO-146) was a Neosho-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Throughout her service, she played a crucial role in refueling and replenishing ships at sea, primarily supporting the U.S. Pacific Fleet during the Cold War. The *Kawishiwi* participated in operations during the Vietnam War, ensuring sustained naval presence and combat readiness through underway replenishment missions. After more than three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1986, marking the end of her vital logistical contributions to naval operations.

USS MACDONOUGH (DLG-8), a Farragut-class guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Commodore Thomas Macdonough, the ship served as a key component of the Atlantic Fleet during the Cold War, conducting numerous deployments in the Mediterranean and participating in NATO exercises. She played an active role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, enforcing the naval quarantine of Cuba. After nearly three decades of service, MACDONOUGH was decommissioned in 1992 and later scrapped, marking the end of her distinguished naval career.

USS Mahan (DDG-42) was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned on December 25, 1960. Named after Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, the influential naval historian and strategist, she played a key role in Cold War naval operations, including carrier escort duties and participation in NATO exercises. Over her service life, Mahan conducted numerous deployments in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean, supporting U.S. interests and demonstrating naval presence. After nearly three decades of service, USS Mahan was decommissioned on June 15, 1993, and later scrapped, leaving a legacy of technological advancement and operational excellence.

USS Marvin Shields (FF-1066) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971, named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Construction Mechanic Marvin Glenn Shields. Throughout her service, Marvin Shields operated primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, participating in anti-submarine warfare exercises, escort missions, and multinational operations. The frigate played a significant role during the Cold War, supporting U.S. interests and conducting patrols near Asia and the Middle East. Decommissioned in 1992, Marvin Shields was later transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she served as ARM Abasolo (F-21).

USS Nereus (AS-17) was a Fulton-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy on 27 October 1944. During World War II, she provided vital repair, supply, and maintenance services to submarines operating in the Pacific Theater, particularly at Pearl Harbor and Guam. After the war, Nereus continued to serve in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, supporting submarine operations during the early years of the Cold War. The ship was decommissioned in 1971, concluding over two decades of distinguished service to the U.S. submarine force.

USS Pyro (AE-24) was a Nitro-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1959. Designed to transport and deliver munitions to combat ships at sea, she played a crucial logistical role during the Vietnam War, ensuring the fleet remained supplied with vital ordnance. USS Pyro conducted numerous underway replenishments in the Western Pacific throughout the 1960s and 1970s, supporting U.S. naval operations. The ship was decommissioned in 1994 after over three decades of service, earning multiple awards for her contributions.

USS Racine (LST-1191) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Designed for rapid deployment of tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto shore, Racine served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. The ship participated in numerous amphibious exercises and operations, supporting U.S. Marine Corps and joint-force missions throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. USS Racine was decommissioned in 1993, after over two decades of service, and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy.

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 Talbot (FFG-4) was a Brooke-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 22 April 1967. Named after Captain Silas Talbot, a distinguished officer in the Continental Navy, USS Talbot served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous exercises and operations during the Cold War era. The ship was notable for its early integration of advanced missile systems, enhancing fleet air defense capabilities. USS Talbot was decommissioned on 5 December 1988, after over two decades of service, contributing to NATO operations and promoting maritime security before being transferred to the Egyptian Navy.

USS Taluga (AO-62) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She provided vital fuel support to combat ships during World War II, participating in key Pacific campaigns such as the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Taluga continued her service through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring sustained naval operations by replenishing ships at sea. The vessel was decommissioned in 1972, concluding a distinguished career that spanned nearly three decades of active service.

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.

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 145 (VA-145), also known as the "Swordsmen," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1949. Initially flying propeller-driven aircraft, the squadron transitioned to jet aircraft and operated several models, including the A-1 Skyraider and later the A-6 Intruder. VA-145 saw extensive combat during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, participating in numerous strike missions and gaining a reputation for effectiveness and bravery. The squadron was ultimately disestablished on September 30, 1993, after more than four decades of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 37 (VA-37), known as the “Ragin’ Bulls,” was established on July 1, 1967. The squadron initially flew the A-7A Corsair II and was assigned to Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3), deploying aboard aircraft carriers such as the USS Saratoga. VA-37 participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, providing close air support and strike missions. The squadron continued to serve through the Cold War era until it was disestablished on February 1, 1994.

Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VA-94), known as the "Shrikes," is a distinguished unit of the United States Navy. Established in 1952, the squadron originally flew the F4U Corsair before transitioning through various attack aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk and later the A-7 Corsair II. VA-94 participated in significant combat operations during the Vietnam War, conducting numerous strike missions and earning multiple commendations for valor and effectiveness. The squadron was eventually redesignated as VFA-94 and transitioned to flying F/A-18 Hornets, continuing its legacy of service in modern naval aviation.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 11 (VAW-11), known as the “Early Elevens,” was established on 6 March 1952. As one of the U.S. Navy’s pioneering airborne early warning (AEW) units, VAW-11 initially operated the Grumman AF-2W Guardian and later transitioned to the E-1B Tracer, providing radar surveillance and fleet air defense. The squadron played a crucial role during the Cold War era, supporting carrier battle groups in the Pacific and participating in deployments during the Vietnam War. VAW-11 was disestablished on 1 April 1967, with its detachments forming the basis for several new VAW squadrons that continued its legacy.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Twelve (VAW-12), known as the "Bats," was established in July 1948 as part of the U.S. Navy's efforts to develop carrier-based airborne early warning (AEW) capabilities. Initially flying the TBM-3W Avenger, VAW-12 transitioned to more advanced AEW platforms, including the AF-2W Guardian, AD-5W Skyraider, and later the E-1B Tracer. The squadron played a crucial role in providing radar surveillance and airborne command and control for carrier strike groups during the Cold War era. In April 1967, VAW-12 was disestablished, with its assets and mission forming the core of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing ONE and supporting the creation of new VAW squadrons in the Atlantic Fleet.