U.S. Navy

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 (VAW-123), known as the "Screwtops," was established in 1967. As part of the U.S. Navy, the squadron operates the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning and battle management for carrier strike groups. VAW-123 has supported major operations including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, earning numerous awards for its operational excellence. The squadron continues to play a critical role in surveillance, command and control, and maritime security missions worldwide.

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.

**VC-10** was a United States Navy Composite Squadron, established during World War II. Formed in September 1943, VC-10 was assigned to escort carriers and specialized in anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol, primarily in the Atlantic theater. The squadron flew aircraft such as the Grumman TBF Avenger and FM-2 Wildcat, providing critical protection for Allied convoys against German U-boats. VC-10 earned distinction for its successful operations, including the sinking of several enemy submarines, before being disestablished in June 1945 following the end of the war in Europe.

Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86), known as the "Sidewinders," was originally established as VA-86 on 1 February 1955. The squadron flew the F-14 Tomcat before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting the Navy’s modernization efforts. VFA-86 has participated in numerous significant operations, including the Gulf of Sidra incident, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Over decades of service, the Sidewinders have earned a reputation for excellence in carrier-based strike operations and support of U.S. Navy missions worldwide.

VS-30, also known as Sea Control Squadron 30, was a United States Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established in 1943. Originally commissioned as Composite Squadron VC-30, it later became VS-30 and was nicknamed the "Diamond Cutters." Throughout its history, the squadron operated various aircraft, including the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking, specializing in maritime patrol and anti-submarine operations. VS-30 was based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, and participated in numerous deployments aboard aircraft carriers before being disestablished in 2007 as part of the Navy's transition away from the S-3 Viking platform.

VS-37, known as the "Sawbucks," was a United States Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1946. Originally flying the TBM Avenger, the squadron transitioned through several aircraft, including the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking. Throughout its history, VS-37 served aboard multiple aircraft carriers and participated in major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The squadron was decommissioned in 1995 after nearly five decades of service in maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare.

Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VT-22), known as the “Golden Eagles,” was originally established as Advanced Training Unit 212 (ATU-212) in June 1949 at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. Over the decades, VT-22 has played a crucial role in training Navy and Marine Corps pilots in advanced strike fighter tactics, evolving through several aircraft types, including the T-28 Trojan, T-2 Buckeye, and currently the T-45C Goshawk. The squadron’s mission is to prepare student aviators for operational carrier-based strike fighter assignments. Throughout its history, VT-22 has been recognized for its exemplary safety record and contributions to naval aviation training.

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9), known as the "Vampires," was established in 1993 through the consolidation of the Naval Air Test Center Detachment (NATC Det) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Four (VX-4). Based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, VX-9’s mission is to conduct operational test and evaluation of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps tactical aircraft and weapons systems. The squadron has played a critical role in testing and validating the performance of platforms such as the F/A-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C Lightning II. Through its rigorous evaluation processes, VX-9 ensures that new aircraft and weapons meet the demanding requirements of modern naval aviation.

The 3rd New York Infantry Regiment was organized in 1861 and served throughout the American Civil War as part of the Union Army. The unit participated in numerous campaigns, including the Peninsula Campaign and the Siege of Suffolk. It saw action in battles such as Antietam and Fredericksburg, earning a reputation for discipline and resilience. The regiment mustered out in 1863, having played a significant role in several key engagements in the Eastern Theater.

**USS Sphinx (ARL-24)** was an Achelous-class landing craft repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Originally laid down as LST-963, she was converted during construction to serve as a repair vessel for landing craft, providing critical support during the closing months of World War II. After the war, USS Sphinx participated in various post-war operations and later saw service during the Vietnam War, where she provided repair and logistical support for riverine and coastal forces. Decommissioned in 1971, Sphinx was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1975, concluding her distinguished service.

ComDesDiv 12, formally known as Destroyer Division 12, was a unit of the United States Navy that saw distinguished service during the early years of World War II. Commissioned before the war, the division was initially part of the Asiatic Fleet, operating in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. During the opening months of the Pacific War, ships of ComDesDiv 12 participated in the defense of the Philippines and the Dutch East Indies, engaging in several notable actions against superior Japanese naval forces. Despite suffering losses, the division’s actions delayed enemy advances and contributed to the broader Allied war effort in the region.

USS Forrest Sherman (DD-931) was the lead ship of her class of destroyers in the United States Navy, commissioned on November 9, 1955. Named after Admiral Forrest Percival Sherman, she served prominently during the Cold War, participating in various NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and crisis responses, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. Throughout her career, USS Forrest Sherman was involved in anti-submarine warfare, escort duties, and goodwill visits to numerous foreign ports. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on November 5, 1982, and later used as a test ship before being scrapped.

Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility Jacksonville (FACSFAC JAX), located in Jacksonville, Florida, was established in 1977 to provide vital airspace management and surveillance support for military operations in the southeastern United States. FACSFAC JAX is responsible for controlling and coordinating military airspace, including offshore warning areas, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations for Navy, Marine Corps, and other Department of Defense aircraft. Over the years, the unit has played a critical role in supporting training, readiness, and operational missions for Atlantic Fleet forces. FACSFAC JAX continues to modernize its systems and procedures, maintaining its standing as a cornerstone of U.S. Navy aviation operations in the region.

The designation "FN USN" typically refers to "Fireman, United States Navy," which is an enlisted engineering rate within the U.S. Navy rather than a specific unit. The Fireman rating has its origins in the early days of steam-powered naval vessels, where Firemen were responsible for maintaining boilers and propulsion systems. Over time, the role evolved to include a broad range of engineering and mechanical tasks aboard ships and submarines, supporting essential operations. Today, U.S. Navy Firemen receive training in various engineering disciplines and often progress into specialized ratings such as Machinist’s Mate or Electrician’s Mate, playing a crucial part in maintaining fleet readiness and operational capability.

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 (HC-8), known as the "Dragon Whales," was a United States Navy helicopter squadron established in 1984. Based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, HC-8 provided vital vertical replenishment (VERTREP), search and rescue (SAR), and logistics support for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. The squadron operated the CH-46 Sea Knight and later the MH-60S Seahawk helicopters, playing a key role in fleet support operations, humanitarian missions, and exercises worldwide. HC-8 was deactivated in 2005 as part of the Navy's reorganization and transition to the Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) community.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 36 (HSL-36) was a United States Navy helicopter squadron established on 1 June 1973. The unit operated the SH-2 Seasprite helicopter, providing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and utility support primarily to surface combatants as part of the Navy’s Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) program. HSL-36 was based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, and played a key role in enhancing fleet readiness during the Cold War by deploying detachments aboard frigates and destroyers. The squadron was disestablished on 30 September 1984 as part of a broader reorganization of Navy helicopter forces.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 37 (HSL-37), known as the "Easyriders," was established on 3 July 1975 at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii. As the first Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mk I squadron in the Pacific Fleet, HSL-37 operated the SH-2F Seasprite helicopter, providing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) support to surface combatants. The squadron transitioned to the SH-60B Seahawk in the early 1990s, enhancing operational capabilities. In 2013, HSL-37 was redesignated as Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 (HSM-37), continuing its legacy of excellence in maritime operations.

Kamiseya, Japan, was the site of a significant U.S. Navy communications facility established during the post-World War II era. Originally commissioned in 1945, Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Kamiseya played a crucial role in signals intelligence collection and cryptologic operations throughout the Cold War. The base was instrumental during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing vital intelligence support to U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific region. After decades of service, the facility was closed in the late 1990s, with its missions transferred to other locations.

Naval Air Reserve Training Unit (NARTU) NAS Alameda was established during World War II at Naval Air Station Alameda, California, to support the training and readiness of Naval Air Reserve personnel. The unit played a vital role in maintaining and preparing reserve squadrons for rapid mobilization during periods of conflict, including the Korean War and the early Cold War years. NARTU NAS Alameda provided flight training, aircraft maintenance, and operational support for a variety of naval aircraft and crews. The unit continued its mission until the realignment and eventual closure of NAS Alameda in the late 1990s as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Beeville, located near Beeville, Texas, was established in 1943 during World War II to serve as a training base for naval aviators. Originally known as Chase Field, the facility played a key role in training pilots for carrier-based operations, particularly jet aircraft, during the Cold War era. Reactivated in 1952, NAS Beeville became renowned for its advanced jet training programs, including those for the Navy's A-4 Skyhawk and TA-4J aircraft. The base operated until its closure in 1992, after which the site was repurposed for civilian use, but its legacy as a premier naval aviation training center remains significant in U.S. military history.

Naval Training Center Bainbridge, located in Bainbridge, Maryland, was commissioned in 1942 during World War II as a major training site for the United States Navy. At its peak, the center trained hundreds of thousands of recruits, playing a critical role in preparing sailors for wartime service. After World War II, Bainbridge continued to serve as a recruit training and specialized instruction center, notably during the Korean and early Vietnam Wars. The base was officially closed in 1976 as part of military realignment, having trained over 500,000 sailors during its years of operation.

Naval Communication Station San Juan, Puerto Rico (NAVCOMMSTA San Juan PR) was established in the mid-20th century as part of the U.S. Navy’s global communications network. Its mission was to provide reliable radio and message traffic support to fleet units operating in the Caribbean and Atlantic regions, serving as a critical link during the Cold War era. The station supported numerous naval operations, participating in regional exercises and ensuring secure communications for both U.S. and allied forces. NAVCOMMSTA San Juan was eventually decommissioned as advances in technology and changing strategic priorities led to the consolidation of naval communications facilities worldwide.

Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NAVSTA Annapolis) is a key installation of the United States Navy located in Annapolis, Maryland. Established in 1911 to support the nearby United States Naval Academy, the base has provided essential logistical, administrative, and operational support to the Academy and the Navy at large. Over the decades, NAVSTA Annapolis has expanded its mission to include support for tenant commands, family housing, and various training functions. Today, it remains a vital component in ensuring the readiness and success of Naval Academy midshipmen and the broader naval mission in the National Capital Region.

Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) San Diego has played a vital role in supporting the United States Navy Reserve forces in Southern California. Established to provide administrative, logistical, and training support, NOSC San Diego ensures Reserve Sailors are ready for mobilization and deployment worldwide. Throughout its history, the unit has been instrumental in preparing Reservists for operations ranging from humanitarian assistance to combat missions. Its enduring commitment to readiness and service has made NOSC San Diego a cornerstone of Navy Reserve operations on the West Coast.