U.S. Navy

**RTC** (Recruit Training Command) is a foundational military unit responsible for the initial training of enlisted personnel, particularly within naval forces such as the United States Navy. Established in the early 20th century, RTCs have served as the "boot camp" where recruits undergo physical conditioning, learn military discipline, and receive instruction in basic naval procedures and traditions. Over the decades, RTCs have adapted their programs to meet the evolving needs of modern warfare, incorporating advanced technology and updated training methodologies. Today, RTC remains a critical institution, shaping civilians into capable and disciplined sailors ready to serve their nation.

Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) Newport, RI, was established to provide essential maintenance and repair services to the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet ships homeported or visiting the Newport area. Originating during the Cold War era, SIMA Newport played a critical role in ensuring fleet readiness by performing a wide range of technical and logistical support functions, including ship repairs, equipment overhauls, and technical training. The unit worked closely with other naval commands and supported numerous deployments and operations through its skilled workforce. With changes in naval force structure and the drawdown of homeported ships in Newport, SIMA Newport was eventually disestablished in the late 1990s, marking the end of an important chapter in the region’s military support history.

U.S. Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt, located near Exmouth, Western Australia, was commissioned in 1967 as a joint facility between the United States and Australia. Its primary mission was to provide very low frequency (VLF) radio communications to allied naval forces, particularly submarines operating in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Named after Australian Prime Minister Harold E. Holt, who disappeared in 1967, the station became a key component of Western defense during the Cold War era. Over time, control and operations shifted more towards the Royal Australian Navy, with the U.S. presence gradually reduced.

USS Cayuga (LST-1186) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed for rapid deployment of tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto shore, Cayuga played a significant role during the Vietnam War, providing logistical support and participating in amphibious operations. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she served with the Pacific Fleet, supporting training exercises, humanitarian missions, and fleet maneuvers. The ship was decommissioned in 1994 after over two decades of distinguished service.

USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG-5) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1962, originally named USS Biddle before being renamed in honor of Admiral Claude V. Ricketts in 1964. The ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and crisis response operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Lebanon crisis of 1982. Claude V. Ricketts was notable for being the first American naval ship to operate as a fully integrated multinational crew under the "Mixed Manning Demonstration" with personnel from several NATO countries. After a distinguished career spanning over two decades, the destroyer was decommissioned in 1989 and subsequently scrapped.

USS Compass Island (AG-153) was a United States Navy auxiliary vessel commissioned in 1956, originally converted from the Liberty ship SS Garden Mariner. Designed as a navigational research ship, she played a crucial role in developing and testing the shipboard inertial navigation systems that would later be used in the Navy’s ballistic missile submarine fleet. Compass Island was instrumental in supporting the Polaris missile program by providing a stable platform for cutting-edge navigation experiments. She was decommissioned in 1971, after making significant contributions to naval navigation and missile guidance technologies.

USS Corry (DD-817) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Named after Lieutenant Commander William M. Corry, a World War I naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises and Cold War operations. Corry underwent modernization under the FRAM I (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) program in the early 1960s, enhancing her anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1981 and subsequently transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, serving as Kriezis until her final decommissioning.

USS Dyess (DD-880) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Aquilla J. Dyess, a Marine Corps hero of World War II, the ship served with distinction during the Cold War era. Dyess participated in multiple Mediterranean deployments with the 6th Fleet, supported Korean War operations, and conducted various Atlantic and Caribbean exercises. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1970 and later transferred to the Greek Navy, where she served as Kimon before being retired.

USS England (CG-22) was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1963. Named in honor of Ensign John C. England and the famed WWII destroyer escort that sank six enemy submarines, CG-22 served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout the Cold War, the ship participated in numerous operations, including Vietnam War combat support, carrier escort duties, and multinational exercises. USS England was decommissioned in 1994 after over three decades of distinguished service.

USS Fletcher (DD-992) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on July 30, 1980. Named after Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, deployments, and operations, including support roles during the Gulf War. Throughout her service, Fletcher was known for her versatility, conducting anti-submarine warfare, escort duties, and maritime security operations. She was decommissioned on October 1, 2004, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2008.

USS Frederick (LST-1184) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed for amphibious operations, she was capable of transporting tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docking facilities. Throughout her service, Frederick participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting U.S. and allied operations, including humanitarian missions and training exercises. Decommissioned in 2002, she was later transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she continues to serve as ARM Usumacinta (A-412).

The USS James K. Polk (SSBN-645) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1966. Named after the 11th President of the United States, she played a critical role in the nation's strategic deterrence mission during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. In 1994, following the end of the Cold War and arms reduction treaties, she was converted to an attack submarine (SSN-645) and served briefly in this new role. The USS James K. Polk was decommissioned in 1999, concluding over three decades of distinguished service.

USS **John Rodgers (DD-983)** was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1979. Named after three generations of distinguished naval officers, the ship served with distinction during the Cold War, participating in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. In 1991, she supported Operation Desert Storm, providing escort and naval gunfire support. After over two decades of active service, USS John Rodgers was decommissioned in 1998 and later sunk as a target in 2001.

USS Kansas City (AOR-3) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1970. Designed to provide fuel, ammunition, and supplies to ships at sea, she played a crucial logistical role during the Vietnam War and later Cold War operations. Throughout her service, Kansas City participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting carrier battle groups and other naval forces. After over two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in October 1994 and ultimately struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS KIRK (FF-1087) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Named after Admiral Alan G. Kirk, the ship served primarily in the Western Pacific, participating in anti-submarine warfare and escort missions during the Cold War. USS KIRK is most renowned for its humanitarian role in Operation Frequent Wind in 1975, where it assisted in the evacuation of South Vietnamese refugees at the end of the Vietnam War, helping save thousands of lives. The frigate was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Taiwanese Navy, where it served as ROCS Fen Yang (FFG-934).

USS McCandless (FF-1084) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1972 and named in honor of Rear Admiral Byron McCandless and his son, Rear Admiral Bruce McCandless. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War, she conducted numerous operations and exercises in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting fleet missions and NATO allies. The ship played a vital role in patrolling and protecting sea lanes, as well as participating in search and rescue missions. Decommissioned in 1994, USS McCandless was later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Trakya (F-254).

USS Northampton (CC-1) was planned as the lead ship of a new class of heavy cruisers for the United States Navy in the early 1920s. Intended to serve as a fast, heavily armed cruiser, she was laid down at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. However, construction was halted and the project was canceled in 1923 as a result of the Washington Naval Treaty, which imposed limits on naval armaments and capital ship construction. As a result, USS Northampton (CC-1) was never completed and was subsequently scrapped, leaving her name to be used for later vessels.

The **USS Norton Sound (AVM-1)** was originally commissioned as a seaplane tender in 1945, serving in the Pacific theater during the final months of World War II. After the war, she was converted into a missile test ship, playing a critical role in the development and testing of naval missile systems, including the Terrier, Tartar, and Polaris programs. Throughout the Cold War, the Norton Sound was at the forefront of technological innovation, supporting research and evaluation of advanced weapons and radar systems. She was decommissioned in 1986 after more than four decades of distinguished service, leaving a lasting impact on naval aviation and missile development.

USS O'Brien (DD-975) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on February 3, 1977. Named in honor of Jeremiah O'Brien, a hero of the American Revolutionary War, the ship served extensively in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Throughout her service, O'Brien participated in major operations including Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War and provided support during Operation Desert Storm. After over 26 years of service, USS O'Brien was decommissioned on September 18, 2004, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise.

USS Oldendorf (DD-972) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on March 4, 1978. Named after Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf, the ship served in various capacities, including anti-submarine warfare, surface action groups, and carrier battle group escort duties. Oldendorf participated in significant operations such as Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War and supported coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After over two decades of service, the destroyer was decommissioned on June 20, 2003, and was later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2005.

USS Philippine Sea is the name given to two significant ships in United States Navy history. The first, **USS Philippine Sea (CV-47)**, was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1946. She saw notable service during the Korean War, providing air support for United Nations forces and participating in key operations such as the Inchon Landing. The second, **USS Philippine Sea (CG-58)**, is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned in 1989, which has played a prominent role in multiple deployments, supporting operations in the Middle East, humanitarian missions, and maritime security patrols. Both vessels honor the pivotal 1944 Battle of the Philippine Sea, a decisive naval victory in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

USS Rathburne (FF-1057) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy on 16 May 1970. Named in honor of John Rathbun, a Continental Navy officer, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, undertaking anti-submarine warfare, convoy escort, and training missions during the Cold War. Rathburne participated in multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. interests and allied operations. The frigate was decommissioned on 14 February 1992 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2002.

USS Rigel refers to several United States Navy ships, most notably USS Rigel (AF-58) and USS Rigel (AD-13). USS Rigel (AD-13) was a destroyer tender commissioned in 1922, serving throughout World War II by providing repair and logistical support to Allied naval forces in the Pacific Theater. After decades of valuable service, she was decommissioned in 1946. USS Rigel (AF-58), a stores ship commissioned in 1955, played a vital role during the Cold War, supplying fleet units with food and refrigerated stores until her decommissioning in 1992. Both ships were named after the bright star Rigel, symbolizing guidance and support to the fleet.

USS Schofield (FFG-3), originally designated as DEG-3, was a Brooke-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 11 May 1968. Named after Rear Admiral Frank Herman Schofield, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-air and anti-submarine warfare operations during the Cold War. Schofield participated in numerous Pacific Fleet exercises and deployments, including multiple tours off the coast of Vietnam, where she provided naval gunfire support and escorted aircraft carriers. After two decades of active service, USS Schofield was decommissioned on 8 September 1988 and later sold for scrap.