U.S. Navy

USS Simpson (FFG-56) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 21 September 1985. Named after Rear Admiral Rodger W. Simpson, the ship played a significant role in operations such as Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War, protecting oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Notably, USS Simpson is remembered as the last U.S. Navy ship to have sunk an enemy vessel in combat, when she destroyed an Iranian gunboat during Operation Praying Mantis in 1988. After nearly three decades of service, USS Simpson was decommissioned on 29 September 2015.

USS Ulysses S. Grant (SSBN-631) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the 18th President of the United States and Civil War general, the submarine was part of America’s strategic nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Over its three decades of service, the USS Ulysses S. Grant played a vital role in maintaining the balance of power and ensuring national security. The submarine was decommissioned in 1992 following the end of the Cold War and advances in submarine technology.

USS Wabash (AOR-5) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned into the United States Navy on 20 November 1971. Designed to provide underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to naval combat ships, Wabash played a vital support role during the Vietnam War, often operating in the Western Pacific. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous exercises and operations, including deployments to the Indian Ocean and Middle East during periods of heightened tension. After over two decades of service, USS Wabash was decommissioned on 30 September 1994 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Waccamaw (AO-109) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed to refuel ships at sea, she played a crucial logistical role during the Cold War, supporting fleet operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Waccamaw participated in several major exercises and was active during crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War, delivering vital fuel and supplies to combat and support vessels. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1975 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her distinguished career.

USS Wainwright (DLG-28), later reclassified as CG-28, was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in 1966. Named in honor of three generations of the Wainwright family who served in the U.S. Navy, the ship played a significant role during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving as an escort for carrier strike groups. Throughout her service, Wainwright participated in numerous exercises and operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, demonstrating advanced air defense capabilities. The ship was decommissioned in 1993 and later scrapped, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

USS Wrangell (AE-12) was a Mount Hood-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. During World War II, she played a vital role in supplying ammunition to combat ships in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations such as the Okinawa campaign. After the war, Wrangell was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War and again during the Vietnam War, continuing her logistical support missions. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1970, having earned multiple battle stars for her service in three major conflicts.

Attack Squadron 125 (VA-125), known as the “Rough Raiders,” was a United States Navy attack squadron established on 30 June 1956. Initially based at NAS Miramar, the squadron served as a fleet replacement training unit, preparing pilots and maintenance personnel to operate the A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft. VA-125 played a crucial role in training aviators during the Vietnam War era, ensuring a steady flow of combat-ready crews to the fleet. The squadron was disestablished on 10 October 1977, having contributed significantly to Navy attack aviation training and readiness.

Attack Squadron 146 (VA-146), known as the "Blue Diamonds," was established by the United States Navy on 1 February 1956. The squadron was originally designated as Fighter Squadron VF-146 before transitioning to an attack role in February 1956. VA-146 served with distinction during the Vietnam War, flying the A-4 Skyhawk from several aircraft carriers and participating in numerous combat operations. The squadron was disestablished on 1 December 1971, after 15 years of service.

Attack Squadron 66 (VA-66), known as the "Waldos," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in July 1955. Initially flying the F9F-8 Cougar, the squadron later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk and ultimately to the A-7E Corsair II. VA-66 participated in several key operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War, the Yom Kippur War, and significant actions in the Mediterranean, such as the 1986 strikes against Libya (Operation El Dorado Canyon). The squadron was disestablished on March 31, 1992, following the end of the Cold War and post-Desert Storm force reductions.

Strike Fighter Squadron 83 (VA-83), known as the "Rampagers," was established on 1 May 1950. Originally flying the F4U Corsair, the squadron transitioned through several aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk and later the A-7 Corsair II. VA-83 participated in major Cold War operations, including deployments during the Cuban Missile Crisis and combat missions during the Vietnam War. In 1980, the squadron was redesignated as VFA-83 and received the F/A-18 Hornet, continuing its legacy as a key strike fighter unit in the U.S. Navy.

VAH-4 (Heavy Attack Squadron Four) was a United States Navy squadron established on January 1, 1956. The squadron was initially equipped with the A3D Skywarrior, a carrier-based heavy attack aircraft designed for long-range nuclear strike missions during the Cold War. VAH-4 served primarily with the Pacific Fleet, deploying on various aircraft carriers including USS Oriskany and USS Hancock. The unit was disestablished on May 1, 1969, as the Navy phased out the heavy attack mission and transitioned to newer aircraft and strategies.

VAQ-134, known as the "Garudas," is a United States Navy Electronic Attack Squadron established in 1969. Originally flying the EKA-3B Skywarrior, the squadron transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler in 1972 and later to the EA-18G Growler in 2014. VAQ-134 has participated in numerous operations, including deployments during the Cold War, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. The squadron specializes in electronic warfare, providing critical support by disrupting enemy radar and communications to protect friendly forces.

Electronic Attack Squadron 138 (VAQ-138), known as the "Yellowjackets," was established in 1969. Initially flying the EKA-3B Skywarrior, the squadron later transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler and currently operates the EA-18G Growler, specializing in electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses. VAQ-138 has participated in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing critical electronic attack capabilities to U.S. and allied forces. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, and continues to play a vital role in modern naval aviation.

Fleet Composite Squadron SIX (VC-6) was a United States Navy aviation unit established on 1 November 1965. Based primarily at Naval Air Station Norfolk, VC-6 provided a variety of support roles, including aerial target services, electronic warfare simulation, and utility flights for fleet training and exercises. The squadron operated several aircraft types over its history, such as the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and the C-12 Huron, adapting to evolving mission requirements. VC-6 was disestablished on 1 October 2008 as the Navy reorganized its support and training units.

VF-121, also known as "The Pacemakers," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1946. Initially flying F6F Hellcats and later transitioning to jet aircraft such as the F9F Panther and F3H Demon, the squadron played an important role in training and operational deployments during the Korean War era. In the late 1950s, VF-121 became the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the F-4 Phantom II on the West Coast, responsible for training aircrews and maintenance personnel for the new aircraft. VF-121 was disestablished in 1971, having significantly contributed to the development and readiness of U.S. Navy fighter aviation.

The 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4), is a distinguished infantry battalion of the 3rd Marine Division, United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1925, the battalion earned early honors during World War II, participating in pivotal battles such as Guadalcanal, Guam, and Okinawa. During the Vietnam War, 3/4 saw extensive combat, most notably at Khe Sanh and during Operation Hastings. In recent decades, the battalion has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, continuing its legacy of excellence and valor.

Airborne Early Warning Squadron 4 (AEWRON-4 or VW-4), known as the "Hurricane Hunters," was a U.S. Navy aviation unit established in 1952. The squadron's primary mission was to conduct airborne early warning and weather reconnaissance, particularly tracking Atlantic hurricanes, using aircraft such as the Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star. Operating from NAS Jacksonville, Florida, and later NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, AEWRON-4 played a pivotal role in meteorological data collection and storm tracking throughout the Cold War era. The squadron was disestablished in 1975, having contributed significantly to both military early warning capability and civilian hurricane forecasting.

CBU-402, or Construction Battalion Unit 402, is a United States Navy Seabee unit established during the Vietnam War era. Its primary mission was to provide construction and engineering support for forward-deployed naval and Marine forces in Southeast Asia. The unit was responsible for building airfields, roads, and defensive structures, often operating in hazardous and contested environments. CBU-402's efforts significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of U.S. forces, earning commendations for their technical skill and resilience under fire.

The United States Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT), headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, operates as the United States Fifth Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT). Reactivated in 1995, the Fifth Fleet traces its origins to World War II operations in the Pacific but now focuses on the vital waters of the Middle East, including the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. COMFIFTHFLT is responsible for ensuring maritime security, conducting joint and combined naval operations, and safeguarding the free flow of commerce in a region critical to global energy supplies. Over the years, it has played a key role in operations such as enforcing sanctions, counter-piracy, and supporting major campaigns including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Commander Undersea Surveillance (CUS), originally established as Commander, Oceanographic System Atlantic (COSL) in 1954, was a key U.S. Navy command responsible for managing the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS). Its mission focused on the operation, maintenance, and coordination of undersea listening arrays used to detect and track foreign submarines, particularly during the Cold War. Renamed Commander Undersea Surveillance in 1985, the unit’s oversight expanded to include all U.S. Navy fixed undersea surveillance systems worldwide. CUS played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare until its functions were merged into other naval commands during the post-Cold War restructuring of the 1990s.

Commander, Naval Forces Japan (COMNAVFORJAPAN) is a United States Navy command responsible for overseeing naval operations and supporting U.S. naval forces stationed in Japan. Established after World War II, the command played a crucial role in the post-war occupation and rebuilding of Japan, as well as in the development of the U.S.-Japan security alliance. Over the decades, COMNAVFORJAPAN has supported regional stability, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Today, it continues to serve as a key element of the U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring readiness and cooperation between the two nations' naval forces.

COMSERVPAC, or Commander, Service Force, Pacific Fleet, was a major United States Navy logistics command active during World War II and the early Cold War. Established in 1942, COMSERVPAC was responsible for providing vital supply, repair, fueling, and support services to the vast naval forces operating across the Pacific Theater. The unit coordinated a wide range of auxiliary vessels, including oilers, tenders, and repair ships, enabling sustained offensive operations far from mainland bases. COMSERVPAC played a crucial role in supporting amphibious assaults and maintaining the fleet’s operational readiness, contributing significantly to Allied victory in the Pacific.

USS Sullivans (DD-778) is a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, named in honor of the five Sullivan brothers who tragically perished together aboard USS Juneau during World War II. Commissioned in September 1943, the ship participated in numerous Pacific Theater operations, providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine support during major campaigns such as Okinawa and Iwo Jima. After World War II, USS Sullivans served in the Korean War and later undertook various Cold War deployments, including NATO exercises and Mediterranean patrols. Decommissioned in 1965, she was preserved as a museum ship in Buffalo, New York, serving as a lasting tribute to her namesakes and the sailors who served aboard.

Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Atlantic (FASOTRAGRUPAC) was a key United States Navy training command responsible for providing advanced aviation training to fleet personnel. Established during the Cold War era, its mission focused on specialized operational instruction for aircrew and maintenance personnel, enhancing readiness for Atlantic Fleet aviation units. FASOTRAGRUPAC offered courses in areas such as electronic warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and weapons systems operations. Over time, its training functions were consolidated into other commands as part of broader Navy restructuring efforts, with its legacy continuing through successor training organizations.