U.S. Navy

Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic (FCTCL) Dam Neck, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has played a pivotal role in United States Navy training since its establishment during World War II. Originally founded as a radar training school in 1942, the facility evolved to provide advanced instruction in combat systems, electronic warfare, and tactical operations. Over the decades, FCTCL Dam Neck has supported the training and readiness of surface warfare personnel, including those assigned to Aegis-equipped warships and naval special warfare units. Its mission continues today as part of the Center for Surface Combat Systems, ensuring naval forces remain prepared for modern maritime challenges.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 32 (HSL-32), known as the "Invaders," was a United States Navy helicopter squadron established in 1974. The unit operated the SH-2 Seasprite helicopter, providing vital anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) capabilities from small surface combatants such as frigates and destroyers. HSL-32 played a key role in Cold War maritime operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting carrier battle groups and surface action groups. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, until its deactivation in 1994 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 48 (HSL-48), known as the "Vipers," was established on September 7, 1984, at Naval Air Station Mayport, Florida. The squadron was part of the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet and operated the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, specializing in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue missions. HSL-48 detachments deployed aboard guided missile frigates, destroyers, and cruisers, providing vital aerial support and extending the fleet’s operational reach. In 2015, as part of the Navy’s transition to the MH-60R Seahawk, HSL-48 was redesignated as Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 48 (HSM-48), continuing its legacy of excellence in maritime helicopter operations.

The Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) was established during World War II to meet the United States Navy’s urgent need for a centralized facility to store, assemble, and distribute naval munitions. Located at various key sites across the country, such as Hastings, Nebraska, these depots played a crucial role in supplying ammunition to the Pacific and Atlantic fleets. During the war, the NADs operated around the clock, employing thousands of civilians and military personnel to ensure a steady flow of ordnance. After the war, many depots were gradually decommissioned or repurposed, but their legacy remains a testament to the logistical backbone that supported American naval operations during times of conflict.

Naval Hospital Beaufort, located in South Carolina, was commissioned in 1949 to provide medical care for military personnel, retirees, and their families in the Lowcountry region. Originally established to support the nearby Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, the hospital has played a crucial role in treating service members from multiple branches. Over the decades, Naval Hospital Beaufort has expanded its facilities and services, adapting to advances in military medicine and the evolving needs of the armed forces community. Today, it continues its legacy of care, serving as a key component of Navy Medicine in the southeastern United States.

Naval Magazine Guam, also known as NAVMAG Guam, was established during World War II following the U.S. liberation of Guam from Japanese forces in 1944. Originally constructed as an ammunition depot to support ongoing military operations in the Pacific Theater, it played a critical role in storing and supplying munitions for U.S. Navy and allied forces. Over the decades, NAVMAG Guam has continued to serve as a key logistics hub, providing ordnance storage, handling, and distribution capabilities for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Today, it remains an essential asset for regional security and U.S. military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

USS **Sterett (DLG-31)** was a guided missile destroyer leader commissioned by the United States Navy on April 8, 1967. She served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties for carriers, and anti-air warfare defense. Throughout her service, Sterett earned multiple awards, including combat action ribbons and several campaign stars for her Vietnam operations. After nearly two decades of service, USS Sterett was decommissioned on March 24, 1994, marking the end of a distinguished naval career.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain was established in 1971 following the withdrawal of British forces from the Gulf, marking a pivotal transition in regional security. Initially serving as a small communications outpost, the installation rapidly expanded in strategic importance, especially after becoming the headquarters for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in 1995. Throughout its history, NSA Bahrain has supported a wide variety of naval operations, including maritime security, counter-piracy, and coalition efforts during Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Today, NSA Bahrain remains the primary U.S. Navy facility in the Middle East, playing a crucial role in ensuring stability and freedom of navigation in the region.

SEAL Team 4 is a United States Navy SEAL team established in 1983 and based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia. The unit primarily focuses on operations in the Caribbean, Central, and South America, specializing in counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, and special reconnaissance missions. SEAL Team 4 has played a significant role in supporting U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), often working closely with partner nations to train and assist their special operations forces. Over the years, the team has participated in numerous classified operations and humanitarian missions throughout the Western Hemisphere.

**USNR Fort McHenry** refers to U.S. Navy Reserve units associated with or stationed at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. Fort McHenry, famous for its role in the War of 1812, later served various military purposes, including as a training and administrative center for naval reservists. During the 20th century, particularly in World War II and the Cold War era, USNR units at Fort McHenry provided essential logistical, medical, and training support for naval operations. The reserve activities at Fort McHenry contributed to the readiness and augmentation of the U.S. Navy, drawing on the region’s longstanding maritime heritage. Today, the legacy of USNR Fort McHenry endures as a testament to Baltimore’s continued support for the nation’s naval forces.

USS Ainsworth (FF-1090) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1973. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, she served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous NATO exercises and deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Throughout her service, USS Ainsworth played a key role in Cold War operations, escort duties, and joint naval exercises with allied nations. She was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Ege (F-256).

USS **Basilone (DD-824)** was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, named in honor of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Commissioned in 1949, Basilone served extensively during the Cold War, participating in NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and patrols in the Atlantic. The destroyer also supported operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and escort duties. Decommissioned in 1977, USS Basilone was later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as *Nearchos* until her retirement.

The USS Bigelow (DD-942) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Elmer Charles Bigelow, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in various fleet exercises and NATO operations during the Cold War. Bigelow was notable for her role in the naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and for providing gunfire support during the Vietnam War. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1982 and eventually scrapped in 1992.

USS Bushnell (AS-15) was a Fulton-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1943. During World War II, she provided vital maintenance, repair, and logistical support to submarines operating in the Pacific Theater, particularly at bases such as Pearl Harbor, Midway, and Guam. After the war, Bushnell continued her service during the Cold War, supporting submarine operations from various locations, including Key West, Florida. She was decommissioned in 1970 after nearly three decades of service, having played a significant role in sustaining the Navy’s submarine fleet through two major eras.

USS Comstock (LSD-19) is a dock landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1945. Named after the Comstock Lode of Nevada, the ship played a vital role in the closing months of World War II, supporting amphibious operations in the Pacific. After the war, USS Comstock participated in the Korean War, providing essential logistic and landing support for United Nations forces. The vessel continued to serve through the Vietnam War and Cold War era before being decommissioned in 1976, earning multiple battle stars for its distinguished service.

USS Conyngham (DDG-17) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1963. Named after Gustavus Conyngham, a Continental Navy officer, Conyngham served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in key Cold War operations and NATO exercises. The ship provided naval gunfire support during the Vietnam War and later played a role in Middle East peacekeeping during the 1980s. Following a fire onboard in 1990, USS Conyngham was decommissioned in 1990 and subsequently scrapped.

USS Coronado (LPD-11) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed to support amphibious assault operations, she transported Marines, equipment, and landing craft, participating in numerous exercises and deployments, including missions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In 1980, Coronado served as the flagship for Commander, U.S. Middle East Force during the Iran Hostage Crisis. Later, she was converted into an auxiliary command ship, serving as the flagship for the U.S. Third Fleet until her decommissioning in 2006.

USS Edward McDonnell (FF-1043) was a Garcia-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on February 15, 1965. Named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant (junior grade) Edward Orrick McDonnell, the ship primarily served in anti-submarine warfare and escort missions throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the Cold War. The vessel participated in numerous NATO exercises, patrols, and showed the flag operations, contributing to the deterrence posture of the U.S. Navy. After over two decades of service, USS Edward McDonnell was decommissioned on September 30, 1988, and later scrapped.

USS Finback (SSN-670) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on February 4, 1970. Designed for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence-gathering missions during the Cold War, she conducted numerous patrols and participated in fleet exercises throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Finback played a significant role in supporting U.S. naval operations, enhancing undersea warfare capabilities, and maintaining a strategic deterrent presence. After nearly three decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned on March 28, 1997.

USS FISKE (DDR-842) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in November 1945, named in honor of Rear Admiral Bradley A. Fiske. Initially serving in the Atlantic Fleet, she participated in numerous training exercises, NATO operations, and Mediterranean deployments during the early years of the Cold War. In 1952, FISKE was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR), enhancing her capabilities in air defense and surveillance missions. She continued her service through the Vietnam War era before being decommissioned in September 1980 and later transferred to Turkey.

USS Fletcher (DD-445) was the lead ship of the Fletcher-class destroyers in the United States Navy, commissioned in June 1942. She saw extensive action during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in major battles such as Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands campaign, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Fletcher earned fifteen battle stars for her World War II service, making her one of the most decorated destroyers of the war. After the war, she served in training and reserve roles before being decommissioned in 1969 and eventually scrapped.

USS Gettysburg (CG-64) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1991. Named after the pivotal Civil War battle, Gettysburg has participated in numerous operations, including enforcement of United Nations sanctions, counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean, and deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, enabling advanced air, surface, and subsurface warfare capabilities. Over its service, USS Gettysburg has been recognized for excellence in battle readiness and has played a key role in multi-national naval exercises and maritime security operations.

USS **Hayler** (DD-997) was a Spruance-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned on March 5, 1983. Named after Admiral Robert W. Hayler, the ship was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but also carried capabilities for surface and air engagements. Throughout her service, Hayler participated in multiple deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Persian Gulf, supporting various fleet exercises and multinational operations. The ship was decommissioned on August 25, 2003, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2004.

USS Hepburn (DE-1055) was a Knox-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1969. Named after Lieutenant Commander Arthur Japy Hepburn, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, undertaking anti-submarine warfare operations and participating in training exercises with allied navies during the Cold War. Hepburn saw multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. presence and operations in volatile regions. Decommissioned in 1991, she was later sunk as a target during training exercises in 2002.