U.S. Navy

The USS John Young (DD-973) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on May 20, 1978. Named in honor of Captain John Young, a decorated naval officer from the War of 1812, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her service, the USS John Young participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and maritime interdiction missions. After more than two decades of active duty, the destroyer was decommissioned on September 30, 2002, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2004.

USS KEARSARGE (CV-33), later redesignated CVS-33, was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Initially serving in the immediate post-World War II period, she participated in training and readiness operations before being modernized and redeployed during the Korean War, where she conducted combat operations and air support missions. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, KEARSARGE was converted to an anti-submarine warfare carrier (CVS) and played a significant role in Cold War operations, including serving as the primary recovery ship for several NASA space missions. The ship was decommissioned in 1970 after nearly 25 years of distinguished service.

USS Klondike (AR-22) was a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Designed to provide repair and maintenance support to destroyers and smaller vessels, she was quickly deployed to the Pacific theater near the end of World War II. After the war, Klondike served with the Pacific Fleet, supporting naval operations during the Korean War and throughout the Cold War era. Decommissioned in 1970, the USS Klondike played a vital role in maintaining the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy’s destroyer forces for over two decades.

USS **Meyerkord (FF-1058)** was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1969. Named in honor of Lieutenant Harold Dale Meyerkord, a Navy officer killed in action during the Vietnam War, the ship served primarily in anti-submarine warfare roles throughout the Cold War. Meyerkord participated in various Pacific Fleet operations, including multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. interests and allied exercises. The frigate was decommissioned in 1991 and later transferred to Turkey, where she served as **TCG Karadeniz (F-255)** until her retirement from active duty.

USS Mississinewa (AO-144) was a Neosho-class fleet oiler commissioned into the United States Navy in 1955. Primarily serving with the Atlantic Fleet, she played a crucial role in refueling and replenishing naval vessels at sea, enhancing fleet endurance during Cold War operations. The ship participated in numerous Mediterranean deployments and supported U.S. naval activities during crises such as the Lebanon intervention in 1958. After nearly three decades of service, USS Mississinewa was decommissioned in 1991 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Mount Hood (AE-29) was a Kilauea-class ammunition ship commissioned by the United States Navy on May 1, 1971. Named after the volcanic peak in Oregon, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, providing underway replenishment of ordnance to naval vessels at sea. Throughout her service, Mount Hood supported operations during the Vietnam War and later participated in numerous fleet exercises and deployments, including operations in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned on August 10, 1999, and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Myles C. Fox (DD-829) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned in the United States Navy in 1945. Named after Marine Lieutenant Myles C. Fox, a posthumous Navy Cross recipient from World War II, the ship served prominently through the Cold War era. She participated in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers, and later saw action in the Vietnam War with shore bombardments and anti-submarine patrols. After decades of service, USS Myles C. Fox was decommissioned in 1979 and subsequently transferred to the Republic of China Navy, where she continued service as ROCS Liao Yang.

USS Nicholson (DD-982) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1979. Named after five generations of Nicholsons who served in the U.S. Navy, the ship participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and support missions during Operation Desert Storm. Throughout her service, Nicholson provided vital anti-submarine warfare capabilities and escorted carrier battle groups. After over two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in 2002 and later expended as a target during a training exercise in 2004.

USS Noa (DD-841) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, shortly after the conclusion of World War II. Serving through the Cold War era, Noa participated in numerous operations, including NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and anti-submarine warfare missions. Notably, in 1962, USS Noa played a key role in the recovery of astronaut John Glenn after his historic Mercury-Atlas 6 spaceflight. The destroyer continued active service until her decommissioning in 1973, after which she was transferred to the Spanish Navy.

USS Ouellet (FF-1077) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1970. Named in honor of Ensign David Ouellet, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War, the ship specialized in anti-submarine warfare and participated in numerous Pacific Fleet operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Ouellet played a key role in Cold War naval exercises and supported U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region throughout her service. The frigate was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Royal Thai Navy, where she served as HTMS Phutthayotfa Chulalok (FFG-461).

USS Power (DD-839) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in September 1945, just after the end of World War II. Throughout her service, Power operated extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises and serving with the 6th Fleet during the Cold War. She played roles in crises such as the Lebanon intervention in 1958 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. After nearly three decades of active service, USS Power was decommissioned in 1977 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she served as ROCS Shen Yang (DD-923).

USS RICH (DD-820) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1946. Named in honor of Lieutenant (junior grade) Ralph McMaster Rich, a Navy pilot killed in action during World War II, the ship served extensively during the Cold War era. Throughout her career, USS RICH participated in numerous NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments with the 6th Fleet, and provided support during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War. Decommissioned in 1977, she was later sold for scrap, having served over three decades as a vital component of the U.S. Navy's destroyer force.

USS San Bernardino (LST-1189) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Designed to transport and deploy tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto shore without docks, she served during the final years of the Vietnam War, supporting amphibious operations and logistics. Throughout her service, San Bernardino participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, enhancing U.S. amphibious capabilities. Decommissioned in 1995, the vessel was later transferred to the Chilean Navy, where she continued her service under the name Valdivia (LST-93).

USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named after Rear Admiral Theodore E. Chandler, the ship served extensively in the post-World War II era, including significant deployments during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In Korea, she provided gunfire support and escorted carrier task forces, earning five battle stars for her service. During the Vietnam War, Theodore E. Chandler carried out naval gunfire missions and patrol duties before being decommissioned in 1975 and transferred to the Republic of China Navy.

USS Vega (AF-59) was an Alstede-class stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1956. Designed to provide underway replenishment of food, refrigerated items, and dry goods, she played a crucial logistical role in supporting fleet operations, particularly in the Pacific. During her service, Vega participated in numerous deployments, including support missions during the Vietnam War, ensuring frontline units remained supplied in combat zones. After nearly two decades of service, USS Vega was decommissioned in 1977 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Vesole (DD-878) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in April 1945 near the end of World War II. Named in honor of Ensign Kay K. Vesole, who was killed in action during World War II, the ship served in various roles throughout her career, including anti-submarine warfare and escort duties. Vesole participated in significant Cold War operations, including deployments during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as supporting NATO exercises in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. After nearly three decades of service, USS Vesole was decommissioned in 1976 and later sold for scrap.

Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95), known as the "Green Lizards," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1972 and based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Flying the A-6 Intruder, the squadron participated in significant operations, including combat missions during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where it delivered precision strikes against Iraqi targets. The Green Lizards also deployed aboard various aircraft carriers in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting U.S. interests around the globe. VA-95 was decommissioned in 1995 as part of post-Cold War reductions in the Navy’s attack aircraft fleet.

Attack Squadron 127 (VA-127), also known as the "Royal Blues," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1956. Originally formed as VA-126, it was redesignated VA-127 in 1962 and based at NAS Lemoore, California. The squadron's primary mission was to provide advanced jet training for fleet replacement pilots in attack aircraft such as the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-127 played a crucial role in preparing aviators for combat duty during the Vietnam War era. The squadron was disestablished on September 30, 1977.

Electronic Attack Squadron 136 (VAQ-136), known as the "Gauntlets," was established in April 1973. Originally flying the EA-6B Prowler, the squadron was assigned to provide electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses for carrier air wings. VAQ-136 has served aboard numerous aircraft carriers and participated in major operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In 2012, the squadron transitioned to the advanced EA-18G Growler aircraft, continuing its legacy of excellence in electronic attack missions.

Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143), known as the "Pukin’ Dogs," was established in 1950 as VF-871 before being redesignated VF-143 in 1953. The squadron flew a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat, participating in major conflicts such as the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. VF-143 earned a reputation for excellence in air combat and fleet defense, earning multiple awards and citations throughout its service. In 2005, the unit was redesignated as VFA-143 and transitioned to flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet, continuing its distinguished legacy as a carrier-based strike fighter squadron in the United States Navy.

VF-161, known as the "Chargers," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1960. Initially flying the F-3 Demon and later transitioning to the F-4 Phantom II, VF-161 was actively involved in combat operations during the Vietnam War, conducting air superiority and strike missions from aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. The squadron was credited with several aerial victories and played a key role in fleet defense during intense air engagements over North Vietnam. VF-161 was disestablished in 1988 after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211), known as the "Fighting Checkmates," was originally established in 1945 as VF-24 before being redesignated as VF-211 in 1948. The squadron distinguished itself during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, flying F-8 Crusaders and later F-14 Tomcats in combat operations from aircraft carriers. Over its history, VF-211 earned numerous commendations for its combat effectiveness and professionalism. In 2003, the unit was redesignated as VFA-211 and transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, continuing its legacy as a premier carrier-based strike fighter squadron in the U.S. Navy.

Patrol Squadron 92 (VP-92), known as the "Minutemen," was a U.S. Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on November 1, 1970, at Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts. The squadron operated the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, conducting anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime surveillance missions. Throughout the Cold War and into the 1990s, VP-92 supported fleet operations and participated in numerous exercises and deployments, both domestically and overseas. The squadron was deactivated on October 1, 2007, as part of the post-Cold War restructuring of the Navy Reserve Force.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 1 (VR-1), known as the "Starlifters," is a distinguished United States Navy Reserve squadron established in July 1942. Originally tasked with providing critical air logistics and transport support during World War II, VR-1 has evolved alongside advances in military aviation. Today, the squadron operates out of Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, utilizing aircraft such as the C-40A Clipper to fulfill its mission of transporting high-priority personnel, cargo, and mail for the Navy and Department of Defense. VR-1 continues its legacy of reliable, around-the-clock logistical support, ensuring operational readiness for naval and joint forces worldwide.