U.S. Navy

USS BLUE RIDGE

85 members

USS **Blue Ridge** (LCC-19) is the lead ship of the Blue Ridge-class command ships in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1970. Designed as a floating command and control center, Blue Ridge has served as the flagship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet, providing vital communications and coordination for naval operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The ship has participated in numerous significant operations, including humanitarian assistance missions, joint military exercises, and crisis response initiatives. Renowned for her advanced communications capabilities, USS Blue Ridge continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining U.S. naval presence and readiness in Asia-Pacific waters.

USS Holland (AS-32) was a submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy on 7 September 1963. Designed to provide maintenance, logistics, and support services to nuclear-powered submarines, she played a crucial role during the Cold War, particularly in supporting the Polaris and Poseidon ballistic missile submarines. Throughout her service, Holland operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, including deployments to Holy Loch, Scotland, and Rota, Spain. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on 30 September 1996.

The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), headquartered at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, has served as the principal naval force in the Pacific Ocean since its establishment in 1941. CINCPACFLT played a pivotal role during World War II, leading U.S. naval operations across the Pacific theater, including the critical battles of Midway, Coral Sea, and Leyte Gulf. Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, the command has overseen deterrence, crisis response, and maritime security operations, adapting to new challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Today, as U.S. Pacific Fleet, it remains the world’s largest fleet command, ensuring regional stability and forward naval presence from its historic headquarters at Pearl Harbor.

NAVCOMMSTA NORFOLK (NAM), officially known as Naval Communications Station Norfolk, was established to provide vital communications support to the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet and other operational commands. Commissioned during the post-World War II expansion of naval communications infrastructure, the station played a key role in transmitting and relaying secure messages, operational orders, and intelligence. Throughout the Cold War, NAVCOMMSTA NORFOLK was instrumental in supporting fleet readiness, coordinating exercises, and maintaining command and control links for both peacetime operations and crisis response. The unit adapted to advancing technology over the decades, eventually merging its functions into broader naval network operations as part of the Navy’s modernization initiatives.

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON

80 members

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN-598) was the United States Navy's first ballistic missile submarine, commissioned on December 30, 1959. As the lead ship of her class, she played a pivotal role in the early years of the U.S. nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, conducting 55 deterrent patrols between 1960 and 1985. The submarine was equipped with Polaris ballistic missiles, significantly enhancing the Navy's strategic capabilities. USS GEORGE WASHINGTON was decommissioned on January 24, 1985, marking the end of an era for the original fleet ballistic missile submarines.

USS Meredith

80 members

The USS Meredith is the name given to several ships in the United States Navy, most notably USS Meredith (DD-434), a Gleaves-class destroyer commissioned in 1941. During World War II, the USS Meredith played a critical role in escort and patrol duties in the Atlantic and later the Pacific. In October 1942, while supporting the Guadalcanal campaign, Meredith was sunk by Japanese aircraft after a valiant defense, resulting in heavy loss of life. The ship and her crew were honored for their bravery, earning a battle star for World War II service.

USS SIMON LAKE (AS-33) was a Simon Lake-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the submarine pioneer Simon Lake, the vessel provided vital repair, resupply, and logistical support to the Navy's submarine fleet, particularly ballistic missile submarines, during the Cold War. Throughout her service, USS SIMON LAKE operated in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting operations from bases such as Holy Loch, Scotland, and La Maddalena, Italy. After nearly four decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1999, having played a key role in maintaining the operational readiness of the US Navy’s submarine force.

Portsmouth Naval Hospital, officially known as Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP), is the oldest continuously operating hospital in the U.S. Navy, established in 1827 in Portsmouth, Virginia. Throughout its history, the hospital has served military personnel and their families, providing critical medical care during major conflicts such as the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and subsequent military engagements. During wartime, the hospital expanded its capacity and capabilities, treating thousands of wounded sailors and Marines. Today, NMCP continues its tradition of excellence, serving as a major medical center for the U.S. Navy and a key component of military healthcare on the East Coast.

The Naval Communications Station Philippines (NPO) was a critical United States Navy communications facility established in the Philippines, primarily located at San Miguel, Zambales. Commissioned in the 1950s during the height of the Cold War, NPO provided vital communications and intelligence support for U.S. and allied naval operations throughout the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia, including during the Vietnam War. The station operated advanced radio, satellite, and cryptographic equipment to ensure secure and reliable command and control. Following the expiration of U.S. basing agreements, the facility was transferred to the Philippine government in 1991, marking the end of its key role in regional military communications.

USS PROTEUS (AS-19) was a Fulton-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Initially serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II, she provided vital maintenance and support to submarines engaged in combat operations. After the war, PROTEUS was modernized and played a key role during the Cold War, especially by supporting ballistic missile submarines as part of the U.S. nuclear deterrent force. She remained in active service through several decades, supporting submarine operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific before being decommissioned in 1992.

USS PUGET SOUND

78 members

**USS PUGET SOUND (AD-38)** was a Yellowstone-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Serving as a mobile repair and support ship, she provided maintenance, logistics, and administrative services to the fleet, primarily supporting destroyers and other surface combatants. Throughout her career, USS Puget Sound operated in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, frequently serving as flagship for the U.S. Sixth Fleet and supporting operations during crises such as the Lebanon conflict in the 1980s. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1996 and later scrapped.

The USS Tripoli is the name given to several ships in the United States Navy, most notably to honor the early 19th-century Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War. The first USS Tripoli (CVE-64) was a Casablanca-class escort carrier commissioned in 1943 and served in World War II, providing vital air support in the Pacific theater. The second, USS Tripoli (LPH-10), was an Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1966, seeing extensive service during the Vietnam War and later supporting operations in the Persian Gulf. The current USS Tripoli (LHA-7), an America-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 2020, continues to project U.S. naval power and support Marine Corps operations worldwide.

Balboa Naval Hospital, officially known as Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), traces its origins to 1917 when it was established to support the growing naval presence during World War I. Located in Balboa Park, San Diego, it rapidly expanded during World War II, becoming a crucial medical facility for treating wounded service members from the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, Balboa has continued to serve as one of the Navy’s largest and most comprehensive medical centers, providing advanced care to military personnel, retirees, and their families. Today, the hospital remains a key pillar of military medicine, renowned for its medical excellence and support to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The WESTPAC, short for Western Pacific, is not a specific military unit but rather a term widely used by the United States Navy to refer to deployments and operations in the Western Pacific region. Since World War II, U.S. Navy carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, and other units have regularly conducted WESTPAC deployments to demonstrate presence, support allies, and promote regional stability. These deployments played crucial roles during conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and in modern times, as part of the U.S. commitment to Indo-Pacific security. WESTPAC operations continue to be a vital element of U.S. military strategy, fostering partnerships and deterring potential adversaries in the region.

USS EISENHOWER

74 members

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), often referred to as "Ike," is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy in 1977. As the second Nimitz-class carrier, she has played a crucial role in projecting American naval power, participating in major operations such as Operation Eagle Claw in 1980 and multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War and subsequent conflicts. Over her decades of service, Eisenhower has supported combat operations, humanitarian missions, and exercises with allied navies around the globe. Continually modernized, she remains a vital asset in U.S. carrier strike group missions into the 21st century.

USS JOHN C STENNIS

74 members

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy on December 9, 1995. Named after U.S. Senator John C. Stennis, the carrier has played a vital role in power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian missions worldwide. She participated in major operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, launching airstrikes and supporting ground forces in the Middle East. The Stennis has also conducted numerous training exercises and joint operations with allied navies, demonstrating the Navy's global reach and readiness.

Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA Norfolk), located in Norfolk, Virginia, is the world’s largest naval base and serves as the headquarters of the United States Navy’s Fleet Forces Command. Established in 1917 to support the Navy’s operations during World War I, the installation rapidly expanded during World War II, becoming a crucial embarkation point for Atlantic operations. Throughout the Cold War and into the present day, NAVSTA Norfolk has remained a pivotal hub for Atlantic Fleet operations, providing support for aircraft carriers, submarines, and a wide range of surface vessels. Today, it continues to play a vital role in global maritime security and U.S. naval readiness.

USS **Intrepid** (CV-11) is an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in August 1943. Serving prominently in the Pacific Theater during World War II, she participated in key battles such as Leyte Gulf, Okinawa, and strikes against the Japanese home islands. Intrepid survived several kamikaze attacks and earned a reputation as "The Fighting I." After the war, she was modernized and served during the Cold War, including roles in the Vietnam War and as a recovery ship for NASA missions, before being decommissioned in 1974 and preserved as a museum ship in New York City.

USS IWO JIMA

72 members

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 2001. Named after the iconic World War II battle, the ship is designed to deploy and support Marine Expeditionary Units and their equipment. Over its service life, USS Iwo Jima has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions and major exercises such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. The vessel continues to serve as a vital asset in projecting American power and providing rapid crisis response around the world.

USS SAMUEL GOMPERS (AD-37) was a Samuel Gompers-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1967. Named after labor leader Samuel Gompers, the ship provided repair, maintenance, and logistical support to destroyers and other ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Throughout her service, she played a vital role during the Vietnam War and later operations in the Western Pacific, servicing U.S. and allied naval vessels. After more than 28 years of distinguished service, USS SAMUEL GOMPERS was decommissioned in 1995.

USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1944. She played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key operations such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf and strikes against the Japanese home islands. After the war, Ticonderoga was modernized and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing crucial air support and earning multiple battle stars. Decommissioned in 1973, the ship left a distinguished legacy through decades of service and combat operations.

NAVFAC Centerville Beach was a United States Navy facility established in 1958 near Ferndale, California, as part of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) network during the Cold War. Its primary mission was to detect and track Soviet submarines using underwater listening arrays laid on the ocean floor. Manned by both Navy personnel and civilian contractors, the station contributed significantly to anti-submarine warfare and maritime intelligence efforts. NAVFAC Centerville Beach operated until its decommissioning in 1993, after which its mission was transferred to other facilities and its property eventually returned to civilian use.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1), known as the "World Watchers," was established in 1955 and is a unit of the United States Navy. Originally tasked with electronic reconnaissance missions during the Cold War, VQ-1 operated out of Atsugi, Japan, before later moving to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. The squadron has flown various aircraft, most notably the EA-3B Skywarrior and later the EP-3E Aries II, conducting signals intelligence and surveillance across the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Middle East. VQ-1 has played a crucial role in supporting U.S. and allied operations by providing real-time intelligence, including during conflicts such as the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and ongoing global missions.

USS Sacramento (AOE-1) was the lead ship of her class of fast combat support ships in the United States Navy, commissioned on March 14, 1964. Designed to combine the functions of an oiler, ammunition ship, and refrigerated stores ship, she played a crucial role in underway replenishment, enabling carrier strike groups to operate at sea for extended periods. Sacramento served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and supported numerous peacetime and combat operations throughout her career. After nearly four decades of service, she was decommissioned on October 1, 2004, marking the end of her distinguished tenure in the fleet.