U.S. Navy

The Naval Reserve Recruiting Command Denver was established to support the recruitment and administrative needs of the United States Naval Reserve in the Rocky Mountain region. Throughout its operational years, the command played a crucial role in enlisting and processing reservists, ensuring the readiness and integration of reserve personnel into active naval operations when required. Located in Denver, Colorado, the unit also collaborated with local communities and schools to promote naval service and strengthen reserve force numbers. Its mission contributed significantly to the overall manpower and effectiveness of the U.S. Navy Reserve until its functions were eventually consolidated with larger recruiting structures.

The Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility (NWEF) was established in 1947 at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Its primary mission was to evaluate and ensure the compatibility and effectiveness of naval aircraft with nuclear weapons, conducting tests, modifications, and training for the Navy’s nuclear strike capabilities. Throughout the Cold War, NWEF played a critical role in advancing naval aviation armament and tactics, contributing significantly to the deterrence posture of the United States. In 1993, the facility’s functions were absorbed by the Air Force as part of defense realignment, marking the end of its independent operations.

NAVCOMUNIT LONDON UK, officially known as the Naval Communications Unit London, was established during the early years of the Cold War to provide secure naval communications between the United Kingdom and allied forces. Strategically located in London, the unit played a crucial role in supporting NATO operations by relaying encrypted messages and coordinating naval intelligence. Over the decades, NAVCOMUNIT LONDON UK adapted to technological advances, transitioning from traditional radio transmissions to sophisticated digital systems. The unit’s legacy endures as a vital component of multinational maritime security and intelligence-sharing efforts.

The National Intelligence Priorities Support Staff Activity (NIPSSA), based in Suitland, Maryland, is a specialized military intelligence unit supporting the United States intelligence community. Established to provide analytical and operational assistance, NIPSSA plays a key role in integrating military intelligence priorities with national security objectives. The unit collaborates closely with agencies such as the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), leveraging its strategic location at the Suitland Federal Center. Over the years, NIPSSA has contributed to critical intelligence operations, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making for U.S. defense leadership.

Patrol Squadron SIX (VP-6), commonly referred to as PATRON-6, was a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established in July 1943 during World War II. Initially flying the PBY Catalina and later the PB4Y-2 Privateer, the squadron conducted anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and reconnaissance missions in the Pacific Theater. After the war, VP-6 transitioned to the P2V Neptune and participated in the Korean War, where it conducted surveillance and reconnaissance operations. The squadron continued its service through the Cold War, eventually flying the P-3 Orion before being disestablished in 1993.

Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 7 (RVAH-7), known as the "Peacemakers," was a United States Navy squadron established in December 1955. Originally designated as Heavy Attack Squadron 7 (VAH-7), the unit was redesignated RVAH-7 in 1966 when it transitioned from A-3 Skywarrior bombers to the RA-5C Vigilante, a supersonic reconnaissance aircraft. RVAH-7 played a significant role in aerial reconnaissance during the Vietnam War, conducting high-risk missions over North Vietnam from aircraft carriers. The squadron continued to serve throughout the Cold War until it was disestablished in September 1979 as part of the Navy's phase-out of the RA-5C aircraft.

SEAL Team TWO was established in January 1962 as one of the original two Navy SEAL teams, alongside SEAL Team ONE, to meet the growing need for unconventional warfare capabilities during the Cold War. Based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia, SEAL Team TWO primarily focused on operations in Europe, the Arctic, and the Mediterranean. Throughout its history, the unit has participated in numerous conflicts and special operations, including missions in Vietnam, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Renowned for their maritime expertise and versatility, SEAL Team TWO continues to play a vital role in U.S. Naval Special Warfare operations around the globe.

Specwar, short for Special Warfare, is a designation commonly used for elite military units specializing in unconventional and high-risk operations. Formed in the late 20th century, Specwar units were established to address the growing need for rapid-response forces capable of counterterrorism, direct action, and reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines. These units are renowned for their rigorous selection process, advanced training in land, sea, and air operations, and proficiency with cutting-edge technology. Over the years, Specwar teams have played pivotal roles in numerous high-profile missions worldwide, earning a reputation for effectiveness, adaptability, and stealth.

The US Naval Communications Station Balboa, also known as Farfan Naval Radio Station, was established in the Panama Canal Zone to provide vital communications support for US naval operations in the region. Activated during the early 20th century, the station played a critical role during World War II and the Cold War, ensuring secure and reliable radio transmissions for the US fleet transiting the canal and operating in the Caribbean and Pacific theaters. Its strategic location near Balboa allowed it to serve as a key link in global naval communications networks. The station continued operations until the gradual turnover of US facilities to Panama, culminating with the implementation of the Panama Canal Treaties in 1999.

USS Annapolis (AGMR-1) was originally commissioned as USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107), a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier that served in World War II. In 1963, she was converted and reclassified as AGMR-1, an Auxiliary General Major Relay ship, to serve as a floating communications relay station. During the Vietnam War, USS Annapolis played a critical role in providing advanced communications support to U.S. and allied naval forces in the Western Pacific, enhancing command and control capabilities. She was decommissioned in 1976, marking the end of her distinguished service as both an escort carrier and a communications relay ship.

USS **Barney (DDG-6)** was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1962. Throughout her service, Barney participated in key Cold War operations, including patrols in the Mediterranean and support missions during the Vietnam War. The ship conducted NATO exercises, provided naval gunfire support, and took part in surveillance and escort duties. Decommissioned in 1990, USS Barney served nearly three decades before being stricken from the Naval Vessel Register and later scrapped.

USS Beatty (DD-756) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in March 1945. After serving during the final months of World War II, she participated in occupation duties in the Far East and supported postwar operations in the Pacific. Throughout the Cold War, Beatty operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, undertaking NATO exercises, training cruises, and patrolling during the tense early years of the conflict. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1963 and later transferred to Greece, where she served as HS Kanaris (D212).

USS Bolster (ARS-38) was a Diver-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Built in Everett, Washington, she served during the final months of World War II, providing salvage, towing, and repair services in the Pacific Theater. Bolster continued her service through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, supporting naval operations by assisting damaged vessels and clearing harbors. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1994 and later became a museum ship in California.

USS Chosin (CG-65) is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1991. Named after the Chosin Reservoir Campaign of the Korean War, the ship has played a significant role in multiple operations, including supporting Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. Over its service, Chosin has conducted maritime security, air defense, and ballistic missile defense missions, demonstrating the versatility of the Aegis Combat System. The cruiser has also participated in numerous multinational exercises, strengthening alliances and promoting stability in key regions.

USS Clifton Sprague (FFG-16) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 21 March 1981. Named after Vice Admiral Clifton A.F. Sprague, the ship played a significant role in Cold War naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare and escort missions. Throughout its service, Clifton Sprague participated in several multinational exercises and supported operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The frigate was decommissioned on 2 June 1995 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where it served as TCG Gaziantep (F 490).

USS Daniel Webster (SSBN-626) was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in April 1964. Named after the renowned American statesman Daniel Webster, the submarine was designed for nuclear deterrence patrols during the Cold War, equipped to launch Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Throughout her service, she completed numerous strategic deterrent patrols as part of the U.S. Navy’s fleet of “41 for Freedom” submarines. USS Daniel Webster was decommissioned in August 1990, having played a significant role in maintaining strategic stability during her operational years.

USS Deyo (DD-989) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on March 22, 1980. Named after Admiral Morton L. Deyo, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, deployments, and operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991 where she provided naval gunfire support and escorted coalition vessels. Throughout her service, USS Deyo conducted missions ranging from anti-submarine warfare to maritime interdiction, exemplifying versatility and combat readiness. After over two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned on November 6, 2003, and subsequently sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2005.

USS Fanning (FF-1076) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Named after Nathaniel Fanning, a naval hero of the American Revolution, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, USS Fanning participated in numerous exercises and operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and Western Pacific, helping to safeguard U.S. and allied maritime interests. After nearly two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Adatepe (F-251).

USS Ford (FFG-54) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 29 June 1985. Named after Gunner's Mate Patrick O. Ford, a Vietnam War hero, the ship was designed for escort missions, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. Throughout her service, USS Ford participated in various operations, including drug interdiction patrols in the Caribbean and support missions in the Persian Gulf. After nearly three decades of active duty, the frigate was decommissioned on 31 October 2013.

USS George Bancroft (SSBN-643) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1966. Named after the historian and former Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, the submarine was an integral part of America’s strategic nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. Throughout its service, USS George Bancroft conducted numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. After nearly three decades of service, the submarine was decommissioned in September 1993 and subsequently scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) is the tenth and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, commissioned on January 10, 2009. Named in honor of the 41st U.S. President and World War II naval aviator George H. W. Bush, the ship serves as a key element of U.S. naval power projection. Since entering service, CVN 77 has participated in numerous multinational exercises, responded to global crises, and supported combat operations, including air strikes against ISIS during Operation Inherent Resolve. The carrier continues to serve as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 2, maintaining readiness and presence in critical regions worldwide.

USS Glover (AGDE-1), later reclassified as FF-1098, was a unique experimental destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1965. Named after Rear Admiral John Glover, the ship was designed to test and evaluate advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems and tactics during the height of the Cold War. Throughout her service, USS Glover operated primarily with the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous trials and exercises to improve the Navy’s ASW capabilities. She was decommissioned in 1990, having contributed significantly to the development of modern naval technology and warfare techniques.

USS Knox (FF-1052) was the lead ship of the Knox-class frigates in the United States Navy, commissioned on April 12, 1969. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, she served extensively during the Cold War, conducting patrols, exercises, and escort missions in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The vessel participated in numerous NATO operations and goodwill visits, enhancing U.S. naval presence worldwide. After more than two decades of service, USS Knox was decommissioned on February 14, 1992, and later transferred to Taiwan, where she served as ROCS Chi Yang (FFG-932).

USS Merrimack (AO-179) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler of the United States Navy, commissioned on November 7, 1981. Serving primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, she provided vital underway replenishment of fuel and supplies to warships at sea, ensuring sustained naval operations. Merrimack participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including support during operations in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned on December 18, 1998, and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.