U.S. Navy

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 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 Johnston (DD-821) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Ernest E. Evans, hero of the Battle off Samar, the ship served extensively during the Cold War era. Johnston participated in several important operations, including patrol and escort duties in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean, as well as deployments to the 6th Fleet. After decades of active service, she was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Republic of China Navy, where she served as ROCS Chen Yang (DD-916).

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.

USS Monterey (CG 61) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on June 16, 1990. Named after the Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War, the ship has played a crucial role in air defense, missile strikes, and maritime security operations. Throughout her service, Monterey has participated in numerous deployments, including support for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as NATO ballistic missile defense missions in Europe. The cruiser has been recognized for excellence in combat readiness and has contributed significantly to joint and allied naval operations around the world.

USS Petrel (ASR-14) was a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed to support submarine rescue and salvage operations, Petrel played a critical role during the Cold War, participating in numerous training exercises and real-world missions, including the search and recovery efforts following the loss of USS Thresher (SSN-593) in 1963. Throughout her service, she provided vital assistance to distressed submarines and contributed to advancements in deep-sea diving and rescue technology. USS Petrel was decommissioned in 1991 after more than four decades of dedicated service.

The **USS Reclaimer (ARS-42)** was a Bolster-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. She served primarily in the Pacific, supporting fleet operations by conducting salvage, towing, and rescue missions for damaged or stranded vessels. During the Vietnam War, Reclaimer played a crucial role in recovery and repair operations, often working in hazardous combat zones to support naval and allied forces. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to the Mexican Navy.

USS Rushmore (LSD 47) is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy on June 1, 1991. Designed to support amphibious operations, Rushmore has participated in numerous deployments, including missions in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Gulf. The ship has supported humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combat operations, notably contributing to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. With a focus on transporting and launching amphibious craft and vehicles, Rushmore continues to serve as a vital asset for the U.S. Navy’s expeditionary warfare capabilities.

USS San Jacinto (CG-56) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on January 23, 1988. Named after the Battle of San Jacinto, the ship has played a significant role in various operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing air defense, maritime security, and strike capabilities. San Jacinto gained international attention in 2009 for its involvement in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates. Throughout its service, USS San Jacinto has exemplified versatility and strength, supporting U.S. naval missions across the globe until its decommissioning in 2022.

USS Sides (FFG-14) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1981. Named in honor of Admiral John H. Sides, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, undertaking missions ranging from escort duties to anti-submarine warfare and maritime security operations. USS Sides notably participated in Operation Earnest Will in the late 1980s, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti tankers through the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War. After nearly two decades of service, the frigate was decommissioned in 2001 and later scrapped.

USS Tecumseh (SSBN-628) was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the renowned Shawnee leader Tecumseh, the submarine played a vital role during the Cold War as part of the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Tecumseh operated primarily in the Atlantic, ensuring the effectiveness of the United States’ second-strike capability. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1993 and later scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Wallace L. Lind (DD-703) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1944. She saw extensive service in World War II, participating in the Pacific campaign, including operations off Okinawa and providing anti-aircraft and fire support. In the Korean War, Wallace L. Lind conducted bombardment and screening duties, supporting United Nations forces on the peninsula. The destroyer continued her service through the Cold War era, participating in various exercises and deployments, until she was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy.

USS William R. Rush (DD-714) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned in 1945, just as World War II was ending. Named after Rear Admiral William R. Rush, the ship served prominently during the Cold War era, participating in operations and exercises with both the Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets. She saw action during the Korean War, providing gunfire support and performing escort duties. The destroyer continued her service through the Vietnam War, before being decommissioned in 1978 and later transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy.

Attack Squadron 44 (VA-44), originally established as VF-44 in 1945, was a United States Navy attack squadron. Re-designated as VA-44 in 1950, the unit participated in carrier-based operations, primarily focusing on attack and training missions. Throughout its service, VA-44 operated a variety of aircraft, including the F4U Corsair and later the A-4 Skyhawk. The squadron was also notable for serving as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training pilots and maintenance personnel until its disestablishment in 1970.

Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56), known as the "Champions," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on 4 July 1956. Initially operating the F9F-8B Cougar, the squadron later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk and A-7 Corsair II aircraft. VA-56 participated in major Cold War and Vietnam War operations, including multiple combat deployments to Southeast Asia from the aircraft carriers USS Hancock and USS Midway. The squadron was disestablished on 29 September 1986 after three decades of distinguished service.

VAQ-132, known as the "Scorpions," is a distinguished U.S. Navy electronic attack squadron established in 1955. Originally formed as Patrol Squadron (VP) 911 and later redesignated as Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH-132), the unit transitioned to electronic warfare in 1968, becoming the Navy's first operational EA-6B Prowler squadron. Over its history, VAQ-132 has participated in numerous major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Odyssey Dawn. The squadron transitioned to the cutting-edge EA-18G Growler in 2009, continuing its vital mission of electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses.

VF-194, also known as Fighter Squadron 194, was a U.S. Navy aviation unit established on May 18, 1955. The squadron was nicknamed the "Red Lightnings" and was primarily equipped with the FJ-3 Fury and later the F-8 Crusader fighter aircraft. VF-194 served with distinction aboard various aircraft carriers, participating in numerous deployments in the Pacific and supporting U.S. interests during the Cold War. The squadron was disestablished on March 1, 1958, after less than three years of active service.

Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125), known as the "Rough Raiders," was originally established on November 13, 1980, at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. It served as the U.S. Navy’s first F/A-18 Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron, responsible for training pilots and maintenance crews on the F/A-18 aircraft. VFA-125 was deactivated in 2010, but reactivated in 2017 to become the Navy’s first F-35C Lightning II Fleet Replacement Squadron, training the next generation of carrier-based stealth fighter pilots. Throughout its history, VFA-125 has played a key role in advancing naval aviation and supporting fleet readiness with cutting-edge aircraft.

Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA-137), known as the "Kestrels," was established on July 2, 1985, at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Originally flying the F/A-18A Hornet, the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet in 2003, enhancing its combat capabilities. VFA-137 has participated in numerous deployments, supporting operations such as Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom aboard various aircraft carriers. The squadron is renowned for its operational excellence and has earned several awards for its performance and safety record.