U.S. Navy

The U.S. Naval Air Station (NAS) San Juan, Puerto Rico, was established during World War II as an important facility for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare in the Caribbean. Commissioned in 1942 at Isla Grande, the base supported operations to protect Allied shipping lanes from German U-boat threats and served as a hub for naval aviation in the region. Following the war, NAS San Juan continued to play a key role in regional security and training exercises throughout the early Cold War period. The base was eventually decommissioned and its facilities were transferred to local authorities, becoming part of what is now the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport.

USS Alabama (SSBN-731) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on May 25, 1985. As a key component of America's strategic nuclear deterrent, she is equipped to carry Trident ballistic missiles and operates with a dual crew system, Blue and Gold, to maximize patrol time. Alabama has completed numerous deterrent patrols, contributing to the continuous at-sea presence vital to national security. The submarine gained additional recognition through its depiction in the 1995 film "Crimson Tide," symbolizing her enduring significance in both military operations and popular culture.

USS Alexander Hamilton (SSBN-617) was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1963. As part of the nation's strategic deterrent force during the Cold War, she conducted numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. The submarine played a critical role in maintaining nuclear deterrence by operating undetected beneath the oceans. After over two decades of service, USS Alexander Hamilton was decommissioned in February 1993 and subsequently scrapped under the Navy's Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Aspro (SSN-648) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1969. Named after the aspro fish, this nuclear-powered submarine was designed for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence-gathering missions during the Cold War. Throughout her service, Aspro conducted numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and participated in key fleet exercises, showcasing the Navy’s technological advancements and operational readiness. After over two decades of distinguished service, USS Aspro was decommissioned in 1995 and later scrapped as part of the Navy’s nuclear-powered ship and submarine recycling program.

USS Barbey (FF-1088) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1972 and named in honor of Admiral Daniel E. Barbey. Throughout her service, Barbey conducted numerous operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including deployments to the Western Pacific and participation in joint exercises with allied navies. She played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and escort missions during the Cold War, helping to safeguard U.S. and allied interests. USS Barbey was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to the Taiwanese Navy, where she served as ROCS Hwai Yang (FFG-937).

USS Blandy (DD-943) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on November 26, 1957. Named after Admiral William H. P. Blandy, the ship served prominently during the Cold War era, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments. USS Blandy was involved in key operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine in 1962 and Vietnam War support missions. After more than two decades of service, she was decommissioned on November 5, 1982, and later sunk as a target in 1989.

USS Cadmus (AR-14) was a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed to provide repair and maintenance support to destroyers and other small vessels, Cadmus served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet. Throughout her career, she participated in numerous fleet exercises and deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean and support during the Cold War era. The ship was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the Security Assistance Program.

USS Catamount (LSD-17) was a Casa Grande-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Initially serving in the final stages of World War II, she participated in occupation duties in the Far East. During the Korean War, Catamount played a crucial role in amphibious operations, including the Inchon landings, and supported minesweeping activities. The ship continued service through the Vietnam War, providing logistical support and transporting troops and equipment before being decommissioned in 1970.

USS Cavalier (APA-37) was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She played a vital role in World War II, participating in key amphibious operations in the Pacific, including the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, and Okinawa. After the war, Cavalier assisted in occupation duties in Japan and later supported troop movements during the Korean War. She continued to serve with the Pacific Fleet until her decommissioning in 1968, earning multiple battle stars for her service.

USS Charles P. Cecil (DD-835) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Charles P. Cecil, a naval aviator killed in action, the ship participated in numerous Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and patrols in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. During the Korean War, she provided gunfire support and conducted screening duties for aircraft carriers. The USS Charles P. Cecil continued active service into the Vietnam War era before being decommissioned and transferred to the Greek Navy in 1979, where she served as Apostolis (D216) until her final decommissioning.

USS Cimarron (AO-22) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1939. Serving extensively during World War II, she played a critical logistical role in the Pacific Theater, supplying fuel to warships during major operations including the Battles of Midway, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa. Cimarron's efficiency and resilience under threat earned her twelve battle stars for her wartime service. After the war, she continued to support naval operations during the Korean War before being decommissioned in 1965.

USS Comte De Grasse (DD-974) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1978. Named after French Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in numerous NATO exercises and supporting fleet operations during the Cold War. Throughout its career, Comte De Grasse was involved in operations such as Desert Storm and various counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1998 and later sunk as a target during a naval exercise in 2006.

USS David R. Ray (DD-971) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on November 19, 1977. Named after Hospital Corpsman Second Class David R. Ray, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served with distinction in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her service, David R. Ray conducted numerous deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, participating in operations such as Operation Earnest Will and supporting multinational exercises. The destroyer was decommissioned on February 28, 2002, after nearly 25 years of service, and was later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2008.

USS Dewey (DDG-105) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy, named in honor of Admiral George Dewey, hero of the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. Commissioned on March 6, 2010, the Dewey has participated in numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and Middle East, supporting missions such as maritime security, ballistic missile defense, and freedom of navigation operations. The ship has taken part in multinational exercises, including RIMPAC and joint operations with allied navies, enhancing interoperability and regional stability. Throughout its service, USS Dewey has exemplified the Navy's commitment to forward presence and rapid response capabilities.

USS *Florida* (SSBN-728) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on June 18, 1983. Designed for strategic deterrence, she originally carried Trident I and later Trident II nuclear missiles, operating as a vital leg of America's nuclear triad during the Cold War. In 2003, *Florida* began conversion to a guided missile submarine (SSGN), and by 2006 she was re-commissioned with the ability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and support special operations. Since then, *USS Florida* has played a critical role in strike and special warfare missions, including participation in Operation Odyssey Dawn in 2011, launching Tomahawk missiles during the intervention in Libya.

USS Francis Marion (APA-249) was a Haskell-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Named after the Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the ship was designed to carry troops and equipment for amphibious assaults. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous training exercises, Cold War operations, and deployments with the Atlantic Fleet, including support for NATO operations and crisis response missions. The Francis Marion was decommissioned in 1979 and later transferred to the Maritime Administration, concluding her distinguished naval career.

USS Fremont (APA-44) was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She played a vital role during World War II, participating in several major Pacific Theater operations, including the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Fremont transported troops, equipment, and casualties, often operating under the threat of enemy air and naval attacks. After the war, she assisted in occupation duties and the repatriation of American personnel before being decommissioned in 1946.

USS Harwood (DD-861) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Named in honor of Commander Bruce L. Harwood, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in various operations including patrols in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Harwood provided naval gunfire support during the Korean War and later took part in NATO exercises and the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade. Decommissioned in 1973, she was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Kocatepe (D354) until 1994.

USS Henderson (DD-785) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named after Marine Corps Commandant Archibald Henderson, she served with distinction during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carrier task forces. Throughout the Vietnam War, Henderson conducted multiple deployments, offering shore bombardment and plane guard duties. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1980 and later transferred to Pakistan, where she served as PNS Tughril.

USS Hugh Purvis (DD-709) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named after Marine Private Hugh Purvis, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served in the final months of World War II and then participated in postwar occupation duties in East Asia. Throughout the Cold War, Hugh Purvis conducted numerous operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Middle East, including support for the Korean War and various NATO exercises. The ship was decommissioned in 1972 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, serving as TCG Alp Arslan until 1994.

USS James E. Kyes (DD-787) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1946, named in honor of Commander James E. Kyes, a World War II hero. The ship served with distinction during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in shore bombardments. Throughout the Cold War, she conducted patrols and exercises in the Pacific, including significant deployments during the Vietnam War, where she supported naval operations and coastal bombardments. Decommissioned from U.S. service in 1973, USS James E. Kyes was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she continued to serve under the name ROCS Chien Yang (DD-912).

USS Jarrett (FFG-33) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1983. Named after Vice Admiral Harry B. Jarrett, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, conducting escort, patrol, and anti-submarine operations. Jarrett participated in Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War, helping to protect oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, and later supported operations during the Gulf War. The ship was decommissioned in 2011 after nearly three decades of service.

The USS John S. McCain (DDG-36) was a Mitscher-class destroyer, originally commissioned as DL-3 (destroyer leader) in 1953 and later reclassified as a guided missile destroyer in 1969. Named after Admiral John S. McCain, Sr., the ship served extensively with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, taking part in a variety of operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War where it provided naval gunfire support and plane guard duties. The McCain earned several commendations for its service during this period. The ship was decommissioned in 1978 and subsequently scrapped, marking the end of its distinguished career.

USS Jouett (CG-29) was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1966. Named after Rear Admiral James Edward Jouett, the ship served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and acting as a radar picket. Throughout the Cold War, Jouett participated in numerous exercises and operations, demonstrating advanced anti-air and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1994 and later expended as a target during naval exercises in 2007.