U.S. Navy

Great Lakes Hospital, originally established as part of the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in North Chicago, Illinois, has played a vital role in U.S. military medical care since World War I. During both World Wars, it served as a primary treatment and recovery center for thousands of wounded and ill Navy personnel. Over the decades, the hospital expanded its facilities and capabilities, adapting to the changing needs of military medicine. Today, it operates as the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, a unique partnership between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, continuing its legacy of service to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.

USS Canopus refers to two United States Navy ships. The first USS Canopus (AS-9), commissioned in 1922, served as a submarine tender in the Asiatic Fleet and played a vital support role during the early stages of World War II in the Pacific, particularly in the defense of the Philippines before being scuttled in 1942 to prevent capture. The second USS Canopus (AS-34), commissioned in 1965, was a Simon Lake-class submarine tender that provided maintenance and logistical support to ballistic missile submarines during the Cold War, mainly operating out of Rota, Spain, and later King's Bay, Georgia. Both ships were crucial in extending the operational reach and effectiveness of the U.S. Navy's submarine forces during their respective service periods. The legacy of the USS Canopus is marked by its steadfast support to the silent service across two major eras of naval warfare.

Security Forces(Navy)

66 members

**Security Forces (Navy)** are specialized units within naval services responsible for safeguarding naval installations, assets, and personnel. Their origins trace back to the need for dedicated shore-based protection during the 20th century, expanding significantly during World War II as naval bases became targets for sabotage and espionage. Over the decades, their mission has evolved to include anti-terrorism, force protection, and law enforcement duties both ashore and afloat. Today, Navy Security Forces are highly trained in physical security, access control, emergency response, and the use of advanced security technologies to ensure the safety and operational integrity of naval operations worldwide.

USS Essex (CVS-9) was an aircraft carrier commissioned in 1942, serving as the lead ship of the Essex-class carriers for the United States Navy. During World War II, Essex participated in major Pacific Theater operations, including strikes against the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and attacks on the Japanese home islands. After the war, she underwent modernization and was redesignated as an anti-submarine warfare carrier (CVS) in 1959. Essex continued to serve through the Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and early Vietnam War before being decommissioned in 1969.

USS KEARSARGE

66 members

USS Kearsarge is the name given to several notable ships in United States Navy history, most famously the sloop-of-war commissioned in 1862. During the American Civil War, USS Kearsarge gained renown by defeating the Confederate raider CSS Alabama off the coast of France in 1864, a pivotal naval engagement that bolstered Union morale. Later, the name was carried by a series of aircraft carriers, beginning with USS Kearsarge (CV-33), an Essex-class carrier commissioned in 1946 that served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. The legacy continues today with USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1993, supporting a wide range of military operations and humanitarian missions around the globe.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, located near Oak Harbor, Washington, was commissioned on September 21, 1942, during World War II to support Pacific naval operations. Initially serving as a training and patrol base, it played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrols throughout the war and the ensuing Cold War. Over the decades, NAS Whidbey Island became the primary home for the Navy's electronic warfare and maritime patrol aircraft, including the EA-6B Prowler and later the EA-18G Growler squadrons. Today, it remains a critical installation for naval aviation, supporting electronic attack, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions for the U.S. Navy and its allies.

USS Seattle (AOE-3) was a Sacramento-class fast combat support ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1969. Designed to provide rapid replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to carrier strike groups at sea, she played a crucial logistical role during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War. Over her distinguished career, Seattle participated in numerous deployments in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Persian Gulf, supporting operations such as Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After nearly 35 years of service, she was decommissioned in 2005 and eventually scrapped in 2011.

**Beachmaster Unit TWO (BMU-2)** is a United States Navy expeditionary unit established in 1949 and based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia. Its primary mission is to provide beach control and support for amphibious landings, ensuring the seamless movement of troops, vehicles, and supplies from sea to shore. BMU-2 has played a key role in major military operations and humanitarian missions, including support during the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and disaster relief efforts worldwide. The unit continues to serve as a critical link between naval forces and the shore, maintaining readiness for rapid deployment in support of U.S. and allied operations.

The Communications Tech. R (Radio) and T (Telecommunications) branches have played a crucial role in military operations since their establishment during the mid-20th century. Initially formed to handle secure and reliable transmission of information, these units were instrumental in coordinating battlefield movements and intelligence during the Cold War and subsequent conflicts. Over the decades, the branches adapted to rapidly advancing technologies, expanding their capabilities from traditional radio and telegraph systems to sophisticated digital and satellite communications. Today, the Communications Tech. R and T units remain at the forefront of military communications, ensuring operational security and connectivity in both conventional and cyber warfare environments.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) – Saigon was established by the United States Navy in 1966 during the Vietnam War to provide vital logistical, administrative, and supply support to naval and joint military operations in the Saigon area and throughout the Mekong Delta. The unit played a crucial role in sustaining Riverine and coastal patrol forces, repairing craft, and distributing ammunition, fuel, and provisions to U.S. and allied forces. NSA Saigon managed a complex network of depots, piers, and transportation assets, ensuring continuous operational capability for naval operations such as Operation Game Warden and Operation Market Time. The unit continued its mission until the drawdown of American forces, officially disestablishing in 1973 following the Paris Peace Accords.

USS ORION (AS-18) was a Fulton-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II. She played a vital role supporting submarine operations in the Pacific Theater, providing repairs, supplies, and maintenance to fleet submarines at forward bases including Midway, Pearl Harbor, and Guam. After World War II, ORION continued her service through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, adapting to the changing needs of the submarine force during the Cold War. Decommissioned in 1993, USS ORION had a distinguished career spanning five decades, ensuring the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy’s submarines.

USS NEW JERSEY

63 members

USS **New Jersey** (BB-62) is an Iowa-class battleship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1943. She saw extensive combat during World War II, providing crucial shore bombardment and anti-aircraft support in the Pacific Theater. Reactivated for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, New Jersey delivered powerful naval gunfire in support of ground operations. The battleship was modernized and served again in the 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War before being decommissioned for the final time in 1991. Today, USS New Jersey serves as a museum ship in Camden, New Jersey.

USS Prairie (AD-15) was a Dixie-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1940. During World War II, she provided vital repair and supply services to destroyers and other vessels in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations at locations such as Pearl Harbor, Eniwetok, and Leyte. After the war, Prairie continued her service during the Korean War and later supported the fleet throughout the Cold War, operating in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. She was decommissioned in 1993, having served the Navy for over five decades.

The USS SIERRA (AD-18) was a Dixie-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Serving during the latter part of World War II, the Sierra provided vital repair and maintenance support to the Pacific Fleet, enabling destroyers and other vessels to remain operational in forward areas. After the war, the ship continued its service through the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, supporting fleet operations and participating in numerous deployments. Decommissioned in 1993 after nearly five decades of service, the USS Sierra played a crucial logistical role in maintaining naval readiness throughout its distinguished career.

**Treasure Island** was established in 1941 as a United States Navy facility located in the San Francisco Bay, California. Originally constructed on an artificial island for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, it was quickly converted into a naval base with the outbreak of World War II. During the war, Treasure Island served as a crucial center for naval training, processing, and embarkation, handling hundreds of thousands of sailors headed for the Pacific Theater. After the war, the base continued to operate as a communication, administrative, and training hub until its closure in 1997, leaving behind a legacy as a key logistical and personnel support site for the U.S. Navy.

The USS Long Beach (CGN-9) was the world's first nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser, commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Serving during the height of the Cold War, she played a significant role in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962 and later participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, providing air defense and gunfire support. The ship was renowned for her advanced radar and missile systems, setting new standards for naval warfare technology. After more than three decades of service, the USS Long Beach was decommissioned in 1995.

USS Newport News (CA-148) was a Des Moines-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in 1949. Notably, she served as the flagship for the U.S. Second and Sixth Fleets during the height of the Cold War, participating in numerous NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments. The cruiser saw active combat during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support for ground forces and conducting shore bombardment missions. USS Newport News remained in service until her decommissioning in 1975, earning distinction as the last all-gun heavy cruiser in the U.S. Navy to see active duty.

The Communication Tech unit was established during the late 20th century in response to the growing importance of secure and rapid information exchange on the battlefield. Originally tasked with the deployment and maintenance of radio and wired communication systems, the unit quickly adapted to advances in digital technology, incorporating satellite and encrypted networks into their operations. Throughout multiple conflicts and peacekeeping missions, Communication Tech specialists have ensured seamless coordination between command centers and frontline troops. Today, the unit continues to pioneer cutting-edge cyber defense and electronic warfare capabilities, serving as a vital link in modern military operations.

USS DIXON (AS-37) was a L. Y. Spear-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy on August 7, 1971. Designed to provide maintenance, logistical support, and supplies to nuclear-powered attack submarines, Dixon served primarily with the Pacific Fleet, homeported in San Diego, California. Throughout her service, she played a crucial role in supporting submarine operations during the Cold War, ensuring fleet readiness and operational effectiveness. After nearly three decades of service, USS DIXON was decommissioned on December 15, 1995.

The USS Lexington is a name carried by several distinguished ships in the United States Navy, most famously by the aircraft carrier CV-2. Commissioned in 1927, this "Lady Lex" played a pivotal role in the early Pacific campaigns of World War II, including the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942. During that battle, she was heavily damaged by enemy aircraft and ultimately sunk, marking the first aircraft carrier lost by the United States in the war. Despite her loss, the USS Lexington’s crew and air group contributed significantly to halting Japanese expansion, and her name was later passed on to the Essex-class carrier CV-16, which served throughout the remainder of the war and beyond.

USS NASSAU

60 members

USS Nassau (LHA-4) was a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1979. Designed to carry and deploy Marines, helicopters, and landing craft, Nassau played a key role in projecting American power and humanitarian assistance worldwide. The ship participated in notable operations, including the Gulf War’s Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and supported missions in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East. USS Nassau was decommissioned in 2011 after over three decades of distinguished service.

USS Detroit (AOE-4) was a Sacramento-class fast combat support ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed to provide rapid underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to carrier battle groups, Detroit played a vital role in maintaining fleet readiness. Throughout her service, she supported operations during the Cold War, including deployments to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and participated in multiple NATO exercises. After over three decades of distinguished service, USS Detroit was decommissioned in 2005.

USS **Shangri-La (CV-38/CVA-38)** was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1944. She participated in the final stages of World War II, launching air strikes against the Japanese home islands and supporting operations such as the Okinawa campaign. After the war, Shangri-La was decommissioned but later modernized and recommissioned in 1951, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets during the Cold War. The carrier was finally decommissioned in 1971, having earned two battle stars for her World War II service.

The **USS Yellowstone** name has been carried by several vessels in the United States Navy, most notably by **USS Yellowstone (AD-27)**, a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned in 1946. Designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to destroyer fleets, she played a vital role during the Cold War, supporting U.S. naval operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Yellowstone participated in major exercises and deployments, ensuring fleet readiness during crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and numerous Mediterranean operations with the Sixth Fleet. After decades of distinguished service, the ship was decommissioned in 1996, marking the end of her significant contributions to U.S. naval power projection and fleet support.