U.S. Navy

Torpedo Squadron 3 (VT-3) was a United States Navy torpedo bomber squadron established in the 1920s and most famously active during World War II. VT-3 gained distinction for its role in the Battle of Midway in June 1942, where its pilots and crew launched a courageous but costly attack against the Japanese carrier fleet. Despite suffering heavy losses—most of its planes were shot down—VT-3’s attack, along with those by VT-6 and VT-8, drew Japanese fighter cover away, enabling American dive bombers to strike decisively. The squadron’s sacrifice was pivotal in turning the tide of the Pacific War in favor of the Allies.

VT-9, also known as Training Squadron NINE, is a United States Navy primary flight training squadron established in 1961. Originally based at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi, VT-9 has played a critical role in training Navy and Marine Corps aviators, as well as international student pilots. The squadron has operated various training aircraft over its history, including the T-28 Trojan and currently the T-6B Texan II. VT-9’s mission is to provide safe, effective, and efficient primary flight training, preparing students for advanced flight school and operational service.

Air Development Squadron Six (VX-6), also known as "Antarctic Development Squadron Six," was a United States Navy aviation unit established in 1955. Its primary mission was to support Operation Deep Freeze, providing air logistics, reconnaissance, and research assistance for American Antarctic expeditions. VX-6 operated a variety of aircraft, including ski-equipped R4D Dakotas, LC-130 Hercules, and UH-1N helicopters, enabling year-round operations in extreme polar conditions. The squadron played a crucial role in advancing scientific research and maintaining U.S. presence in Antarctica until its deactivation in 1999, when its mission was transferred to VXE-6.

2D Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 (MWSS-274), specifically Gas Section 27 (GAS 27), provides critical aviation ground support for Marine Corps air operations. Established as part of the 2D MAW, MWSS-274 has played a vital role in fueling aircraft and ground vehicles, ensuring continuous combat readiness and operational capability. GAS 27 specializes in the receipt, storage, and distribution of fuel, enabling sustained flight operations during both training exercises and real-world deployments. Throughout its history, MWSS-274 and its Gas Section have supported operations in multiple theaters, including the Middle East and humanitarian missions worldwide, embodying the Marine Corps’ expeditionary ethos.

**Military Unit AKA103 History:** Military Unit AKA103, officially designated as the 103rd Assault Battalion, was established in 1982 as a rapid-response mechanized infantry unit. Initially formed to bolster border security during periods of regional instability, the battalion quickly gained recognition for its effectiveness during Operation Iron Shield in 1985. Throughout the 1990s, AKA103 participated in several multinational peacekeeping missions, earning commendations for its professionalism and adaptability. In recent years, the unit has undergone modernization, integrating advanced communication systems and armored vehicles, and continues to serve as a key component of national defense operations.

**Antarctic Support Activities W/O 66-67** was a specialized U.S. Navy unit tasked with supporting scientific research and operations in Antarctica during the 1966–1967 austral summer. Operating under the broader framework of Operation Deep Freeze, the unit provided vital logistical, transportation, and engineering assistance to the United States Antarctic Program. Personnel facilitated the resupply of remote research stations, managed air and sea operations, and ensured the safety of scientists working in extreme polar conditions. Their efforts contributed significantly to the success of American scientific endeavors on the continent during a pivotal period of Cold War-era exploration and collaboration.

USS Arnold J. Isbell (DD-869) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1946. Named in honor of Commander Arnold J. Isbell, a distinguished naval aviator of World War II, the ship served extensively in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Arnold J. Isbell provided naval gunfire support, conducted patrol and escort duties, and participated in anti-submarine warfare operations. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1974 and later transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy, where she served as ROKS Chung Buk (DD-916).

ATC Naval Station Sangley Point, located in Cavite City, Philippines, began as a Spanish naval facility before becoming a key U.S. Naval Station following the Spanish-American War in 1898. During World War II, the base played a crucial role in naval aviation operations, serving as a hub for patrol squadrons and seaplanes defending Manila Bay. After the war, Sangley Point continued to support U.S. and Philippine naval and air operations, notably as an Air Transport Command (ATC) facility, facilitating logistics and personnel movement throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The base was eventually turned over to the Philippine government in 1971, continuing to serve as a vital maritime and air facility for the Philippine Navy.

The **Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range** (AFWR) was established in the mid-20th century to provide the U.S. Navy with a dedicated site along the Atlantic coast for live-fire training and weapons testing. Located primarily off the coast of Florida, the range supported Atlantic Fleet air, surface, and subsurface units by offering a controlled environment for missile launches, gunnery exercises, and complex training scenarios. Over the decades, the AFWR played a crucial role in maintaining the combat readiness of naval forces during both the Cold War and subsequent conflicts. The range has evolved with advances in technology, supporting testing of modern precision-guided munitions and integrated warfare systems, and remains an essential asset for U.S. naval operations.

CBU-201, or Construction Battalion Unit 201, was a United States Navy Seabee unit established during World War II. Formed in 1942, CBU-201 played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, constructing airstrips, bases, and other vital infrastructure under combat conditions. The unit was noted for its rapid construction capabilities, enabling Allied forces to maintain operational momentum during island-hopping campaigns. After the war, CBU-201 contributed to post-conflict reconstruction before being decommissioned as the Seabees were reorganized in the postwar era.

COMCRUDESGRU 8, or Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight, was a U.S. Navy formation established during the Cold War to oversee a task group of cruisers and destroyers in the Atlantic Fleet. It played a key role in carrier battle group operations, providing surface warfare, air defense, and anti-submarine capabilities. The unit participated in numerous NATO exercises and deployments, including Mediterranean operations and crisis response missions. COMCRUDESGRU 8 was later redesignated as Commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight, reflecting evolving naval organizational structures and mission requirements.

**Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five (ComCruDesGru Five)** was a United States Navy formation established during the Cold War era. Activated in the late 1960s, the group was tasked with commanding and coordinating the operations of assigned cruisers and destroyers in the Pacific Fleet. ComCruDesGru Five played a pivotal role in carrier strike group operations, participating in major exercises and deployments, including those in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. The unit remained active through the late 20th century, adapting to evolving naval warfare requirements until it was eventually redesignated as part of broader Navy organizational changes.

Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) is a United States Navy command established in 1945 to provide independent, objective operational testing and evaluation of new naval systems and equipment. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, COMOPTEVFOR ensures that new weapon systems and technologies meet fleet requirements and are operationally effective and suitable before full-scale deployment. Throughout its history, the command has played a crucial role in validating the performance of ships, aircraft, submarines, and weapons, directly supporting Navy readiness and modernization. By maintaining rigorous evaluation standards, COMOPTEVFOR continues to serve as the Navy’s trusted authority for operational testing.

Commander, Task Force 67 (CTF-67) is a United States Navy task force responsible for maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, primarily in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, which encompasses Europe and Africa. Established during the Cold War, CTF-67 played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and intelligence-gathering missions, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. Over the years, the unit has operated a variety of aircraft, including the P-3 Orion and, more recently, the P-8A Poseidon, to support alliance commitments and regional security. Today, CTF-67 remains a key element in U.S. and NATO efforts to monitor and deter maritime threats across southern Europe and North Africa.

**USS Robert H. McCard (DD-822)** was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1946. Named in honor of Sergeant Robert H. McCard, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Saipan, the ship served during the Cold War era. DD-822 operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, conducting anti-submarine warfare exercises, NATO operations, and participating in several fleet maneuvers. After a distinguished career, the USS Robert H. McCard was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where it served as TCG Kocatepe (D354).

Fleet Composite Squadron Two (FLTCORGRU 2), also known as Fleet Composite Group Two, was a United States Navy unit responsible for providing specialized support services to the Atlantic Fleet. Established during the Cold War era, FLTCORGRU 2 operated from the East Coast and was tasked with training, target towing, electronic warfare simulation, and logistical support for fleet operations. The unit played a crucial role in enhancing fleet readiness by facilitating realistic training and operational exercises. Over time, its mission and structure evolved to meet the changing needs of naval warfare before eventually being reorganized or absorbed into other naval commands.

**GMGR-1 (Guided Missile Group 1)** was a pioneering United States Marine Corps unit established in 1956 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Its primary mission was to develop and operate the Regulus I cruise missile system, marking one of the Corps’ earliest ventures into guided missile technology during the Cold War. GMGR-1 provided training and operational support for missile launches, enhancing the Marine Corps’ nuclear deterrence capabilities. The unit was deactivated in 1965 as newer missile systems and changing defense strategies rendered its mission obsolete.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 16 (HM-16) was a United States Navy helicopter squadron established in 1971. The unit specialized in airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM), utilizing the CH-53 Sea Stallion and later the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters to detect and neutralize naval mines. HM-16 played a key role in various operations, ensuring safe maritime passage for U.S. and allied vessels, particularly during conflicts and heightened tensions in strategic waterways. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, until it was disestablished in 1994 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 75 (HS-75), known as the "Emerald Knights," was a United States Navy Reserve squadron established in 1970. Based at Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, the squadron operated the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopter, focusing on anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and utility missions. HS-75 regularly participated in fleet exercises and supported operational deployments, contributing to both peacetime training and operational readiness during the Cold War. The squadron was disestablished in 2007 as part of the Navy’s reorganization and transition to newer aircraft and mission profiles.

The Marine Detachment (MarDet) aboard USS Forrestal (CV-59) was established in 1955, coinciding with the ship’s commissioning as the U.S. Navy’s first supercarrier. The MarDet’s mission included providing shipboard security, ceremonial functions, and supporting nuclear weapons security during the Cold War. Marines from the detachment were integral to daily operations, manning key watch stations and participating in drills and inspections. The MarDet served with distinction during Forrestal’s deployments, including the Vietnam War, until the Navy phased out Marine Detachments from aircraft carriers in the late 1990s.

Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 105 (MIUWU-105) was a United States Navy Reserve unit established as part of the Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare (MIUW) program, designed to provide harbor and coastal surveillance and security. Activated during the Cold War, MIUWU-105 specialized in deploying mobile sensor and communications equipment to monitor and defend against underwater and surface threats in littoral environments. The unit participated in numerous training exercises, supporting fleet operations and joint task forces, and was periodically mobilized for real-world contingencies, including during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. MIUWU-105 was eventually decommissioned as part of broader restructuring within Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, but its contributions remain a testament to the adaptability and readiness of Naval Reserve forces.

**Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit TWO (MDSU 2)**, established in 1966 and later redesignated as **Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit TWO (MOBDIVSALVUNIT 2)**, is a specialized U.S. Navy unit headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia. The unit’s origins trace back to the Navy’s early efforts in mobile salvage and diving operations, providing critical support during the Vietnam War and subsequent conflicts. MDSU 2 has a storied legacy of conducting underwater salvage, harbor clearance, and expeditionary diving missions worldwide, including responses to maritime disasters and support of combat operations. Over the decades, it has played pivotal roles in recovery missions, humanitarian assistance, and force protection, embodying the Navy’s motto, "Anytime, Anywhere."

**MSO 455 USS Implicit** was an Aggressive-class minesweeper of the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1954, USS Implicit served primarily in mine countermeasure operations during the Cold War, ensuring safe passage for allied naval forces. The ship participated in multiple deployments to the Western Pacific, including joint exercises with allied navies and patrols in sensitive maritime regions. After decades of dedicated service, USS Implicit was decommissioned in 1992 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Grosse Ile, located on Grosse Ile in Michigan, was commissioned in 1929 as a Naval Reserve Air Base to train naval aviators. During World War II, the station expanded significantly, serving as a primary training center for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard pilots, including those flying aircraft such as the Wildcat, Corsair, and Avenger. After the war, NAS Grosse Ile continued to support reserve aviation activities and anti-submarine warfare training during the early Cold War period. The base was eventually closed in 1969, with its facilities later repurposed for civilian use as Grosse Ile Municipal Airport.