U.S. Navy

USS Reasoner (DE/FF-1063) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Named in honor of Marine First Lieutenant Frank S. Reasoner, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship was initially designated as a destroyer escort (DE) before being reclassified as a frigate (FF) in 1975. Throughout her service, USS Reasoner participated in various operations, including anti-submarine warfare exercises and patrol missions during the Cold War, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. She was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Kocatepe (F-257).

USS *Richard B. Anderson* (DD-786) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in October 1945. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Private First Class Richard B. Anderson, the ship served in the Pacific during the final months of World War II and later participated in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carrier operations. During the Vietnam War, *Richard B. Anderson* conducted shore bombardment and search and rescue missions. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1975 and transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she served as ROCS *Kai Yang* (DD-924) until 1999.

USS Robert H. McCard (DD-822) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1946 and named in honor of Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert H. McCard, a Medal of Honor recipient. Throughout her service, she participated in Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments with the 6th Fleet. The ship supported naval blockade and patrol duties during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and later served in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and escort services. Decommissioned in 1975, the USS Robert H. McCard was subsequently transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she continued her service as TCG Kocatepe (D354).

The USS **Salem (CA-139)** was a Des Moines-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1949. Serving primarily with the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean during the early years of the Cold War, Salem acted as flagship for both the 6th Fleet and the 2nd Fleet. Though she never saw combat, the ship participated in numerous NATO exercises and displayed American naval power during periods of international tension. Decommissioned in 1959, USS Salem is now a museum ship in Quincy, Massachusetts, preserving her Cold War legacy for future generations.

USS *Stonewall Jackson* (SSBN-634) was a James Madison-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy in 1964. Named after Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, the submarine played a critical role in the U.S. strategic deterrent force during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Throughout her 26 years of service, *Stonewall Jackson* completed over 80 strategic deterrent patrols, ensuring a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent. The vessel was decommissioned in 1992 as newer classes of submarines entered service and as part of arms reduction agreements.

USS Stormes (DD-780) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named after Lieutenant Commander Robert E. Stormes, the ship served in the Pacific during the closing months of World War II. In the following decades, USS Stormes participated in various Cold War operations, including patrols and exercises in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and off Korea during the Korean War. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1970 and later transferred to the Iranian Navy, where she served under the name IIS Zaal.

USS Tanner (AGS-15) began her service as USS Pamina (AKA-34), an attack cargo ship commissioned in 1944 and active in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, she was converted to a survey ship and renamed USS Tanner in honor of distinguished hydrographer Zera Luther Tanner. From 1946 to 1969, USS Tanner conducted extensive hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, supporting naval and scientific operations around the world, including the Mediterranean, the North Atlantic, and the Arctic. She played a vital role in charting previously uncharted waters, enhancing navigation safety for both military and civilian vessels before being decommissioned in 1969.

USS Thach (FFG-43) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 17 March 1984. Named after Admiral John Thach, a World War II naval aviator and tactician, the ship was primarily engaged in escort, patrol, and anti-submarine warfare missions. Throughout her service, USS Thach participated in various operations, including counter-narcotics deployments in the Caribbean and multinational exercises in the Pacific and Middle East. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on 1 November 2013.

USS Tortuga (LSD-26) 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 played a vital role in transporting landing craft and supporting amphibious operations. During the Korean War, Tortuga participated in key operations such as the Inchon landings and the evacuation of Hungnam. She continued her service through the Vietnam War, providing essential logistical and amphibious support before being decommissioned in 1970.

USS Twining (DD-540) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1943. Named after Rear Admiral Nathan C. Twining, she saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the Marianas, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa campaigns. Twining provided vital fire support, engaged enemy aircraft, and performed escort and screening duties for larger fleet units. After World War II, she was decommissioned in 1947, later transferred to the Republic of China Navy in 1971, and served as ROCS Kwei Yang (DDG-908) until her retirement.

USS Vella Gulf (CG-72) was a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on 18 September 1993. Named after the Battle of Vella Gulf from World War II, the ship served in a variety of roles, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime security operations. Throughout her career, USS Vella Gulf deployed multiple times to the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, and other regions, supporting missions such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The cruiser was decommissioned on 4 August 2022, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

USS Von Steuben (SSBN-632) was a James Madison-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Assigned to the "Gold" crew, one of the two alternating crews, she conducted numerous strategic deterrent patrols during the height of the Cold War, carrying Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. The Gold crew played a critical role in ensuring continuous at-sea deterrence, operating out of bases such as Rota, Spain, and Holy Loch, Scotland. After nearly three decades of service, Von Steuben was decommissioned in 1994, marking the end of her contribution to America's undersea nuclear deterrent force.

USS Wadsworth (FFG-9) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1980. Named after Commodore Alexander S. Wadsworth, she served with distinction during the latter years of the Cold War, participating in numerous multinational exercises and Middle East deployments, including Operation Earnest Will, which protected shipping in the Persian Gulf. Wadsworth played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and convoy escort missions, exemplifying the versatility of her class. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 2002 and later transferred to the Polish Navy, where she continues to serve as ORP Generał Tadeusz Kościuszko.

USS Whitfield County (LST-1169) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. The vessel was primarily tasked with transporting tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops to support amphibious operations, serving extensively in the Pacific. During the Vietnam War, Whitfield County played a significant role in logistical support, delivering supplies and providing direct assistance during riverine and coastal operations. She was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Greek Navy, where she served as Kos (L-116) before being retired.

USS Will Rogers (SSBN-659) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1967. Named after the American humorist Will Rogers, she conducted strategic deterrent patrols throughout the Cold War, primarily armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. The submarine operated mainly from forward bases in Scotland, playing a critical role in maintaining the U.S. nuclear deterrent. USS Will Rogers was decommissioned in 1993 following the end of the Cold War and subsequently scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Winston (AKA-94) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Designed to carry cargo and landing craft for amphibious operations, Winston served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in the Okinawa campaign. After the war, she supported occupation forces in Japan and China and later took part in the Korean War, transporting troops and supplies during several key operations. Decommissioned in 1957, Winston was briefly reactivated for service before finally being struck from the Navy list in 1968.

USS WREN (DD-568) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1944. During World War II, WREN served in the Pacific Theater, providing anti-aircraft screening, shore bombardment, and escort duties during operations such as the invasions of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The destroyer earned several battle stars for her service before being decommissioned in 1947. Recommissioned for service during the Korean War, WREN continued to serve until her final decommissioning in 1963.

Attack Squadron 106 (VA-106), known as the "Gladiators," was established in April 1952 as a United States Navy attack squadron. The unit saw significant action during the Cold War era, including combat operations in the Korean War and Vietnam War. VA-106 operated a variety of aircraft over its history, such as the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, and the A-4 Skyhawk. The squadron was recognized for its professionalism and combat effectiveness before being disestablished on January 7, 1969.

Attack Squadron 144 (VA-144), known as the "Roadrunners," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on January 26, 1956. Initially flying the F9F Cougar, the squadron later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk, becoming a key component of carrier air wings in the Pacific Fleet. VA-144 participated in multiple Western Pacific deployments, including combat operations during the early years of the Vietnam War. The squadron was disestablished on January 1, 1971, after 15 years of active service.

Attack Squadron 87 (VA-87), also known as the "Golden Warriors," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on August 1, 1968. The squadron flew the A-7 Corsair II and was homeported at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. VA-87 participated in numerous deployments, including combat operations during the Vietnam War and later in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean regions. The unit was eventually redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron 87 (VFA-87) in 1986, transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet and continuing its legacy as a frontline carrier-based squadron.

Attack Squadron 97 (VA-97), known as the "Warhawks," was a U.S. Navy attack squadron established on June 1, 1967. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and primarily flew the A-7 Corsair II aircraft. VA-97 participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, conducting strike missions from aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. The squadron was disestablished on December 1, 1977, after a decade of distinguished service.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126), known as the "Seahawks," is a United States Navy airborne early warning squadron established in April 1969. Flying the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, VAW-126 provides all-weather airborne command and control, surveillance, and battle management to carrier strike groups. Over its history, the squadron has supported major operations including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, playing a critical role in airspace management and fleet defense. VAW-126 continues to operate as part of Carrier Air Wing 1, maintaining readiness for global deployment in support of U.S. naval operations.

Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), known as the "Bandits," was a United States Navy adversary squadron established in 1956. Initially formed as VF-126, the squadron was tasked with providing air combat training for fleet pilots, often simulating enemy aircraft and tactics. Based at NAS Miramar, California, VF-126 played a crucial role in the Navy's air combat readiness during the Cold War, employing aircraft such as the A-4 Skyhawk, F-5 Tiger II, and F/A-18 Hornet. The squadron was disestablished in 1994 as part of post-Cold War restructuring.

VF-96, also known as Fighter Squadron 96 and nicknamed the "Fighting Falcons," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1950. The squadron was most notable for its service during the Vietnam War, flying the F-4 Phantom II and earning distinction for its air combat achievements. VF-96 aviators, including Lieutenant Randy Cunningham and Lieutenant (jg) William Driscoll, achieved ace status by downing five enemy aircraft in 1972. The squadron was disestablished in 1975, but its legacy lives on as one of the Navy’s most accomplished fighter units of its era.