U.S. Navy

Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25), also known as the "Fist of the Fleet," was originally established in 1943 as Torpedo Squadron VT-17 during World War II. The squadron participated in major Pacific campaigns, including strikes against the Japanese home islands. Over the decades, VFA-25 transitioned through various aircraft, from the TBM Avenger to the A-1 Skyraider, A-7 Corsair II, and currently operates the F/A-18E Super Hornet. The unit has seen combat in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and recent Middle East operations, earning a distinguished record for combat effectiveness and adaptability.

Patrol Squadron 18 (VP-18), known as the "Flying Phantoms," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1946. Originally formed as VP-914 in the Naval Reserve, it was redesignated as VP-18 in 1953. The squadron operated various aircraft, including the P-2V Neptune, conducting anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions, primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions. VP-18 played an active role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, providing surveillance and reconnaissance support. The squadron was disestablished on October 10, 1968, after more than two decades of service.

Patrol Squadron 28 (VP-28), known as the "Hawaiian Warriors," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established during World War II. Initially formed in 1943, VP-28 operated primarily in the Pacific Theater, conducting anti-submarine warfare, maritime reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions. The squadron played a vital role in post-war patrol operations during the Korean War and Cold War, operating aircraft such as the PBY Catalina, PB4Y-2 Privateer, and later the P-2 Neptune. VP-28 was finally disestablished in 1969, capping a distinguished record of service spanning more than two decades.

Patrol Squadron 62 (VP-62) was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established on 1 August 1942 during World War II. The squadron was initially based at NAS Alameda, California, flying the PBY Catalina seaplane on anti-submarine and maritime patrol missions. VP-62 was deployed to the Aleutian Islands, operating from bases such as Dutch Harbor and Adak, where it conducted reconnaissance and search operations against Japanese forces in the North Pacific. The squadron was disestablished on 21 June 1943 following the reduction of enemy activity in the Aleutians and the shifting strategic needs of the U.S. Navy.

Patrol Squadron 93 (VP-93), known as the "Executioners," was a United States Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on July 1, 1976, at Naval Air Facility Detroit, Michigan. The squadron operated the Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, specializing in anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime surveillance missions. Throughout its service, VP-93 participated in numerous exercises and operations, providing support during events such as Operation Desert Storm and enforcing United Nations sanctions in the Adriatic Sea. The unit was deactivated on September 30, 1994, as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

VPU-1, or Patrol Squadron Unmanned-1, is a specialized unit within the United States Navy established to operate and evaluate unmanned aerial systems for maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions. Formed in the 21st century as the Navy shifted focus toward advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, VPU-1 played a pivotal role in integrating unmanned technologies like the MQ-4C Triton into fleet operations. The squadron's missions have included persistent wide-area surveillance, signals intelligence, and support for anti-submarine warfare. VPU-1's innovative work has contributed significantly to the evolution of naval aviation and modern maritime domain awareness.

VPU-2, known as "Wizards," is a United States Navy unit with a heritage dating back to its original designation as VQ-2, which was established in 1955 to conduct signals intelligence and electronic surveillance missions during the Cold War. The unit operated various specialized aircraft, including the EP-3 Aries and P-3 Orion, providing critical intelligence support throughout multiple conflicts and during peacetime operations. In 1998, the unit was redesignated as VPU-2 and shifted its mission focus to maritime patrol and reconnaissance, deploying globally from its home base at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. VPU-2 played an essential role in gathering intelligence and supporting fleet operations before its deactivation in 2012.

VT-29 was a U.S. Navy training squadron established in 1952 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Its primary mission was to provide advanced multi-engine flight training to Navy, Marine Corps, and allied student aviators, primarily using the Convair C-131 Samaritan and T-29 aircraft. Over the course of its service, VT-29 played a vital role in preparing pilots for fleet assignments in patrol, transport, and reconnaissance roles during the Cold War. The squadron was disestablished in 1976 as part of a reorganization of Navy training units.

Training Squadron Thirty-One (VT-31), known as the “Wise Owls,” was established in 1960 and is based at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. The squadron’s primary mission is to provide advanced multi-engine flight training for future U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and international student naval aviators. VT-31 initially flew the Grumman TS-2A Tracker before transitioning to the Beechcraft T-44A Pegasus, which remains its primary training aircraft. Over the decades, VT-31 has played a crucial role in preparing aviators for operational assignments in maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and transport aircraft.

Training Squadron FOUR (VT-4), based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, was established in 1960 as part of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Training Command. Originally, VT-4 provided advanced multi-engine flight training for student naval aviators, using aircraft such as the T-39 Sabreliner and T-44 Pegasus. Over the years, the squadron’s mission evolved, and VT-4 played a crucial role in training both U.S. and international naval flight officers (NFOs) in navigation, electronic warfare, and tactical operations. Today, VT-4 continues its legacy at NAS Pensacola, preparing future maritime aviators for fleet service.

VW-4, known as "Hurricane Hunters," was a United States Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron established in 1952. The unit's primary mission was to conduct weather reconnaissance, particularly tracking and reporting on Atlantic hurricanes, using aircraft such as the Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star. Operating out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, VW-4 provided crucial data to both military and civilian meteorological agencies, greatly improving hurricane forecasting and preparedness. The squadron was disestablished in 1975 as technological advancements and satellite weather observation reduced the need for manned hurricane reconnaissance flights.

The Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, located at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, was established in 1984 to provide specialized training for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation rescue swimmers. Its inception followed the realization that dedicated, highly trained personnel were crucial for effective air-sea rescue operations. The curriculum emphasizes advanced swimming, survival, and lifesaving skills in demanding maritime environments. Over the years, the school has become renowned for its rigorous standards and has graduated thousands of rescue swimmers who serve aboard helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft worldwide, often saving lives in extreme conditions.

**CBU-410** (Construction Battalion Unit 410), known as the "Charging Bulls," is a United States Navy Seabee unit established in the early 1970s. Tasked primarily with expeditionary construction, CBU-410 has supported both combat and humanitarian missions worldwide, including deployments to the Middle East and the Pacific. The unit specializes in rapid airfield repair, base construction, and disaster relief operations, often working alongside Marine and Army units. Over the decades, CBU-410 has earned multiple commendations for its vital contributions to Operation Desert Storm and humanitarian relief efforts after major natural disasters.

The Commander, Naval Reserve Force (CNAVRES) was established in 1978 as the senior command overseeing the United States Navy Reserve. Its mission was to provide strategic leadership, readiness, and administrative support for reserve personnel and units, ensuring their seamless integration with the active duty fleet. CNAVRES played a pivotal role in mobilizing reserve forces for operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, the organization was re-designated as Commander, Navy Reserve Force (COMNAVRESFOR), reflecting an increased emphasis on operational alignment with the active component.

COMASWFORPAC, or Commander, Anti-Submarine Warfare Forces, Pacific Fleet, was a United States Navy command responsible for the coordination and execution of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations in the Pacific theater. Established during the Cold War, its mission was to detect, track, and counter the growing submarine threat posed by adversaries, particularly the Soviet Union. The command oversaw the deployment of surface ships, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft specialized in ASW tactics and technology. COMASWFORPAC played a critical role in maintaining undersea superiority and ensuring sea lane security for the U.S. Pacific Fleet until evolving operational needs led to its integration into broader maritime and fleet commands.

Commander Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) is a United States Navy command established in 1957 to serve as the principal naval component command in South Korea. Its origins trace back to the Korean War, when increasing U.S. naval operations in the region necessitated a unified command structure. CNFK is responsible for coordinating U.S. naval activities, supporting the Republic of Korea Navy, and ensuring readiness for combined operations on the Korean Peninsula. Over the decades, CNFK has played a key role in strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance and maintaining regional security and maritime stability.

**Combat Service Group Three (COMSERVGRU-3)** was a United States Navy logistics and support command, established to provide essential supply, repair, and administrative support to fleet units operating in the Pacific Ocean. Formed during the post-World War II era, COMSERVGRU-3 played a significant role during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring that combat ships received fuel, ammunition, and provisions while at sea. The unit was headquartered at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and managed a variety of auxiliary vessels, including oilers, tenders, and supply ships. Over the decades, COMSERVGRU-3 contributed to the Navy’s sustained operational readiness before being reorganized as part of modern fleet support structures.

Comsubflot 8, officially known as the 8th Submarine Squadron, was a notable unit of the Italian Navy (Regia Marina) during World War II, based in Naples, Italy. Established in the late 1930s, the squadron was tasked with patrolling the Mediterranean Sea, conducting reconnaissance missions, and engaging Allied shipping. Comsubflot 8 played a significant role during the early years of the conflict, participating in major naval operations such as the Battle of the Mediterranean. Despite facing increasing Allied anti-submarine efforts, the squadron contributed to Italian naval strategy until the 1943 armistice, after which surviving vessels were either scuttled or surrendered.

USS **Compton** (DD-705) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction during World War II, participating in operations in the Pacific, including the Okinawa campaign and post-war occupation duties in Japan. After the war, Compton saw extensive service during the Korean War era and throughout the Cold War, conducting Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments as part of the U.S. 6th Fleet. The ship was decommissioned in 1972 and subsequently transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as **HS Kanaris (D212)** until 1991.

The USS Cromwell (DE-1014) was a Dealey-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Named after Captain John P. Cromwell, a WWII submarine commander posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the vessel primarily served in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) roles during the Cold War era. Throughout its service, the Cromwell participated in numerous NATO exercises, patrolled the Atlantic and Caribbean, and conducted goodwill visits to allied ports. After nearly two decades of service, USS Cromwell was decommissioned in 1972 and later sold for scrap.

EPMAC (Enlisted Personnel Management Center), located in New Orleans, Louisiana, was established in 1972 as part of the United States Navy’s effort to centralize and modernize enlisted personnel management. Its primary mission was to assign and distribute enlisted sailors to billets around the world, ensuring optimal manning and readiness for fleet operations. Throughout its history, EPMAC played a crucial role in supporting Navy operations by leveraging personnel data and advanced systems to match sailors’ skills with the Navy's needs. In 2005, as part of broader military restructuring, EPMAC was realigned and its functions were eventually integrated into the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee.

Expeditionary Port Unit 5 (EPMU 5) is a United States Navy Reserve unit specializing in port operations and logistics support. Established to provide expeditionary cargo handling and maritime transportation expertise, EPMU 5 has supported numerous military and humanitarian missions globally. The unit operates under the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), often deploying to establish and manage port operations in austere environments. Throughout its history, EPMU 5 has played a crucial role in ensuring the rapid movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies during both combat and disaster relief operations.

**Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit, Pacific (FAETUPAC), NAS North Island:** FAETUPAC, stationed at Naval Air Station North Island (often referred to as NAS NORIS), was an essential U.S. Navy training unit dedicated to advanced instruction in airborne electronics for fleet personnel. Established during World War II, FAETUPAC provided rigorous classroom and hands-on training to aircrew and maintenance technicians on the latest electronic warfare, radar, sonar, and communications systems. Over the decades, the unit continually updated its curriculum to incorporate emerging technologies, supporting both fleet readiness and technological superiority. FAETUPAC’s graduates played a critical role in the operational success of Navy air operations throughout the Pacific theater and beyond.

FICEUR, or Fleet Intelligence Center Europe and Africa (FICEUR), is a United States Navy intelligence unit based in Naples, Italy. Established during the Cold War, FICEUR's mission has been to provide timely and accurate intelligence support to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, as well as allied and joint operations in the region. The unit plays a critical role in monitoring and analyzing maritime threats, supporting operational planning, and enhancing situational awareness across Europe, Africa, and adjacent waters. Over the years, FICEUR has adapted to evolving security challenges, including terrorism, piracy, and great power competition, solidifying its reputation as a vital component of U.S. and allied military operations.