U.S. Navy

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.

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.

The Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic (FCTCLANT) at Dam Neck, Virginia, was established in the early 1940s during World War II to train naval personnel in anti-aircraft gunnery and combat operations. Over the decades, FCTCLANT evolved to become a premier training facility for surface warfare, electronic warfare, and tactical combat systems, supporting Atlantic Fleet readiness. The center played a crucial role during the Cold War, adapting to emerging technologies and threats to ensure fleet combat effectiveness. Today, its legacy continues as part of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, providing advanced instruction in modern naval warfare and supporting U.S. Navy operations worldwide.

**GM55**, designated as Groupement Mobile 55, was a mobile infantry unit formed by the French Army during the First Indochina War (1946–1954). Established in the early 1950s, GM55 was part of a series of Groupements Mobiles—regimental-sized, motorized task forces modeled on French armored cavalry groups—designed to enhance operational mobility against Viet Minh guerrillas. The unit participated in several major operations, including convoy escorts, search-and-destroy missions, and the defense of key outposts in northern Vietnam. GM55, like many similar units, faced intense combat and suffered heavy losses, particularly during the climactic battles leading up to the fall of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 (HSC-26), known as the "Chargers," was established in 1967 as Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SIX (HC-6) before being redesignated as HSC-26 in 2005. The squadron is based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and operates the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter. HSC-26 specializes in a wide range of missions including search and rescue (SAR), logistics support, anti-surface warfare, and humanitarian assistance. The Chargers have deployed extensively to support operations in the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleets, regularly providing vital rotary-wing support aboard deployed naval vessels and at expeditionary shore bases.

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Six (HSC-6), known as the “Screamin’ Indians,” was originally established as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SIX (HS-6) on 1 June 1956. The squadron initially operated the HSS-1 Seabat, conducting anti-submarine warfare operations in support of carrier strike groups. Over the decades, HSC-6 has participated in major operations, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing combat search and rescue, logistics, and humanitarian assistance. In 2014, HS-6 was redesignated as HSC-6 and transitioned to the MH-60S Seahawk, continuing its legacy of excellence in maritime operations from its home base at Naval Air Station North Island, California.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 51 (HSL-51), known as the "Warlords," was established on October 3, 1991, and is based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. As part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed forces, HSL-51 provided anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), search and rescue (SAR), and logistical support primarily aboard guided missile destroyers and cruisers in the 7th Fleet area of operations. The squadron operated the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, enhancing fleet readiness and regional security across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. In 2013, HSL-51 was redesignated as Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 51 (HSM-51) and transitioned to the MH-60R Seahawk, continuing its legacy of operational excellence.

**Marine Detachment (MarDet), USS America (CVA/CV-66)** The Marine Detachment aboard USS America (CVA/CV-66) was established with the aircraft carrier’s commissioning in 1965. MarDet's primary duties included shipboard security, ceremonial functions, and providing a landing force capable of rapid deployment. During USS America’s service, MarDet Marines participated in major operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean and Vietnam War combat zones. The detachment was decommissioned in the late 1990s, in line with the Navy’s phasing out of shipboard Marine detachments across the fleet.

Mine Division 113 (Mine div 113) is a naval unit specializing in mine warfare, typically found within Scandinavian or European navies. Established during the Cold War era, its primary mission has been the deployment, detection, and clearance of naval mines to ensure safe passage for friendly vessels in coastal and strategic waters. The unit has participated in numerous national and multinational exercises, enhancing interoperability with allied naval forces. Over the decades, Mine div 113 has modernized its equipment and tactics, contributing significantly to maritime security and defense operations within its area of responsibility.

Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 201 (MIUWU 201) was a naval reserve unit within the United States Navy, specializing in coastal surveillance and harbor defense operations. Established during the Cold War era, MIUWU 201 was tasked with detecting and monitoring underwater threats in littoral environments using mobile sensor and communications equipment. The unit regularly participated in joint exercises and operations, providing critical security for ports, anchorages, and high-value maritime assets. MIUWU 201 contributed to both national defense and international missions until its decommissioning as part of broader Navy force restructuring in the early 21st century.