U.S. Navy

Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Monterey, located in Monterey, California, has served as a vital support installation for the United States Navy. Originally established during World War II, NALF Monterey was used primarily for training Navy pilots and providing auxiliary support to nearby Naval installations. Throughout its history, the airfield has supported a variety of aviation operations, including flight training for the Defense Language Institute and the Naval Postgraduate School. Though currently not an active airfield, NALF Monterey's legacy endures as an important part of the Navy's West Coast aviation history.

Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) Fort Worth, located in Fort Worth, Texas, was established in 1994 on the former site of Carswell Air Force Base, which dates back to 1942. The installation was created to support joint operations for Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army Reserve units, making it one of the first joint reserve bases in the United States. Throughout its history, NAS JRB Fort Worth has played a vital role in training and supporting reserve and active-duty forces, including providing logistical and operational support for overseas contingencies. Today, the base continues to serve as a key military facility, hosting tenant commands such as the Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 112 and the Air Force Reserve’s 301st Fighter Wing.

Naval Dental Clinic Orlando, FL, was established to provide comprehensive dental care to Navy personnel, dependents, and retirees in the Central Florida region. Operational during the latter half of the 20th century, the clinic supported the training mission of the adjacent Naval Training Center Orlando by ensuring the dental readiness of recruits and staff. The clinic was staffed by Navy dental officers, hygienists, and support personnel, offering a range of preventive and restorative services. Following the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, Naval Dental Clinic Orlando was closed in 1995, as Naval Training Center Orlando was decommissioned.

The history of naval military units dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians developing early warships for control of the seas. Over time, naval units evolved from simple oared galleys to powerful sailing ships armed with cannons, playing decisive roles in conflicts like the Battle of Lepanto (1571) and the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). The advent of steam power, ironclads, and later aircraft carriers in the 19th and 20th centuries revolutionized naval warfare, making fleets more mobile and lethal. Today, modern naval forces incorporate advanced submarines, guided missile destroyers, and carrier strike groups, maintaining a critical role in global security and power projection.

Naval Hospital Key West, Florida, has served as a vital military medical facility since its establishment in 1823, making it one of the oldest naval hospitals in the United States. Originally built to provide medical care for sailors assigned to the Key West Naval Station, the hospital played a significant role during the Spanish-American War, tending to wounded and ill servicemembers. Throughout World War II and the Cold War, the hospital supported increased military activity in the region, adapting its services to meet the demands of submarine and naval aviation operations. Today, Naval Hospital Key West continues to deliver comprehensive healthcare to active duty personnel, veterans, and their families, upholding its long tradition of service.

NAVCOSSACT, or the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station San Diego, traces its origins to the growing need for advanced naval communications during the Cold War. Established in the 1960s, NAVCOSSACT became a central hub for the United States Navy's computer systems and telecommunications support, providing critical information technology and cybersecurity services to naval operations worldwide. Over the decades, the unit expanded its mission to include the operation and maintenance of secure networks, satellite communications, and cryptologic support. Today, NAVCOSSACT remains a vital component of the Navy's information warfare capability, ensuring reliable and secure communications for fleet and shore commands.

The Navy & Marine Corps Reserve Center in St. Louis, Missouri, has played a vital role in supporting the United States Navy and Marine Corps Reserve forces since its establishment during World War II. Serving as a key training and mobilization site, the center has prepared thousands of reservists for active duty in conflicts ranging from the Korean War to the Global War on Terrorism. Over the decades, the center has adapted to evolving military needs, offering advanced training, administrative support, and community outreach. Its legacy reflects a longstanding commitment to readiness and service in both local and national defense efforts.

**Navy Commander Naval Logistics Pacific (COMNAVLOGPAC) - Short Military History:** Established during the Cold War to centralize and enhance naval logistics across the Pacific theater, the Commander Naval Logistics Pacific (COMNAVLOGPAC) played a pivotal role in supporting U.S. Navy operations from Hawaii to the Western Pacific. COMNAVLOGPAC coordinated vital supply chains, fuel distribution, and maintenance support for deployed fleets, ensuring combat readiness during key conflicts such as the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. The command continuously adapted to evolving logistical challenges, integrating advanced technology and joint logistics with allied nations. Today, COMNAVLOGPAC remains a cornerstone of Pacific naval operations, enabling rapid response and sustained presence across the Indo-Pacific region.

The Navy Finance Center (NFC) was established in 1962 in Cleveland, Ohio, as a centralized facility responsible for managing financial operations for the United States Navy. Its mission included processing pay and allowances for Navy personnel, managing disbursements, and maintaining accurate financial records. Over the years, the NFC streamlined and modernized Navy pay systems, significantly improving efficiency and service for sailors worldwide. In 1991, as part of Department of Defense consolidation efforts, the Navy Finance Center was integrated into the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), marking the end of its independent operations but ensuring its legacy of financial stewardship continued within the larger defense community.

NSA Souda Bay, or Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, is a United States Navy installation located on the Greek island of Crete. Established in 1969, the base has played a vital role in supporting U.S. and NATO operations throughout the Mediterranean and the wider region. Over the decades, NSA Souda Bay has served as a critical logistics, refueling, and resupply hub, especially during major conflicts such as the Gulf War, Kosovo campaign, and ongoing operations in the Middle East. Its strategic location enables rapid deployment of naval and air assets, making it a cornerstone of U.S. and allied military presence in southeastern Europe.

Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Hanza, Okinawa, was a United States Navy signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit established in the early 1950s to support U.S. and allied operations in the Western Pacific. Located near Camp Hansen on Okinawa, NSGA Hanza played a critical role in collecting and analyzing communications intelligence during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and throughout the late 20th century. The unit’s mission included monitoring adversary communications, supporting fleet operations, and providing timely intelligence to U.S. commanders in the region. NSGA Hanza was decommissioned in the early 2000s as part of the Navy’s consolidation of intelligence activities, with its functions absorbed by other units and joint-service organizations.

NTCC Cubi Point, Philippines, was a Naval Telecommunications Command Center established by the United States Navy at Naval Air Station Cubi Point, located within Subic Bay. Activated during the height of the Cold War, the unit played a critical role in providing vital communications support to U.S. naval operations throughout the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia, especially during the Vietnam War. NTCC Cubi Point was instrumental in relaying operational orders, coordinating logistics, and maintaining secure communications between deployed fleets and command authorities. The unit remained active until the closure of U.S. bases in the Philippines in 1992, following the expiration of the Military Bases Agreement.

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), headquartered at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., was established in 1961 to centralize and coordinate military intelligence efforts for the United States Department of Defense. Over the decades, the DIA has played a pivotal role in providing all-source intelligence analysis, supporting military operations and national security decision-making worldwide. The agency has contributed to major operations, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism, by delivering critical intelligence support to commanders and policymakers. Today, the DIA remains a cornerstone of the U.S. intelligence community, advancing military intelligence capabilities and safeguarding national interests.

SEAL Team 2 is one of the original United States Navy SEAL teams, established in January 1962 and based on the East Coast at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia. The unit was formed to conduct unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, direct action, and counter-terrorism missions, primarily focusing on operations in the cold weather and arctic environments of Europe during the Cold War. Throughout its history, SEAL Team 2 has participated in numerous significant military operations, including missions in Grenada, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The team is renowned for its expertise in maritime operations, clandestine infiltration, and its adaptability to challenging environments worldwide.

**SIMA NRMF Phila** (Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity, Naval Reserve Maintenance Facility Philadelphia) was a U.S. Navy maintenance unit based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established to provide vital repair and maintenance support to Naval Reserve ships and craft, SIMA NRMF Phila played a key role in ensuring operational readiness for reserve fleet units along the East Coast. The unit was staffed by a combination of active duty Navy personnel and reservists, specializing in technical repairs, engineering services, and logistical support. SIMA NRMF Phila’s contributions were essential in extending the service life of naval assets and supporting the Navy’s mission until its functions were reorganized or absorbed into larger maintenance commands in the late 20th or early 21st century.

Special Boat Unit-20 (SBU-20) was a U.S. Navy special operations unit established in 1972 and based in Little Creek, Virginia. Its primary mission was to provide maritime special operations support, including insertion and extraction of Navy SEALs and other special forces, coastal patrol, and reconnaissance. SBU-20 operated various small, fast craft capable of stealthy operations in rivers, coastal areas, and open seas. In 1987, as part of the reorganization of Naval Special Warfare forces, SBU-20 was redesignated as Special Boat Team 20 (SBT-20), continuing its legacy of supporting special operations worldwide.

Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 (TACRON 21), based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia, is a United States Navy unit specializing in air control for amphibious operations. Established in 1944 during World War II, TACRON 21 (originally as VTC-21) has provided critical air traffic control and coordination between naval and Marine Corps aviation assets during major amphibious assaults and exercises. Over the decades, the squadron has supported operations from the Mediterranean to the Middle East, ensuring seamless integration of air power in joint and coalition environments. Today, TACRON 21 continues to play a vital role in supporting U.S. Navy Expeditionary Strike Groups, delivering command and control expertise for both peacetime training and combat deployments.

Tactical Air Control Squadron Eleven (TACRON 11), known as TACRON Eleven, is a United States Navy unit that provides tactical air control for amphibious operations. Established in the post-World War II era, TACRON 11 has played a critical role in coordinating the movement and control of aircraft supporting Marine and Navy forces during joint and expeditionary missions. The squadron is responsible for managing air traffic in the amphibious objective area, ensuring safe and efficient air operations from sea to shore. Throughout its history, TACRON 11 has participated in numerous deployments and exercises, supporting U.S. naval power projection and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide.

The United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) traces its origins to 1947, when it was established as the United States Far East Command in response to growing post-World War II security needs in Asia. In 1957, it was redesignated United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) and given responsibility for all U.S. military forces in the vast Asia-Pacific region. Over the decades, USINDOPACOM has played a central role in major conflicts and operations, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and ongoing regional security initiatives with allies and partners. In 2018, reflecting the increasing strategic importance of the region, it was renamed United States Indo-Pacific Command, underscoring its expanded focus from the Pacific to the broader Indo-Pacific area.

USNS Neptune (ARC-2) was a cable repair ship operated by the United States Navy, commissioned in 1953. Built on a C1-B cargo hull, Neptune's primary mission was the installation, maintenance, and repair of undersea cables crucial for naval communications and surveillance. Throughout the Cold War, Neptune played a vital role in laying and servicing submarine cables, including those associated with the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) used for anti-submarine warfare. The ship remained active until 2005, after which it was decommissioned and subsequently stricken from the Naval Vessel Register.

The United States Naval Training Center (USNTC) Bainbridge, located in Port Deposit, Maryland, was established in 1942 during World War II as a major training facility for Navy recruits. At its peak, Bainbridge processed and trained hundreds of thousands of sailors, serving as a critical hub for boot camp, technical schools, and officer candidate training. The base continued to operate through the Korean War and into the Cold War era, adapting its mission to meet evolving Navy needs. USNTC Bainbridge was decommissioned in 1976, and the property was eventually transferred to local authorities, but its legacy remains significant in Navy history.

USS **Aludra (AF-55)** was an Alstede-class stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1952. Originally built as the commercial freighter *Matchless* in 1944, she was acquired and converted by the Navy to provide underway replenishment of food, supplies, and refrigerated provisions to fleet units at sea. Aludra served extensively during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, supplying both combat and support ships in the Pacific Theater. She was decommissioned in 1969 and eventually scrapped, having played a vital logistical role in sustaining U.S. naval operations during her years of service.

USS Arcadia (AD-23) was a Dixie-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1945. Designed to provide maintenance and logistical support to destroyers, Arcadia served prominently during the post-World War II era, primarily in the Atlantic Fleet. Throughout her service, she participated in multiple fleet exercises, NATO operations, and deployments, including support roles during the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Arcadia was decommissioned in June 1968, after more than two decades of dedicated support to U.S. naval operations.

USS Askari (ARL-30) was an Achelous-class landing craft repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Initially serving during the final months of World War II, she provided vital repair and maintenance services to landing craft in the Pacific theater. Askari was later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, where she supported United Nations naval operations by ensuring the readiness of amphibious vessels. After several years of active duty, the ship was decommissioned in 1956, marking the end of her distinguished service to the fleet.