U.S. Navy

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.

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.

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.

Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 5 (RVAH-5), known as the "Savage Sons," was a U.S. Navy squadron established in November 1951. Originally designated as Composite Squadron Five (VC-5), it became RVAH-5 in 1964 as the Navy transitioned to the RA-5C Vigilante, a high-speed reconnaissance aircraft. The squadron served with distinction during the Vietnam War, conducting high-risk photo-reconnaissance missions over hostile territory. RVAH-5 continued operations through the 1970s, deploying aboard multiple aircraft carriers, until it was disestablished on September 30, 1977.

**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.