U.S. Navy

AIMD Avionics, part of the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) within the United States Navy, is responsible for the repair, maintenance, and testing of complex avionics systems across a variety of naval aircraft. Established to enhance the operational readiness of carrier air wings, AIMD Avionics has played a crucial role in supporting deployments and combat operations since the advent of modern electronic warfare and advanced aircraft technologies. The unit’s technicians are highly trained in troubleshooting and servicing navigation, communication, radar, and electronic countermeasure equipment, ensuring mission-critical systems remain operational. Throughout its history, AIMD Avionics has continually adapted to technological advancements, supporting fleet operations from the Cold War through present-day maritime security missions.

The Mineman rating in the United States Navy was officially established in 1942, during World War II, as a response to the increasing importance of naval mines in maritime warfare. Minemen have played a critical role in the deployment, maintenance, and neutralization of both offensive and defensive sea mines, safeguarding vital shipping lanes and harbors throughout major conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Over the decades, their responsibilities expanded to include the operation and upkeep of sophisticated mine countermeasure equipment and sonar systems aboard specialized vessels. Today, Minemen continue to be essential to Navy operations, adapting to modern threats and emerging technologies in undersea warfare.

Naval Air Station Sigonella, located in Sicily, Italy, was established by the United States in 1959 as a strategic support facility for the U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO operations in the Mediterranean region. Over the decades, it has served as a critical hub for logistics, intelligence, and air operations, supporting missions ranging from Cold War deterrence to operations in the Balkans, the Middle East, and North Africa. NAS Sigonella played a key role during operations such as Desert Storm, Allied Force, and Odyssey Dawn, providing essential support for aerial refueling, reconnaissance, and humanitarian missions. Today, it remains a vital installation for U.S. and allied forces, enabling rapid response and sustained presence in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

USS LY SPEAR (AS-36) was a submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Named after Chief Warrant Officer Lycurgus M. Spears, the ship provided vital maintenance, repair, and logistical support to nuclear-powered attack submarines of the Atlantic Fleet. Stationed primarily in Norfolk, Virginia, USS LY SPEAR played a key role during the Cold War, ensuring the operational readiness of submarines assigned to the U.S. 2nd Fleet. The vessel served honorably until it was decommissioned in 1996 after over 25 years of service.

Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) is a major command of the United States Navy, responsible for the operational control of all Atlantic-based U.S. submarines. Established in 1941 during World War II, COMSUBLANT played a pivotal role in the Battle of the Atlantic, coordinating anti-submarine warfare and offensive patrols against Axis naval forces. Throughout the Cold War, the command oversaw the deployment of both attack and ballistic missile submarines, providing a crucial component of America's strategic deterrence against the Soviet Union. Today, COMSUBLANT continues to ensure the readiness, training, and deployment of Atlantic Fleet submarines, maintaining undersea superiority and supporting national security objectives.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Barbers Point was established in 1942 on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, during World War II. It served as a critical base for Navy patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, supporting anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol operations throughout the Pacific Theater. During the Cold War and into the late 20th century, NAS Barbers Point remained a hub for P-3 Orion patrol squadrons, search and rescue missions, and fleet support activities. The base was officially closed in 1999, with its functions transferred to Marine Corps Base Hawaii and other installations, but its legacy endures in U.S. naval aviation history.

Naval Air Facility Adak was established during World War II on Adak Island in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, to serve as a forward operating base against Japanese forces occupying nearby islands. Commissioned in 1942, the facility played a crucial role in supporting air operations, antisubmarine patrols, and logistical missions throughout the Aleutian Campaign. After the war, NAF Adak continued to serve as a strategic Cold War outpost, hosting maritime patrol aircraft and supporting surveillance operations in the North Pacific. The facility was eventually closed in 1997 as part of post-Cold War realignment and base closures, ending its long-standing role in U.S. military history.

NAVSTA Roosevelt Roads was a United States Navy base located in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, established in 1943 during World War II as a strategic support and training facility in the Caribbean. Named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the base played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare, logistics, and as a staging ground for U.S. naval operations throughout Latin America and the Atlantic. During the Cold War, it supported regional security initiatives and served as a key hub for joint military exercises and disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean basin. NAVSTA Roosevelt Roads was officially closed in 2004 as part of a Department of Defense realignment and its facilities were transferred to the Puerto Rican government.

USS O'Hare

55 members

USS O’Hare (DD/DDR-889) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare. Initially serving in the Pacific shortly after World War II, O’Hare participated in various Cold War operations, including anti-submarine warfare and NATO exercises. The ship was reclassified as a radar picket destroyer (DDR) in 1949 and reverted to DD-889 in 1963. After a distinguished career, USS O’Hare was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as Méndez Núñez (D-63) until her final decommissioning.

USS SAIPAN

55 members

**USS Saipan** refers to two ships in United States Navy history. The first, **USS Saipan (CVL-48)**, was a light aircraft carrier commissioned in 1946 after World War II. She served primarily as a training and transport vessel, later converted to a command ship as **USS Arlington (AGMR-2)**, and was decommissioned in 1970. The second, **USS Saipan (LHA-2)**, was an amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1977, designed to transport and land Marines, helicopters, and equipment during major operations, including peacekeeping in Lebanon and the Gulf War. USS Saipan (LHA-2) was decommissioned in 2007 after three decades of distinguished service.

Patrol Squadron 26 (VP-26), known as the “Tridents,” is a distinguished U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1943. Originally flying the PB4Y-1 Liberator, VP-26 conducted anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance missions during World War II. Over the decades, the squadron transitioned through several aircraft, including the P-3 Orion and currently the P-8A Poseidon, expanding its capabilities in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and anti-surface warfare. VP-26 has participated in numerous operations worldwide, consistently demonstrating excellence in maritime patrol and contributing to U.S. and allied security.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, located in Sicily, Italy, was established in 1959 to support U.S. and NATO operations in the Mediterranean region. Originally a small airfield, it quickly expanded during the Cold War, serving as a critical logistics and support hub for naval aviation and maritime patrol missions. Over the decades, NAS Sigonella has played a central role in numerous operations, including support for U.S. intervention in Lebanon, Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya, and ongoing missions in the Middle East and North Africa. Today, it remains a vital strategic asset, hosting U.S. Navy, NATO, and partner nation forces for a wide range of operational, logistical, and humanitarian missions.

USS La Salle (AGF-3) was originally commissioned as an amphibious transport dock (LPD-3) in 1964 before being converted to a command ship in 1972. Serving as the flagship for the United States Sixth Fleet and later the Middle East Force, La Salle played a pivotal role in overseeing naval operations in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. The ship was notable for being equipped with the "Sea Water Conversion" system, allowing for extended deployments. Throughout her service, USS La Salle participated in numerous exercises, crisis responses, and operations before being decommissioned in 2005.

The USS Yorktown is the name borne by several distinguished ships in the United States Navy, most notably the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5) and its successor, USS Yorktown (CV-10). The first, CV-5, was commissioned in 1937 and played a pivotal role in the early Pacific battles of World War II before being sunk at the Battle of Midway in June 1942. Her successor, CV-10, was commissioned in 1943 and participated in numerous major operations in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and Okinawa. After World War II, CV-10 served in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and as a recovery ship for the Apollo 8 mission before being decommissioned and preserved as a museum ship in Charleston, South Carolina.

COMSIXTHFLEET, also known as the Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, is a major operational fleet of the United States Navy with headquarters in Naples, Italy. Established in 1950, the Sixth Fleet has played a critical role in maintaining maritime security and projecting American naval power throughout the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding regions. Over the decades, COMSIXTHFLEET has participated in numerous operations, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance, and joint exercises with NATO allies. The unit continues to serve as a forward-deployed force, responding to crises, deterring aggression, and supporting U.S. and allied interests in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy on July 25, 1998. Named after the 33rd President of the United States, the carrier has served as a flagship for Carrier Strike Group 8, participating in multiple deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, and other regions in support of operations such as Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. Truman has played a critical role in power projection, maritime security, and joint exercises with allied navies. The ship is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, and continues to be a cornerstone of U.S. naval capability.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, located in Kingsville, Texas, was commissioned in July 1942 as a key training base for naval aviators during World War II. Throughout the war, it served as a primary site for advanced flight training, focusing on carrier-based operations and producing thousands of pilots for the U.S. Navy. After the war, the base's mission shifted to jet training, adapting to technological advances during the Cold War era. Today, NAS Kingsville is one of the Navy's premier locations for training tactical jet pilots, primarily supporting Training Air Wing Two and playing a vital role in preparing aviators for fleet operations.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Sea Operations Detachment (Sea Op Det) was established to support maritime aviation operations in the Pacific Northwest. Since its inception during World War II, the detachment has played a vital role in providing logistical and operational support for carrier-based aircraft and maritime patrol missions. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, Sea Op Det has been instrumental in supporting fleet exercises, search and rescue operations, and joint training with allied forces. Today, it continues to enhance the readiness and capabilities of Navy aviation units operating from NAS Whidbey Island.

USS MOUNT WHITNEY

52 members

USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC-20) is a Blue Ridge-class command ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1971. Named after the highest peak in the contiguous United States, she serves as the flagship for the U.S. Sixth Fleet, operating primarily in the Mediterranean Sea. Equipped with advanced communications and command facilities, the ship has played a pivotal role in coordinating naval operations, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises with NATO allies. Over her decades of service, USS MOUNT WHITNEY has supported major operations including peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans and crisis response missions across Europe and Africa.

USS TARAWA

52 members

USS Tarawa (LHA-1) was the lead ship of the Tarawa-class amphibious assault ships in the United States Navy. Commissioned on May 29, 1976, she was designed to embark, deploy, and land elements of a Marine landing force in amphibious assault operations. USS Tarawa played a significant role in numerous operations, including peacekeeping missions in Lebanon in the 1980s and humanitarian relief in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope in 1992–1993. After more than three decades of service, Tarawa was decommissioned on March 31, 2009.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Cubi Point was a major United States Navy base located in the Philippines, adjacent to Subic Bay. Commissioned in 1956 after one of the largest earth-moving projects in U.S. military history, it served as a critical logistics, maintenance, and operations hub for U.S. naval aviation in the Pacific. During the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War, NAS Cubi Point provided vital support to carrier air wings and deployed squadrons, enabling rapid response and sustained air operations in Southeast Asia. The base was closed in 1992 following the expiration of the U.S.-Philippines Military Bases Agreement.

USS Albany (CG 10) was a guided missile cruiser in the United States Navy, originally commissioned as a heavy cruiser (CA 123) in 1946. She was converted to a guided missile cruiser between 1958 and 1962, becoming the lead ship of the Albany-class. Throughout her service, USS Albany participated in numerous NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and served as flagship for the Sixth Fleet. The ship was decommissioned in 1980, marking over three decades of distinguished service during the Cold War era.

USS Independence (CVA-62) was a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1959. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous Cold War operations, including deployments in the Mediterranean and support of U.S. interests during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Independence also saw action in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) in 1991, launching air strikes against Iraqi forces. After nearly 40 years of service, she was decommissioned in September 1998.

Commander Naval Forces Vietnam (COMNAVFORV) was the United States Navy command responsible for naval operations during the Vietnam War, established in 1966. Its primary mission was to oversee and coordinate riverine, coastal, and logistical naval operations, including the famous "brown-water navy" efforts such as Operation Game Warden and Operation Market Time. COMNAVFORV worked closely with South Vietnamese naval forces to interdict enemy supply lines, patrol the Mekong Delta, and support ground operations. The command played a crucial role in the U.S. military's efforts to control the waterways of Vietnam until its deactivation in 1973 following the drawdown of American forces.