U.S. Navy

NavFac Eleuthera, located on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, was a United States Navy facility established in 1957 as part of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) network during the Cold War. Its primary mission was to detect and track Soviet submarines operating in the Atlantic Ocean using advanced underwater listening technology. The base played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare, contributing valuable intelligence to U.S. and allied naval operations. NavFac Eleuthera remained operational until its closure in 1980, after which the facility was decommissioned and returned to the Bahamian government.

NAVFAC Point Sur (Naval Facility Point Sur) was a United States Navy Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) station located near Point Sur, California. Commissioned in 1958 during the Cold War, its primary mission was to detect and track Soviet submarines using undersea listening technology. The facility played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare by providing valuable intelligence to the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. NAVFAC Point Sur remained operational until its decommissioning in 1984, after which the site was eventually preserved as part of Point Sur State Historic Park.

Naval Facility San Nicolas Island (NAVFAC SNI), located on San Nicolas Island off the coast of California, was established in 1958 as part of the U.S. Navy’s Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) network. Its primary mission was to detect and track Soviet submarines during the Cold War using undersea listening technology. The facility operated as a key node in the broader anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts, contributing valuable intelligence to the defense of the United States. NAVFAC SNI was decommissioned in 1987 as advances in technology and shifting military priorities led to changes in undersea surveillance operations.

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEASYSCOM), established in 1974, is the largest of the United States Navy’s five system commands. Headquartered at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., NAVSEASYSCOM is responsible for engineering, building, buying, and maintaining the Navy’s ships, submarines, and combat systems. Its formation brought together several previously separate entities focused on ship systems acquisition and lifecycle management. Over the years, NAVSEASYSCOM has played a crucial role in supporting the Navy’s technological advancements and fleet readiness, ensuring maritime superiority for the United States.

The Navy Mine Defense Laboratory (NMDL) in Panama City, Florida, was established in 1945 in response to the significant threat posed by naval mines during World War II. Its primary mission was to develop, test, and evaluate mine countermeasures, including detection and neutralization technologies, to ensure safe passage for U.S. and allied naval forces. Throughout the Cold War, NMDL played a crucial role in advancing mine warfare techniques and supporting fleet operations. In 1972, the laboratory merged with other commands to form the Naval Coastal Systems Laboratory, continuing its legacy of innovation in undersea warfare and mine defense.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 (NMCB 27), known as the "Skibees," is a unit of the U.S. Navy Seabees, originally established during World War II in 1942. The battalion played a crucial role in constructing airfields, bases, and infrastructure in support of Allied operations in the Pacific Theater. Reactivated in the Reserve force in the late 1960s, NMCB 27 has since participated in numerous operations, including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions worldwide. Renowned for their motto "We Build, We Fight," NMCB 27 exemplifies the Seabee spirit of adaptability and service in both combat and peacetime operations.

Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Houston was established to support the U.S. Navy’s recruitment efforts across southeast Texas and parts of Louisiana. Activated in the late 1970s, NRD Houston has played a crucial role in identifying, mentoring, and enlisting qualified candidates for both enlisted and officer programs. The district has been recognized multiple times for its outstanding performance in meeting and surpassing recruitment goals. Over the decades, NRD Houston has contributed significantly to the Navy’s operational readiness by ensuring a steady flow of well-prepared sailors into the fleet.

NSA Argentia, located in Newfoundland, was established during World War II as a strategic United States naval base under the 1940 Destroyers for Bases Agreement with the United Kingdom. Officially commissioned in 1941, the base played a crucial role in North Atlantic convoy protection, anti-submarine warfare, and served as a key assembly point for Allied naval operations. NSA Argentia also hosted the historic Atlantic Conference in August 1941, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill formulated the Atlantic Charter. The base remained active throughout the Cold War, supporting submarine detection and communications, until its closure in 1994.

Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Bremerhaven was a United States Navy signals intelligence unit established in Bremerhaven, Germany, during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in 1951, the unit’s primary mission was to conduct communications intelligence (COMINT) and electronic surveillance operations focused on monitoring Soviet and Eastern Bloc military activities. NSGA Bremerhaven played a crucial role in gathering intelligence and supporting U.S. and NATO operations in Europe throughout the Cold War. The unit was eventually decommissioned in 1993, as geopolitical shifts and technological advancements reduced the need for its presence in Germany.

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport, commonly referred to as NTS Keyport (Naval Torpedo Station Keyport), was established in 1914 in Keyport, Washington, to serve as a torpedo overhaul and testing facility for the U.S. Navy. Over the decades, its mission expanded to include research, development, and testing of undersea warfare systems, including torpedoes, unmanned underwater vehicles, and mine countermeasures. During World War II and the Cold War, Keyport played a crucial role in advancing undersea weaponry technology and supporting fleet readiness. Today, NUWC Division Keyport remains a vital center for undersea warfare expertise, supporting the Navy’s technological edge and operational effectiveness in maritime domains.

The Quantico Naval Hospital, located at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, has served as a vital medical support facility for the U.S. military since its establishment during World War II. Originally built to provide care for wounded Marines returning from overseas, the hospital quickly became an essential institution for both emergency and routine treatment. Over the decades, it expanded its services to include advanced medical care, rehabilitation, and support for military families. The hospital played a crucial role during conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring the health and readiness of Marine and Navy personnel stationed at Quantico and throughout the region.

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.

Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 11 (RVAH-11), known as the "Checkertails," was a United States Navy squadron established in 1951 as VC-11 and later redesignated RVAH-11 in 1966. Initially flying the AJ Savage, the squadron transitioned to the A3D Skywarrior, and ultimately to the RA-5C Vigilante for high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance missions. RVAH-11 played a significant role during the Vietnam War, conducting vital photo-reconnaissance missions over hostile territory from aircraft carriers. The squadron was disestablished on June 1, 1975, as the Navy phased out the Vigilante and reorganized its reconnaissance assets.

Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 14 (RVAH-14) was a U.S. Navy squadron established on February 14, 1968, at Naval Air Station Sanford, Florida. The squadron operated the RA-5C Vigilante, a carrier-based supersonic reconnaissance aircraft, providing vital photographic intelligence during the Cold War era. RVAH-14 conducted deployments aboard various aircraft carriers, supporting fleet operations and surveillance missions, though it did not participate in combat operations in Vietnam due to its late formation. The squadron was disestablished on May 1, 1974, as part of the Navy's post-war drawdown and the retirement of the RA-5C Vigilante.

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO (SDVT-2) is a specialized U.S. Navy unit established in 1983 and based on the East Coast, primarily at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia. Its mission centers on the operation of SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDVs)—specially designed submersibles used for the covert insertion and extraction of Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. SDVT-2 has played a crucial role in supporting clandestine maritime operations, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance missions, particularly in European, African, and Middle Eastern theaters. Over the years, the unit has adapted to advancements in underwater mobility and technology, maintaining a reputation for excellence in underwater special warfare operations.

The U.S. Navy's Military Unit Support for the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean has played a crucial role since the fleet's establishment in 1950. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, the 6th Fleet serves as the United States' primary naval force in Europe and Africa, conducting security operations, crisis response, and joint exercises with NATO allies. Its support units provide essential logistics, maintenance, intelligence, and administrative assistance, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness. Over the decades, these support elements have enabled the fleet to respond rapidly to regional conflicts, humanitarian crises, and evolving security challenges throughout the Mediterranean and beyond.

Tactical Air Control Squadron ONE (TACRON-1), originally established as VJ-1 in 1943, is a United States Navy unit specializing in air control and coordination for amphibious operations. Throughout its history, TACRON-1 has played a critical role in directing naval aircraft in support of Marine and Navy landing forces, particularly during major conflicts such as World War II and subsequent expeditionary operations. The squadron was redesignated several times before adopting the TACRON-1 title, and has since been an integral part of Amphibious Ready Groups, supporting joint and combined operations worldwide. Today, TACRON-1 continues to provide expert air traffic control and tactical air direction, ensuring the success of modern naval and joint force missions.

The Trident Refit Facility (TRF), Kings Bay, was established in 1985 to support the maintenance, repair, and modernization of the U.S. Navy's Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. As one of only two such facilities in the United States, TRF Kings Bay plays a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness and strategic deterrence capability of the Navy’s submarine-launched nuclear forces. The facility provides industrial-level support including refits, overhauls, and technical upgrades for both submarines and their associated systems. Over the decades, TRF Kings Bay has been instrumental in extending the service life of the Trident submarine fleet, contributing significantly to national security and global stability.

Underwater Demolition Team 12 (UDT-12) was a specialized unit of the United States Navy established during World War II. Activated in 1944, UDT-12 was trained for amphibious reconnaissance, demolition of obstacles, and beach clearing ahead of major assaults in the Pacific Theater, including operations in Okinawa and other island campaigns. The team’s expertise in underwater demolition and covert operations set the foundation for modern Naval Special Warfare tactics. After the war, UDT-12 continued to serve through the Korean War before eventually being integrated into the emerging Navy SEAL teams in the 1960s.

USS Curts (FFG-38) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on October 8, 1983. Named after Admiral Maurice E. Curts, she served as a versatile escort vessel, conducting anti-submarine, anti-air, and surface warfare missions. Curts participated in significant operations, including Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War, where she escorted reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. After nearly three decades of service, USS Curts was decommissioned on January 25, 2013, and later transferred to the Philippine Navy.

USS Alamogordo (ARDM-2) was a Medium Auxiliary Repair Dry Dock commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1944. Built at the Pacific Bridge Company in Alameda, California, she served primarily in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing essential repair and maintenance services to submarines and other naval vessels. After the war, Alamogordo continued her service, supporting fleet operations during the Cold War era. She was eventually decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1993, marking the end of nearly five decades of dedicated service.

USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG-34) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on October 9, 1982. Named after Rear Admiral Aubrey Fitch, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous operations including NATO exercises, counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean, and deployments to the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. Notably, USS Aubrey Fitch played a role in Operation Earnest Will, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti tankers during the Iran-Iraq War. After a distinguished service career, the frigate was decommissioned on December 12, 1997, and later scrapped.

USS *Augusta* (SSN-710) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on January 19, 1985. Built at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, she served as an integral part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet during the latter years of the Cold War and beyond. *Augusta* participated in numerous operations, including intelligence-gathering missions and fleet exercises, and played a role in the development and testing of Tomahawk cruise missiles. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned on February 11, 2009.

USS Barry (DDG-52) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy, commissioned on December 12, 1992. Named after Commodore John Barry, a Revolutionary War naval hero, Barry has played a vital role in various operations, including maritime security, anti-piracy patrols, and ballistic missile defense. The ship has deployed to the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, and the Asia-Pacific, participating in joint exercises with allied navies and supporting U.S. interests worldwide. In 2022, USS Barry was homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, before relocating to Naval Station Everett, Washington, as part of the U.S. Navy's strategic fleet realignment.