U.S. Navy

Naval Air Station Los Alamitos, located in Orange County, California, was originally established in 1942 as a training facility for the United States Navy during World War II. Throughout the war, it served as a major training base for Navy and Marine Corps aviators, providing support for Pacific Theater operations. After the war, NAS Los Alamitos continued to play a pivotal role as a reserve air station, supporting both Naval and Army aviation units. Today, it operates as the Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, supporting multi-service reserve and National Guard operations, and remains a vital hub for military training and homeland security missions in Southern California.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River Naval Hospital, located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, has served as a vital medical facility for the region’s military community since World War II. Established alongside the air station in 1943, the hospital provided medical care for Navy personnel involved in aviation testing, training, and operations. Over the decades, the hospital expanded its services to support not only active duty members but also their families and retirees, adapting to advances in military medicine. Today, it continues its mission as part of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center system, delivering comprehensive healthcare and readiness support to the NAS Patuxent River community.

The Naval Diving & Salvage Training Center (NDSTC), located in Panama City Beach, Florida, was established in 1982 and is the largest diving facility in the world. It serves as the primary training center for military divers from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as select international partners. NDSTC provides instruction in a wide range of disciplines, including underwater salvage, demolition, and rescue operations, ensuring personnel are prepared for complex missions in challenging environments. Over the decades, the center has played a crucial role in developing advanced diving techniques and supporting both peacetime and combat operations globally.

Naval Radio Station (NRS) Cheltenham was established in 1942 near Cheltenham, Maryland, as a key component of the U.S. Navy’s global communications network during World War II. The station played a vital role in intercepting and decoding enemy transmissions, as well as relaying secure communications between U.S. naval commands. During the Cold War, NRS Cheltenham continued to serve as a critical link in naval communications and cryptologic operations, supporting both Atlantic and worldwide missions. The station was gradually phased out in the 1970s, with its functions transferred to other facilities, but its legacy endures as a significant contributor to U.S. naval intelligence and communications history.

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 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.

RVAW-120, known as the "Greyhawks," is a United States Navy Fleet Replacement Squadron established in 1961. Originally flying the E-1B Tracer, the squadron was tasked with training aircrew and maintenance personnel for airborne early warning operations. In 1977, RVAW-120 transitioned to the E-2 Hawkeye series, becoming the primary training unit for all E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound crews. Stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, the "Greyhawks" have played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of carrier-based airborne command and control missions for over six decades.

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.

TAH-19 USNS Mercy is a United States Navy hospital ship, commissioned in 1986 and operated by the Military Sealift Command. Originally built as an oil tanker, she was converted to serve as a mobile medical treatment facility, supporting both combat operations and humanitarian missions. Mercy’s notable deployments include Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, tsunami relief in Southeast Asia in 2004, and multiple Pacific Partnership missions delivering medical care to underserved regions. Capable of providing up to 1,000 hospital beds, USNS Mercy continues to play a vital role in both military readiness and global humanitarian assistance.

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.