U.S. Navy

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.

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.

USS Barton (DD-722) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1943. During World War II, she participated in the Normandy landings on D-Day, providing crucial naval gunfire support at Omaha Beach. Barton later served in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and survived a devastating kamikaze attack in April 1945. After the war, she continued service during the Korean War and Cold War before being decommissioned in 1972.

USS **Blue (DD-744)** was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key operations such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, where she provided fire support, anti-aircraft screening, and rescued downed aviators. After the war, Blue continued her service during the Korean War and later in the Vietnam War, performing patrol, escort, and gunfire support missions. She was decommissioned in 1974 and transferred to Taiwan, where she served as ROCS Fu Yang.

USS Brister (DE/DER-327) was an Edsall-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. During World War II, she served primarily in the Atlantic, providing convoy escort and anti-submarine warfare protection. After the war, Brister was decommissioned, but later recommissioned during the Cold War and converted to a radar picket ship (DER-327) in 1956 to enhance early warning capabilities. She continued service until 1968, when she was decommissioned and eventually sunk as a target.

USS Brush (DD-745) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in April 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Okinawa campaign, where she provided vital gunfire support and screened aircraft carriers. After World War II, Brush was active during the Korean War and was damaged by a mine off the coast of North Korea in September 1950, resulting in casualties and extensive repairs. She continued to serve during the Cold War era before being decommissioned and transferred to Taiwan in 1969, where she served as ROCS Hsiang Yang (DD-1).

USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1943 during World War II. Named after the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Bunker Hill, the ship played a pivotal role in major Pacific campaigns, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On May 11, 1945, Bunker Hill suffered devastating damage from two kamikaze attacks off Okinawa, resulting in heavy casualties and forcing her withdrawal from active combat. After the war, the carrier was used in training and as a flagship before being decommissioned in 1947.

USS Cambria (APA-36) was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She played a crucial role during World War II, participating in major amphibious assaults including the invasions of Saipan, Leyte, and Okinawa. After the war, Cambria supported occupation duties in the Far East and later served in the Korean War, transporting troops and equipment. The ship continued to serve through the 1960s before being decommissioned in 1970 and ultimately scrapped.

USS Carronade (IFS-1) was the lead ship of the Inshore Fire Support Ship class, commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Specially designed for close-in naval gunfire support, she featured rapid-firing automatic rocket launchers and 40mm guns to assist amphibious landings and operations near shore. Carronade served primarily in the Pacific, notably providing critical inshore fire support during the Vietnam War for allied ground forces. After a distinguished career, she was decommissioned in 1970, marking the end of her unique contribution to naval warfare.

USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction during World War II, participating in major Pacific campaigns such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf and providing fire support during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, the Sperry was active during the Korean War, performing shore bombardments and escort duties. She continued to serve throughout the Cold War, including Mediterranean and Atlantic deployments, until her decommissioning in 1973.

USS Chilton (APA-38) was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. During World War II, she played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, participating in major amphibious operations including the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, and Okinawa. After the war, Chilton supported occupation duties in Japan and later served as a troop transport during the Korean War. She continued her service through the 1950s before being decommissioned in 1967.