U.S. Navy

USS SENTRY (MCM-3) is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship commissioned by the United States Navy on September 2, 1989. Designed for the detection and neutralization of naval mines, SENTRY utilizes sophisticated sonar and remotely operated vehicles to clear sea lanes and protect fleet operations. Over its service, the ship has participated in various mine warfare exercises and real-world operations, including deployments to the Persian Gulf to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation. USS SENTRY continues to play a vital role in safeguarding U.S. and allied naval forces against the threat of underwater mines.

USS Shadwell (LSD-15) was an Ashland-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She played a vital role in World War II, participating in the assault and occupation of Okinawa, where she supported amphibious operations by carrying and launching landing craft and vehicles. After the war, Shadwell took part in occupation duties in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1947, but was later recommissioned for service during the Korean War and Cold War era. In her later years, the ship was converted into a test platform for fire and damage control research, serving the Navy in experimental roles until her final decommissioning.

USS Soley (DD-707) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named after Lieutenant Commander James R. Soley, she served in the Pacific during the final months of World War II, supporting operations such as the bombardment of Japanese-held islands and escorting aircraft carriers. After the war, USS Soley participated in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carriers. The ship continued her service during the Cold War, conducting various operations and training exercises until she was decommissioned in 1970.

**USS Spear (AM-322)** was an Auk-class minesweeper commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Launched in 1943, she played a crucial role in clearing minefields in the Pacific Theater, ensuring safe passage for Allied ships during key island-hopping campaigns. After the war, USS Spear assisted with post-war mine clearance operations before being decommissioned in 1946. In 1948, she was transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she served under the name ARM Hermenegildo Galeana.

USS Tingey (DD-539) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II. She participated in numerous Pacific Theater operations, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and shore bombardments in support of amphibious landings. Tingey was credited with rescuing survivors and providing vital anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defense for carrier task forces. After the war, she served briefly before being decommissioned in 1947, having earned eight battle stars for her distinguished service.

USS Tioga County (LST-1158) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Designed for amphibious operations, she served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet before being deployed to the Western Pacific, where she supported logistics and landing exercises. During the Vietnam War, Tioga County played a crucial role in transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to combat zones along the South Vietnamese coast. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1972 and later transferred to the Republic of the Philippines, where she served as BRP Benguet (LT-507).

USS Tombigbee (AOG-11) was a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. Serving throughout World War II, she supplied fuel to warships and remote bases in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations in locations such as the Solomon and Philippine Islands. After the war, Tombigbee continued to provide vital logistics support during the Korean War and later in the Vietnam War, demonstrating her versatility and endurance. Decommissioned in 1972, she was eventually transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as Ariadni (A414).

The USS Turner Joy (DD-951) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Admiral Charles Turner Joy, she played a significant role in the Gulf of Tonkin incident in August 1964, which escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Throughout the Vietnam conflict, Turner Joy provided naval gunfire support, performed carrier escort duties, and participated in search and rescue operations. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1982 and now serves as a museum ship in Bremerton, Washington.

USS Vandegrift (FFG-48) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 24 November 1984. Named in honor of General Alexander A. Vandegrift, the ship served in a variety of roles including escort duties, maritime interdiction, and multinational exercises. Over its three decades of service, Vandegrift conducted deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, participating in operations such as counter-narcotics patrols and supporting the Global War on Terrorism. The frigate was decommissioned on 15 February 2015, concluding a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy.

USS WALKE (DD-723) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1944. She served with distinction in World War II, participating in key operations such as the Normandy invasion, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the Battle of Okinawa, where she survived a devastating kamikaze attack in June 1945. After the war, USS WALKE was modernized and saw combat again during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening for carrier task forces. The destroyer continued her service throughout the Cold War before being decommissioned in 1970, closing a remarkable chapter in U.S. naval history.

USS Washtenaw County (LST-1166) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Initially serving in the Atlantic Fleet, she was later transferred to the Pacific, where she played a prominent role in amphibious operations during the Vietnam War, including riverine and coastal logistics support. The ship earned multiple battle stars for her service in Vietnam, notably participating in operations such as Market Time and supporting the Mobile Riverine Force. Decommissioned in 1973, USS Washtenaw County was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register and later repurposed for civilian use.

USS Watts (DD-567) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in May 1944. During World War II, Watts served in the Pacific Theater, providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine screening for carrier task forces and supporting amphibious landings, including operations in the Philippines and Okinawa. The ship endured kamikaze attacks and performed vital rescue and escort missions. After the war, USS Watts was decommissioned in 1946 and placed in reserve, eventually being struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1971.

USS Westchester County (LST-1167) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Throughout her service, she played a vital role in amphibious operations, logistics support, and troop transport, especially during the Vietnam War. In October 1968, she suffered a devastating Viet Cong explosive attack while anchored in the My Tho River, resulting in significant casualties and damage—the deadliest single attack on a U.S. Navy ship during the Vietnam conflict. After years of distinguished service, USS Westchester County was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Republic of the Philippines.

USS Zellars (DD-777) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1944. Named after Lieutenant Francis Zellars, she served with distinction during World War II, notably participating in the Okinawa campaign where she survived a damaging kamikaze attack in April 1945. After the war, Zellars supported occupation duties in Asia and later saw service during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carriers. Decommissioned in 1971, she was transferred to the Iranian Navy, where she continued her service under the name Babr.

The V-6, USNR (United States Naval Reserve), also known as the "General Service and Specialist" branch, was established during World War II to rapidly expand the Navy’s manpower. Created in 1942, the V-6 program allowed men to enlist in the Naval Reserve for general service or specialized technical roles, often before being called to active duty for training and deployment. Members of V-6 served in a wide range of positions, from combat operations to vital support and technical roles on ships, bases, and naval installations worldwide. The V-6 Reserve contributed significantly to the Navy's wartime expansion and success, and after WWII, many V-6 reservists were demobilized as the Navy downsized.

**V6** was a designation used by the United States Navy during World War II for the Naval Reserve’s Volunteer Specialist Branch. Established in the early 1940s, the V6 unit was composed of enlisted personnel who possessed specialized civilian skills—such as engineering, communications, and technical trades—that were critical to the war effort. Members of V6 served primarily in support roles both stateside and overseas, ensuring the Navy’s operations were efficient and well-supplied. After World War II, the V6 classification was discontinued as the Navy reorganized its reserve and specialist programs for the postwar era.

Attack Squadron 15 (VA-15), known as the "Valions," was a distinguished attack squadron of the United States Navy. Originally established as Torpedo Squadron VT-4 in 1942, the squadron was redesignated several times before becoming VA-15 in 1948. VA-15 participated in numerous major operations, including World War II missions in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, as well as combat deployments during the Vietnam War. The squadron flew a variety of aircraft over its history, such as the TBM Avenger and the A-4 Skyhawk, before it was disestablished in 1990.

Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164) "Ghostriders" was a U.S. Navy attack squadron established on September 1, 1960. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and flew the A-4 Skyhawk series of attack aircraft. VA-164 participated extensively in the Vietnam War, conducting strike missions from aircraft carriers such as the USS Oriskany. The squadron was known for its professionalism and valor under fire, earning several commendations before being disestablished on December 12, 1975.

Attack Squadron 43 (VA-43), known as the "Challengers," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1950 as Fighter Squadron 43 (VF-43) before being redesignated as VA-43 in 1959. Initially operating as a fleet replacement training squadron, VA-43 played a key role in training pilots to fly jet aircraft such as the F9F Panther and later the A-4 Skyhawk. Stationed primarily at Naval Air Station Oceana, the squadron provided essential instruction in carrier-based attack tactics throughout the 1960s. VA-43 was disestablished in 1971, having contributed significantly to the development and readiness of Navy attack aviators during the Cold War era.

VAQ-309, known as the "Axemen," was a United States Navy Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron established in 1979 as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. Based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, the squadron operated the EA-6B Prowler, providing electronic warfare support and training for fleet and reserve units. VAQ-309 participated in a variety of exercises and fleet support missions, contributing to the Navy’s electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses. The squadron was deactivated in 1994 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

VAW-78, known as the "Fighting Escargots," was a United States Navy Reserve Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron established in July 1970. The unit operated the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning and command and control capabilities. Based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, VAW-78 supported fleet operations, participated in numerous exercises, and contributed to drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean. The squadron was decommissioned in March 2005 as part of a broader reorganization of Naval Reserve aviation forces.

**VC-5 Detachment Cubi** was a unit of U.S. Navy Composite Squadron Five (VC-5), operating out of Cubi Point Naval Air Station in the Philippines during the Cold War era. The detachment was responsible for providing aerial target towing, electronic warfare training, and fleet support services to U.S. Navy and allied forces in the Western Pacific. Utilizing a variety of aircraft such as the A-3 Skywarrior and later the TA-4J Skyhawk, VC-5 Det Cubi played a vital role in maintaining fleet readiness and supporting exercises and operations throughout Southeast Asia. The unit was an essential part of the Navy’s forward-deployed air operations until the drawdown of U.S. bases in the Philippines in the early 1990s.

Strike Fighter Squadron Composite Twelve (VC-12), known as the "Fighting Omars," was initially established on September 6, 1943, as Composite Squadron Twelve during World War II. The squadron has a legacy of providing adversary training to fleet aircrews, simulating enemy tactics and aircraft to enhance combat readiness. Over the years, VC-12 has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, and most recently, the F/A-18 Hornet. Based at Naval Air Station Oceana, VC-12 continues to play a vital role in preparing Navy pilots for real-world air combat scenarios.

Fighter Squadron 302 (VF-302), known as the "Stallions," was a United States Naval Reserve fighter squadron established on 21 May 1971. As part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 (CVWR-30), VF-302 operated primarily out of Naval Air Station Miramar, California. The squadron flew the F-8 Crusader and later transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II before becoming one of the first reserve units to operate the F-14A Tomcat in the 1980s. VF-302 participated in numerous training exercises and contributed to the combat readiness of the Naval Reserve until its disestablishment on 11 September 1994.