U.S. Navy

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO (HCU-2), later redesignated as Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO (HC-2), was a United States Navy helicopter unit established in April 1948. The squadron was originally based at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey, before moving to NAS Norfolk, Virginia. HCU-2’s primary mission was to provide search and rescue (SAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and logistics support for the Atlantic Fleet. Over its decades of service, the unit operated various helicopters, including the Sikorsky H-19, SH-3 Sea King, and CH-46 Sea Knight, before being disestablished in 1997.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 19 (HM-19), known as the "Golden Bears," was established in 1977 at Naval Air Station Alameda, California. The squadron specializes in airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) and operates MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters, providing critical support in mine detection and clearance for the U.S. Navy. Over the years, HM-19 has participated in major operations worldwide, including Operation Desert Storm and various international exercises, contributing to safe naval passage and maritime security. In 1994, the squadron was relocated to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, where it continues to serve as a key asset in mine warfare.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 47 (HSL-47), known as the "Saberhawks," was established on September 15, 1984, at Naval Air Station North Island, California. The squadron operated the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, specializing in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue missions, primarily supporting U.S. Navy surface combatants in the Pacific Fleet. HSL-47 deployed aboard various cruisers and destroyers, playing a critical role in maritime security and fleet defense during its service. In 2015, as part of the Navy's helicopter community transition, HSL-47 was redesignated as Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 47 (HSM-47), continuing its legacy with the MH-60R Seahawk.

Naval Base Kitsap – Keyport, historically known as the Keyport Naval Shipyard, was established in 1914 as the Pacific Coast Torpedo Station near Keyport, Washington. Initially tasked with the development, testing, and maintenance of torpedoes, the facility played a crucial role during both World Wars, supporting the U.S. Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities. Over the decades, its mission expanded to include research and support for cutting-edge undersea weaponry, unmanned systems, and fleet readiness. Today, Keyport is an integral part of Naval Base Kitsap, providing technical support, maintenance, and logistics for the Navy’s undersea and surface warfare systems.

**Military Unit LST 983 History:** LST-983 was a tank landing ship (LST) of the LST-542 class built for the United States Navy during World War II. Commissioned in 1944, she played a critical role in the European Theater, participating in the Normandy landings (D-Day) in June 1944 by delivering troops, vehicles, and equipment directly onto the beaches. After the war, LST-983 continued to serve in occupation duties in Europe before being decommissioned in 1946. The vessel was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for civilian use, marking the end of her distinguished service.

**Mardet USS Enterprise (CVAN-65)** refers to the Marine Detachment assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned in 1961. Marine Detachments, or "Mardets," provided shipboard security, ceremonial functions, and manned the ship's secondary batteries during combat. Throughout the Vietnam War and the Cold War, the Mardet aboard Enterprise played crucial roles in internal security and participated in numerous deployments and operations. The detachment remained an integral part of the ship's company until the Navy phased out Marine Detachments from aircraft carriers in the late 1990s.

The Marine Detachment aboard USS Long Beach (CGN-9) served as an integral part of the ship’s company from her commissioning in 1961 until the Navy-wide phase-out of shipboard Marine detachments in the late 20th century. Responsible for internal security, ceremonial duties, and manning the ship’s secondary battery during General Quarters, the Marines also provided a landing force capability when needed. Throughout the Cold War, the detachment supported the cruiser’s various deployments, including Vietnam War operations and numerous show-of-force missions. The Marine Detachment was officially disbanded in the 1990s as part of a broader reorganization of Navy-Marine Corps manpower on surface ships.

The Marine Detachment aboard USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) was activated when the Essex-class aircraft carrier was commissioned in May 1946. As with other carrier-based Marine Detachments of the era, its primary roles included ship security, ceremonial duties, and the operation of the ship’s brig. During the Korean War, the Marine Detachment supported air operations and contributed to shipboard defense while the Philippine Sea launched air strikes in support of United Nations forces. The unit remained active throughout the ship’s deployments until the carrier’s decommissioning in 1958, exemplifying Marine Corps discipline and tradition afloat.

USS Hancock (CV/CVA-19) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the U.S. Navy in April 1944. During World War II, she participated in major Pacific operations, including strikes on the Philippines, Okinawa, and the Japanese home islands, earning four battle stars. After modernization, Hancock served during the Korean War era and played a prominent role in the Vietnam War, launching air strikes and supporting ground forces. The carrier was decommissioned in 1976 after over three decades of distinguished service.

MCM Crew Reaper is a U.S. Navy mine countermeasures (MCM) crew, established as part of the Navy’s rotational crewing strategy for Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships. Formed in the early 2010s, Crew Reaper has been deployed aboard various MCM vessels, primarily serving in the Fifth Fleet area of operations to safeguard critical maritime chokepoints like the Persian Gulf. The crew specializes in detecting and neutralizing naval mines using advanced sonar systems and remotely operated vehicles, ensuring safe passage for both military and commercial shipping. Their adaptability and technical expertise have made them a vital asset in maintaining maritime security and supporting coalition operations worldwide.

Mine Division 112 (MineDiv 112) was a United States Navy unit assigned to mine warfare operations during the Vietnam War. Activated in the mid-1960s, MineDiv 112 was composed of ocean-going minesweepers (MSOs) tasked with ensuring safe passage for U.S. and allied vessels by detecting and clearing naval mines along the coast of South Vietnam. The division participated in Operation Market Time, patrolling coastal waters to interdict enemy supply lines and prevent the mining of vital sea lanes. MineDiv 112’s efforts were crucial in maintaining maritime security and supporting amphibious and logistics operations throughout the conflict.

The North Atlantic Fleet Camera Party was a specialized photographic unit within the United States Navy, active primarily during World War II. Established to document naval operations in the North Atlantic, the unit was responsible for capturing still and motion pictures of ship movements, convoy operations, and antisubmarine warfare. Their work provided valuable intelligence, aided in after-action analysis, and served as material for training and public relations. The images and footage produced by the North Atlantic Fleet Camera Party remain important historical records of naval activities during the critical Battle of the Atlantic.

NAIRU 911, located at Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts, was a Naval Air Reserve Intelligence Unit established to support the operational intelligence needs of fleet and reserve forces. Formed during the Cold War, NAIRU 911 played a key role in providing trained intelligence specialists and analytical support for both peacetime and contingency operations. The unit contributed to exercises, mobilizations, and the training of intelligence personnel, often collaborating with active-duty counterparts to enhance readiness. NAIRU 911 remained an integral component of the Navy Reserve's intelligence community until the base's closure in 1997, after which its missions and personnel were reallocated.

Naval Communications Station Kodiak, Alaska (NAMCOMSTA Kodiak, AK) was established during World War II as a vital communications hub supporting U.S. Navy operations in the North Pacific. Located on Kodiak Island, the station played a pivotal role in relaying messages between Pacific Fleet units and headquarters, especially during the Aleutian Islands Campaign. After the war, NAMCOMSTA Kodiak continued to serve as a key site for naval communications and electronic intelligence throughout the Cold War, adapting to advances in technology and shifting strategic priorities. The station’s presence contributed significantly to U.S. military readiness in the Arctic and North Pacific until its eventual deactivation and transition to other uses.

Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron One (HS-1), known as the "Seahorses," was established at Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax), Florida, in 1951. As the U.S. Navy’s first helicopter antisubmarine warfare (ASW) squadron, HS-1 pioneered tactics and training for rotary-wing ASW operations during the Cold War. Throughout its history, HS-1 played a key role in developing helicopter doctrine, serving as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) to train generations of pilots and aircrew. The squadron was decommissioned in 1997, leaving a lasting legacy in naval aviation and antisubmarine warfare.

Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain’s Port Services unit plays a vital role in supporting both U.S. and allied naval operations in the Mediterranean region. Established in 1953 through a bilateral agreement between the United States and Spain, Port Services has since facilitated the safe mooring, refueling, and resupply of thousands of vessels, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and logistics ships. Over the decades, the unit has been instrumental in operations ranging from Cold War deterrence to NATO exercises and humanitarian missions. Today, Port Services at NAS Rota continues to provide critical maritime support, enhancing the strategic presence and interoperability of U.S. and partner forces in Europe and Africa.

Naval Air Facility Litchfield Park, located near Phoenix, Arizona, was established during World War II in 1941 as a support and maintenance base for naval aircraft. Initially serving as a training and storage facility, it became a key site for aircraft repair and overhaul, particularly for aircraft returning from the Pacific Theater. After the war, the base continued its operations, notably as a storage and reclamation center for surplus Navy and Marine Corps aircraft during the postwar drawdown. The facility was eventually closed in 1968, and the site later became Phoenix Goodyear Airport.

Naval Facility Cape Hatteras was a United States Navy Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) shore terminal located on Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Commissioned in January 1956, it served as a critical node in the early-warning network designed to detect and track Soviet submarines during the Cold War. The facility processed underwater acoustic data collected by an array of underwater listening devices (hydrophones) positioned offshore. After decades of service contributing to U.S. undersea surveillance, Naval Facility Cape Hatteras was decommissioned in June 1982 as technological advancements rendered some SOSUS stations redundant.

NAVAL Hospital Beaufort, South Carolina, was commissioned in April 1949 to provide medical care for Navy and Marine Corps personnel in the Lowcountry region. Strategically located near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, the hospital has played a crucial role in supporting both recruit and operational readiness for over seven decades. Throughout its history, the hospital has adapted to changing military needs, expanding its facilities and services to include family members and retirees. NAVAL Hospital Beaufort remains a vital part of the military health system, upholding a tradition of excellence in patient care and medical support.

The Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF) is a United States Navy organization responsible for the storage, maintenance, and disposal of decommissioned naval vessels. Established after World War II, its primary mission is to preserve ships in reserve fleets, often referred to as “ghost fleets” or “mothball fleets,” for potential future reactivation or disposal. NISMF sites have been located in places such as Bremerton, Washington; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over the decades, the facility has played a crucial role in managing the Navy’s surplus ships, supporting fleet readiness, and facilitating the recycling or sinking of obsolete vessels as artificial reefs.

Naval Magazine Guam, established during World War II in 1944, played a crucial role as a major ammunition storage and distribution facility in the Pacific Theater. Located on the island of Guam, it provided essential logistical support during the liberation of the Marianas and subsequent operations leading to the end of the war. Throughout the Cold War and into the present, Naval Magazine Guam has continued to serve as a vital ordnance storage and handling site for the U.S. Navy and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region. Its strategic location ensures rapid response capability and support for military operations across the Western Pacific.

The Naval Reserve Training Center (NRTC) in Georgetown, South Carolina, served as a pivotal facility for training Naval Reservists in the region during the mid-20th century. Established to bolster the readiness of local reservists, the center provided essential instruction in seamanship, naval operations, and emergency procedures. Throughout its years of operation, the Georgetown NRTC supported national defense efforts by preparing sailors for active duty during times of conflict, including the Cold War era. The facility played an important role in fostering community connections to the Navy before being decommissioned as military training needs evolved.

The Naval School Deep Dive System, located at Point Loma in San Diego, traces its origins to the U.S. Navy's commitment to advancing underwater operations and diving technology. Established in the mid-20th century, the school has served as a premier training center for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and underwater salvage operations. Over the decades, it has been instrumental in developing and refining deep-dive protocols, equipment, and safety standards for Navy divers. The unit continues to support critical missions, ensuring personnel are expertly trained to operate in challenging underwater environments around the globe.

The Naval School of Health Sciences Portsmouth was established in Portsmouth, Virginia, as part of the U.S. Navy’s commitment to training highly skilled medical personnel. Originally founded in 1972, the school provided advanced education and technical training for Navy corpsmen, dental technicians, and other enlisted medical specialties. Over the decades, it played a crucial role in preparing Navy medical staff for service in both peacetime and combat operations worldwide. In 2005, the school was realigned under the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) as part of a broader consolidation of military medical training programs.