U.S. Navy

**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.

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 Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Crows Landing, located in California’s Central Valley, was established in 1942 as an auxiliary airfield to support the training needs of Naval Air Station Alameda during World War II. The airfield served primarily as a training base for carrier-based aircraft, with pilots practicing takeoffs and landings on its long runways. After the war, the facility continued in use for training and touch-and-go operations until the 1990s, when military activity ceased and the property was transferred to local authorities. Today, remnants of its military past remain, but the field stands as a testament to its critical role in preparing naval aviators for combat during and after World War II.

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 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.

The Naval Undersea Research And Development Program was established during the early years of the Cold War to advance the United States Navy's capabilities in undersea warfare and technology. Tasked with pioneering research in sonar, underwater vehicles, and anti-submarine warfare, the unit played a crucial role in developing innovations that enhanced naval operations beneath the surface. Throughout its history, the program collaborated with academic institutions, defense contractors, and other military branches to address emerging threats and maintain technological superiority. Its efforts contributed significantly to the Navy's ability to detect, track, and counter adversarial submarine activities, ensuring American dominance in the undersea domain.

NAVCAMS WESTPAC Guam, or Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Western Pacific, Guam, was established to provide critical communications and information systems support to U.S. military forces in the Pacific region. Originating during the Cold War era, the unit evolved from earlier naval communications activities on Guam dating back to World War II, when the island served as a vital strategic hub. Over the decades, NAVCAMS WESTPAC has played a pivotal role in ensuring secure, reliable, and rapid communications for fleet operations, particularly during regional contingencies and humanitarian missions. Today, the unit remains an essential part of the U.S. Navy’s global communications network, supporting both peacetime operations and crisis response in the Indo-Pacific theater.

NAVCOMMSTA Londonderry, N.I. (U.S. Naval Communications Station Londonderry, Northern Ireland) was established by the United States Navy during World War II in 1942 as part of the Allied effort in the Battle of the Atlantic. The station served as a key communications and cryptographic hub, supporting U.S. naval operations, convoy escorts, and anti-submarine warfare in the North Atlantic. After the war, NAVCOMMSTA Londonderry continued to play a vital role during the Cold War, providing secure communications between the U.S. and its NATO allies. The station was eventually closed in 1977, marking the end of over three decades of American naval presence in Northern Ireland.

NAVCOMSTA San Juan, Puerto Rico (Naval Communications Station San Juan) was established in the early 1950s as a key United States Navy communications hub in the Caribbean. Its mission was to provide secure and reliable communications for fleet units, shore installations, and allied operations throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean regions. During the Cold War, NAVCOMSTA San Juan played a vital role in supporting naval operations, intelligence gathering, and coordination with other U.S. and NATO assets. The station continued its operations until the late 1990s, when technological advances and restructuring led to its decommissioning.

NAVMARTRIJUIC Norfolk, VA, stands for Naval Maritime Transportation Reserve Unit Joint Intelligence Center, located in Norfolk, Virginia. Established to support naval intelligence and logistics operations, the unit has played a crucial role in ensuring the efficient movement of personnel, equipment, and information for the U.S. Navy and its joint partners. Over the years, NAVMARTRIJUIC has provided critical intelligence support for maritime operations and exercises along the East Coast and globally. The unit’s integration with both active duty and reserve components has enhanced readiness and operational effectiveness in support of national security objectives.

NAVRADSTA T Totsuka, or Naval Radio Station Totsuka, was a key United States Navy communications facility located in Totsuka, near Yokohama, Japan. Established in the aftermath of World War II, the station served as a critical relay point for naval communications throughout the Western Pacific region during the Cold War. NAVRADSTA Totsuka played an essential role in supporting U.S. Seventh Fleet operations, intelligence gathering, and maintaining secure lines of communication with other U.S. and allied forces. The station was eventually decommissioned as newer technologies and consolidated facilities rendered its functions obsolete, marking the end of its decades-long contribution to U.S. naval operations in the Pacific.