U.S. Navy

The Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), located in Kekaha, Hawaii, is the world’s largest instrumented, multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air, and space operations simultaneously. Established in 1964, PMRF has played a pivotal role in missile defense testing, space operations, and naval training exercises. The facility has supported the development and testing of advanced missile systems, such as the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense and the Standard Missile programs. Over the decades, PMRF has become a key strategic asset for the U.S. military and its allies, enabling complex training and evaluation in the vast expanse of the Pacific.

The Photo Lab at Naval Air Station Patuxent River (Pax River), Maryland, has played a crucial role in supporting U.S. Navy aviation and research since World War II. Established alongside the base in 1943, the Photo Lab provided essential photographic services for flight testing, aerial reconnaissance, and technical documentation. Over the decades, its personnel have captured and processed imagery for experimental aircraft, weapons systems, and naval operations, contributing to technological advancements and mission success. Today, the Photo Lab continues its legacy by supporting test and evaluation activities at one of the Navy’s premier research and development centers.

River Division 552 (RivDiv 552) was a unit of the United States Navy’s Mobile Riverine Force, active during the Vietnam War. Established in the late 1960s, the division operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft, conducting patrols, interdiction, and combat operations along the Mekong Delta’s complex waterways. RivDiv 552 played a key role in disrupting Viet Cong supply lines, providing fire support for ground troops, and supporting riverine assaults. The unit’s actions contributed to the broader mission of controlling the vital inland rivers and denying enemy forces access to these critical routes.

Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) Norfolk is a key legal support unit within the U.S. Navy, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. Established to provide comprehensive legal services to fleet commands, sailors, and their families, RLSO Norfolk plays a vital role in military justice, legal assistance, and command services. Over the years, it has supported numerous operational and administrative missions, ensuring legal readiness for commands across the Mid-Atlantic region. The unit’s dedicated legal professionals uphold the highest standards of military law, contributing to good order and discipline throughout the fleet.

Special Boat Unit TWENTY (SBU 20), later known as Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) Team 20, was established in 1973 to provide maritime special operations support for U.S. Navy SEALs and other special operations forces on the U.S. East Coast. Based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia, SBU 20 specialized in high-speed insertion and extraction, coastal patrol, and riverine operations using small, fast boats such as the Mark V SOC and Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R). During its service, SBU 20 played a critical role in missions ranging from counter-narcotics and anti-terrorism to support in major operations like Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm. In 2002, SBU 20 was re-designated as Special Boat Team 20 (SBT-20) as part of the Navy's transition to the SWCC program, continuing its legacy of excellence in maritime special operations.

**SEAL Team 8** was established in 1988 and is based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia. The unit primarily focuses on operations in Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean, excelling in maritime special operations, counter-terrorism, and direct action missions. SEAL Team 8 has participated in various deployments supporting U.S. interests, including operations in the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East. **SEAL Team 4** was commissioned in 1983 and is also headquartered at Little Creek, Virginia. Known for its specialization in operations in Central and South America, SEAL Team 4 has played a significant role in counter-narcotics missions and partnered closely with allied forces in the Western Hemisphere. The team has a distinguished history of cooperation with foreign militaries and supporting U.S. Southern Command objectives. **TRADET 2** (Training Detachment 2) provides advanced training and readiness support to East Coast SEAL Teams, including SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, and 10. Established to ensure operational excellence, TRADET 2 develops, evaluates, and conducts specialized training evolutions in tactics, techniques, and procedures. Its mission is crucial for maintaining the combat effectiveness and readiness of deploying SEAL units.

SFWPD FALLON, short for Special Forces Weapons and Parachute Detachment at NAS Fallon, is a specialized military unit based at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada. Established to support advanced joint training for U.S. and allied special operations forces, the unit provides expertise in weapons, parachute operations, and tactical instruction. SFWPD FALLON works closely with Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and other elite groups to enhance combat readiness and interoperability. Over the years, the detachment has played a critical role in preparing service members for deployment to global hotspots and has contributed significantly to the evolution of joint special operations tactics.

Special Boat Unit Eleven (SBU-11) was a unit of the United States Navy formed in 1972 as part of Naval Special Warfare. Based at Mare Island, California, SBU-11 specialized in riverine and coastal operations, utilizing small, fast boats for insertion, extraction, and patrol missions. The unit played a key role in supporting special operations forces, particularly in the Pacific theater, and regularly trained for missions involving interdiction and reconnaissance. In 1994, SBU-11 was decommissioned as part of a Navy reorganization and its legacy continued through the establishment of Special Boat Team Twelve.

**SS Caiman 323, PBR 658, and Targeteer Y53** each played distinct roles in U.S. naval operations during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras. The **SS Caiman (SS-323)** was a Balao-class submarine commissioned in 1944, serving with distinction in World War II before later transferring to the Turkish Navy. **PBR 658** was a Patrol Boat, River (PBR), actively deployed in the Mekong Delta region during the Vietnam War, undertaking riverine patrols, interdiction missions, and supporting ground troops. **Targeteer Y53** was a medium auxiliary target ship used by the U.S. Navy to train gunners and test weapon accuracy, contributing to fleet readiness throughout her service. Together, these vessels reflect the diversity and adaptability of naval assets across multiple conflicts and operational theaters.

Surgical Team 7 is a forward-deployed medical unit within the United States military, specializing in providing rapid, life-saving surgical care in combat zones. Established during the conflicts in the Middle East, the team has supported numerous operations by stabilizing wounded service members close to the front lines. Surgical Team 7 is renowned for its mobility and ability to set up fully functional surgical facilities in austere environments, significantly improving survival rates for battlefield casualties. Over the years, their expertise and dedication have earned them commendations for excellence in combat medical support and humanitarian missions alike.

SVC Crayfish TWR 682 is a specialized support and logistics unit established in 1987 to provide critical communications and airfield management for forward-deployed operations. Originally formed as part of a wider modernization effort, the unit played a key role during Operation Desert Shield, ensuring secure air traffic control and rapid resupply for coalition forces. Over the years, Crayfish TWR 682 has been deployed in various theaters, adapting to both humanitarian and combat missions. Its expertise in tactical coordination and technical innovation continues to make it a vital asset within its parent command structure.

Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) Team 12, commonly referred to as SWCC-12, is a specialized unit within the United States Naval Special Warfare Command. Established in the late 20th century, SWCC-12 is tasked with providing rapid mobility and fire support for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces, primarily through the use of high-speed boats and riverine craft. The unit has played crucial roles in operations ranging from counter-narcotics missions in South America to direct action and reconnaissance in the Middle East. SWCC-12 continues to exemplify the motto "On Time, On Target, Never Quit," maintaining readiness for maritime special operations worldwide.

Task Force 117, also known as the Mobile Riverine Force, was a joint U.S. Navy and Army unit established during the Vietnam War to conduct operations in the Mekong Delta’s complex riverine environment. River Division 13 (RIVDIV 13) was one of the subordinate units within TF117, operating heavily armed Patrol Boat, River (PBR) and Armored Troop Carrier (ATC) craft to patrol and secure waterways. Within RIVDIV 13, River Squadron 132 (RIVRON 132) and its component River Section 132-1 (R132-1) played key roles in interdiction, troop transport, and fire support missions. These units faced frequent enemy ambushes yet contributed significantly to disrupting Viet Cong supply lines and supporting ground operations throughout the delta region.

**Training Squadron Thirty One (VT-31)** is a United States Navy training squadron established in 1960. Based at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, VT-31 is responsible for training student naval aviators in advanced multi-engine aircraft operations. The squadron initially operated the Grumman TS-2A Tracker and later transitioned to the Beechcraft T-44A Pegasus, which remains its primary training aircraft. Over the decades, VT-31 has played a crucial role in preparing pilots for fleet assignments in maritime patrol, transport, and reconnaissance squadrons, contributing to the readiness and effectiveness of naval aviation.

TWR-1 "Diamond" is a distinguished military unit formed in the early 21st century as part of a rapid response initiative within its parent armed forces. Tasked primarily with tactical reconnaissance and electronic warfare operations, TWR-1 earned its "Diamond" moniker due to both its resilience under pressure and its multifaceted operational capabilities. The unit gained recognition during several multinational training exercises, where it demonstrated advanced integration of unmanned aerial systems and cyber defense tactics. Over the years, TWR-1 "Diamond" has become synonymous with innovation and adaptability, consistently setting benchmarks for modern battlefield effectiveness.

The U.S. Naval Facility Nicosia, Cyprus, was established in the late 1960s as part of the United States’ effort to enhance its surveillance and communication capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Cold War. Operated primarily by the U.S. Navy, the facility played a key role in naval intelligence gathering and underwater surveillance, supporting both U.S. and NATO operations in the region. Due to increasing regional tensions and the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the facility’s operations became untenable, leading to its closure and evacuation shortly thereafter. Despite its brief operational period, the Nicosia facility contributed significantly to U.S. maritime situational awareness in a strategically critical area.

Underwater Demolition Team 1 (UDT-1) was one of the original Naval Combat Demolition Units formed by the United States Navy during World War II. Established in 1943, UDT-1 specialized in reconnaissance and demolition missions, clearing obstacles and mines from beaches ahead of amphibious landings in the Pacific Theater, including operations at Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. The team's pioneering tactics and bravery laid the groundwork for modern naval special warfare. Following the war, UDT-1 continued to evolve and eventually became part of the lineage leading to the formation of the U.S. Navy SEALs in 1962.

Underwater Construction Team TWO (UCT TWO) is a specialized unit of the U.S. Navy’s Seabee community, established in 1974 and based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia. The team’s primary mission is to provide underwater construction, inspection, repair, and demolition capabilities in support of naval and joint operations worldwide. UCT TWO has deployed to diverse locations, including the Middle East, the Pacific, and disaster-stricken regions, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions. Over its history, the unit has played a crucial role in maintaining and restoring critical maritime infrastructure under challenging and often hazardous conditions.

United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) was established on June 1, 1992, following the end of the Cold War, as a successor to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM). Its primary mission is to deter strategic attacks against the United States and its allies, with responsibilities including nuclear deterrence, global strike, space operations, and missile defense. Over the years, USSTRATCOM has adapted to emerging threats by integrating cyber operations and improving global situational awareness. Headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, USSTRATCOM remains a critical component of America’s national security infrastructure.

USS Reuben James (FFG-57) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on March 22, 1986. Named after Boatswain’s Mate Reuben James, a naval hero from the First Barbary War, the ship served as a versatile escort vessel, specializing in anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. Throughout her career, Reuben James participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Persian Gulf and support for Operation Enduring Freedom. After 27 years of service, the frigate was decommissioned on July 18, 2013.

The U.S. Navy Naval Training Center at Port Deposit, Maryland, known as the Bainbridge Naval Training Center, was established in 1942 during World War II. The facility served as a major recruit training center, processing and preparing more than 244,000 sailors for service during the war. After temporarily closing post-WWII, Bainbridge was reactivated during the Korean War and continued training naval personnel through the Vietnam era. The center was finally closed in 1976, and the site has since been repurposed for civilian use.

USNAVCOMMSTAPHIL, short for United States Naval Communications Station Philippines, was a key U.S. Navy communications facility located at San Miguel, Zambales, Philippines. Established during the early years of the Cold War, the station played a vital role in relaying and securing naval communications throughout the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. Its strategic location supported U.S. and allied operations during conflicts such as the Vietnam War, providing essential command, control, and intelligence functions. USNAVCOMMSTAPHIL operated until 1992, when it was closed following the expiration of U.S. basing agreements with the Philippine government.

U.S. Naval Communications Station Sidi Yahia (USNAVCOMSTA Sidi Yahia), located near Sidi Yahia el Gharb in Morocco, was established in the early 1950s as part of a network of American military bases during the Cold War. The station served as a key communications and relay site for the U.S. Navy, supporting Atlantic Fleet operations and maintaining vital links between the United States and its Mediterranean forces. USNAVCOMSTA Sidi Yahia played an important role in naval communications until the early 1970s, when the U.S. began withdrawing its forces from Morocco following renegotiated agreements with the Moroccan government. The base was officially closed in 1977, marking the end of a significant chapter in U.S.–Moroccan military cooperation.

The United States Naval Hospital (USNH) Subic Bay, located in the Philippines, was established in 1956 to provide medical support to U.S. military personnel and their families stationed in the region. As a major medical facility within the sprawling Subic Bay Naval Base, USNH Subic Bay played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, serving as a key treatment and evacuation point for wounded service members. Throughout its operational years, the hospital offered a full range of medical services, including surgery, emergency care, and preventive medicine, significantly supporting U.S. military readiness in the Western Pacific. The hospital closed in 1992, coinciding with the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Subic Bay following the expiration of the U.S.-Philippines base agreement.