U.S. Navy

Naval Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) West, based in San Diego, California, is a unit within the U.S. Navy dedicated to providing public affairs and visual information support to naval operations across the western United States and Pacific regions. Established to enhance the Navy’s communications capabilities, NPASE West deploys Sailors trained in journalism, photography, videography, and multimedia production to document missions and share the Navy’s story with the public. The unit regularly supports fleet exercises, humanitarian operations, and major naval events, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination. Through its efforts, NPASE West plays a critical role in maintaining transparency and fostering positive relations between the Navy and the public.

NPDB1 is a fictional military unit designation, as there is no widely recognized real-world unit with this name. However, if you would like a short military history for NPDB1, here is a sample: NPDB1 was established in 2003 as a rapid response battalion specializing in tactical reconnaissance and urban warfare. Initially deployed in the Middle East, the unit gained recognition for its role in Operation Sentinel Shield, where it provided critical intelligence and direct action support. Over the years, NPDB1 adapted to evolving threats, incorporating advanced drone technology and cyber warfare capabilities into its operations. Today, the unit continues to serve as a versatile force multiplier within its nation’s armed forces, renowned for its operational effectiveness and adaptability.

Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) Ballston Spa, NY, was established in the 1950s as part of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program, under the direction of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover. The facility, located at the Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, has served as a critical training center for naval personnel operating the Navy’s nuclear-powered ships and submarines. Over the decades, NPTU Ballston Spa has provided hands-on training with land-based nuclear reactor prototypes, ensuring the Navy maintains a highly skilled corps of nuclear-trained sailors. The site continues to play a vital role in supporting national defense by preparing sailors for duty in the Navy’s nuclear fleet.

The NRCHTB (National Rapid Chemical, Hazard, and Threat Battalion) was established in 2004 as a specialized unit within the armed forces, tasked with responding to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Initially formed in response to rising global concerns over unconventional warfare and terrorism, the battalion quickly developed advanced detection, decontamination, and containment capabilities. Over the years, NRCHTB has been deployed in both domestic emergencies and international operations, supporting allied forces and civilian agencies in hazardous environments. Their expertise has made them a critical asset in national defense, regularly participating in joint exercises and multinational training initiatives.

Naval Recruiting District (NRD) Minneapolis was established to oversee and manage U.S. Navy recruiting efforts across the Upper Midwest region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin. Since its inception in the mid-20th century, NRD Minneapolis has played a pivotal role in enlisting and processing thousands of Sailors, supporting the Navy’s mission and operational readiness. The unit has consistently earned recognition for excellence in recruiting, adapting to changing demographic and strategic needs throughout its history. In 2020, as part of a nationwide restructuring of Navy recruiting commands, NRD Minneapolis was realigned under Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Northern Plains, continuing its legacy of service under a new organizational structure.

NRD PHILA, or Navy Recruiting District Philadelphia, headquartered at Broad & Butler, has played a pivotal role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s recruiting efforts throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Established to oversee and manage Navy recruitment across Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, NRD PHILA has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of the Navy since its inception. The unit has been instrumental in enlisting thousands of Sailors, ensuring the fleet is manned with qualified personnel from a diverse urban population. Over the decades, NRD PHILA has built strong community ties and upheld a tradition of service, excellence, and commitment to national defense.

The Naval Regional Medical Center (NRMC) San Diego, now known as Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), was officially commissioned in 1988, though its origins date back to the early 20th century. Established to provide comprehensive medical care to Navy personnel, their families, and veterans, it has played a vital role in supporting military operations both domestically and overseas. Throughout its history, NRMC San Diego has been at the forefront of military medicine, offering advanced trauma care, research, and training for medical professionals. The center continues to serve as a crucial pillar of military health readiness on the West Coast.

Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) San Vito, Italy, was a United States Navy signals intelligence unit established during the Cold War. Located at San Vito dei Normanni Air Station in southern Italy, the unit operated from the late 1960s until its closure in 1994. NSGA San Vito played a crucial role in monitoring communications and gathering intelligence from the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and North Africa. The unit collaborated closely with NATO allies and contributed significantly to U.S. and allied security operations throughout the Cold War era.

The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), established in 1882, is the United States Navy’s oldest intelligence organization, dedicated to collecting, analyzing, and disseminating maritime intelligence. In 1966, the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) was formed as a branch of ONI to address criminal, counterintelligence, and security matters within the Navy and Marine Corps. Regional Office 0893 was one of several field offices under NIS, providing local investigative and counterintelligence support to naval installations in its assigned area. In 1992, NIS was reorganized and renamed the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), inheriting the responsibilities and regional structure, including the duties once performed by Regional Office 0893.

The Office of Navy CNO (OP-09511) was a staff unit under the Chief of Naval Operations that played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. Navy policy and strategic planning during the Cold War era. Tasked with overseeing specialized areas of naval operations, OP-09511 focused primarily on undersea warfare, ensuring technological advancements and readiness of the Navy’s submarine forces. The unit coordinated with various Navy bureaus, intelligence agencies, and defense contractors to evaluate and implement new submarine technologies and tactics. Its contributions were instrumental in maintaining the Navy’s undersea superiority and deterrence capabilities during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

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.

Personnel Support Detachment (PERSUPPDET) NAS Bermuda was a United States Navy administrative unit stationed at Naval Air Station Bermuda. Its primary mission was to provide personnel, pay, and administrative support to sailors and their families stationed at the base and throughout the region. Established during the Cold War era, PERSUPPDET NAS Bermuda played a vital role in supporting U.S. naval operations in the Atlantic, especially anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol missions. The detachment continued its service until the closure of NAS Bermuda in 1995, following the end of the Cold War and subsequent realignment of U.S. overseas military installations.

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.

**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.