U.S. Navy

USS Tom Green County (LST-1159) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Primarily serving in the Pacific, she played a key logistical role during the Vietnam War, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to support combat operations. The ship participated in numerous amphibious landings and provided essential support for riverine and coastal missions. After nearly two decades of service, USS Tom Green County was decommissioned in 1972 and later transferred to the Republic of the Philippines.

USS Traverse County (LST-1160) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Designed for amphibious operations, she transported troops, vehicles, and equipment to support U.S. military operations worldwide. Traverse County participated in numerous training exercises and deployments, notably supporting NATO operations in the Mediterranean and providing logistical support during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1970 and later transferred to the Venezuelan Navy.

USS Tringa (ASR-16) was a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Designed to support submarine rescue and salvage operations, Tringa played a crucial role in aiding distressed submarines, conducting training exercises, and participating in fleet maneuvers during her service. Throughout her career, she operated extensively along the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean, and occasionally in the Mediterranean, contributing to both peacetime and Cold War readiness. USS Tringa was decommissioned in 1975, marking the end of three decades of vital undersea support service.

USS Truett (FF-1095) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1974 and named in honor of Quincy Harris Truett, a Navy radioman who was killed in action during World War II. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, Truett served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in NATO exercises and patrols throughout the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. The ship also took part in numerous UNITAS exercises, strengthening cooperation with South American navies. After nearly two decades of service, USS Truett was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to Taiwan, where she served as ROCS Fong Yang (FFG-933).

USS Turner (DDR-834) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Richmond K. Turner, the ship initially served during the final months of World War II and then participated extensively in Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. In 1956, Turner was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR), enhancing her air defense capabilities. The vessel remained active until her decommissioning in 1969, after which she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register and later scrapped.

USS Ute (AT-76) was a Cherokee-class fleet tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. Throughout World War II, she provided vital towing, salvage, and rescue operations across the Pacific Theater, supporting major campaigns such as the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. USS Ute continued her service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning multiple battle stars for her steadfast support roles in both conflicts. Decommissioned in 1989, USS Ute’s long and distinguished career stands as a testament to the essential contributions of auxiliary vessels in naval operations.

**USS Utina (ATF-163)** was an Abnaki-class fleet ocean tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. She provided essential towing, salvage, and rescue services during the final months of World War II and throughout the early Cold War period, supporting fleet operations in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Utina was transferred to the Venezuelan Navy in 1977, serving as **USS Outpost (YAGR-10)** under her new designation. The vessel continued her service in regional maritime support roles until her eventual decommissioning, marking decades of versatile naval utility.

USS Valor (AM-472) was an Admirable-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy during World War II. Launched in 1944, she participated in mine-clearing operations along the U.S. East Coast and the Atlantic, ensuring safe passage for Allied vessels. Valor played a crucial role in post-war efforts, clearing minefields to restore maritime safety. Decommissioned in 1947, she was placed in reserve before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Vance (DER-387) was an Edsall-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Originally commissioned in 1943, she served primarily as a convoy escort in the Atlantic, protecting merchant ships from German U-boats. After the war, Vance was decommissioned but later recommissioned and converted to a radar picket ship (DER) during the Cold War, serving as part of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line in the Pacific. The USS Vance also participated in Operation Market Time during the Vietnam War, conducting coastal surveillance and interdiction patrols before her final decommissioning in 1970.

USS Vicksburg (CG-69) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on November 14, 1992. Named after the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, the ship has served in multiple operational theaters, including the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Persian Gulf. USS Vicksburg has participated in significant missions such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities. Over her service, the cruiser has supported carrier strike groups, conducted maritime security operations, and participated in numerous multinational exercises, demonstrating her versatility and combat readiness.

USS Weiss (APD-135) was a Crosley-class high-speed transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Originally laid down as a destroyer escort, she was converted during construction to serve as a fast transport for amphibious operations. Weiss participated in the final stages of World War II, supporting occupation landings in Japan and later assisting with minesweeping operations and troop transport duties in the Pacific. She continued to serve during the Korean War, providing valuable support for amphibious assaults and evacuation operations before being decommissioned in 1957.

USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on October 20, 1990. Built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, she is the third U.S. Navy vessel named after the state of West Virginia. As part of the Navy's strategic deterrent force, USS West Virginia carries Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and has participated in numerous deterrent patrols to maintain peace and security. The submarine continues to serve as a critical element of the United States' nuclear triad, ensuring strategic stability and national defense.

USS Willard Keith (DD-775) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1944. She served in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II, participating in operations off Okinawa and supporting the occupation of Japan. After the war, Willard Keith performed various duties including training missions and patrols during the early Cold War period. The destroyer remained active through the Korean War and into the 1960s before being decommissioned in 1972 and eventually sold for scrap.

USS Wood County (LST-1178) was a De Soto County-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1959. Designed to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment directly onto shore, she served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet, participating in amphibious exercises and supporting Marine and Army units. Notably, Wood County took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine operations in 1962 and later provided logistics support during the Vietnam War era. Decommissioned in 1972, she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1977 and subsequently sold for scrap.

USS Zelima (AF-49) was an Alstedes-class stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Built in 1944 as the SS William J. Riddle, she was later acquired and converted by the Navy to provide underway replenishment of food, refrigerated stores, and dry provisions to fleet units. Throughout her service, Zelima played a vital logistical role in the western Pacific, supporting U.S. operations during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Cold War deployments. She earned several campaign and service accolades before being decommissioned in 1969 and ultimately scrapped in 1973.

Attack Squadron 152 (VA-152), known as the "Wild Aces," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in August 1948 as VF-713 before being redesignated VA-152 in February 1953. The squadron saw action during the Korean War, providing close air support and strike missions from aircraft carriers. Throughout its service, VA-152 operated various aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, AD Skyraider, and A-4 Skyhawk. It participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War before being disestablished on January 29, 1971.

Attack Squadron 215 (VA-215), known as the "Barn Owls," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on March 22, 1955. The squadron primarily flew the A-1 Skyraider and later transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk, conducting carrier-based attack missions. VA-215 participated in several key operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War, where it provided close air support, interdiction, and strike missions from aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. The squadron was decommissioned on August 31, 1967, after over a decade of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 45 (VA-45), also known as the "Blackbirds," was a United States Navy attack squadron originally established as Fighter Squadron VF-45 on 15 February 1963. The squadron was primarily tasked with providing adversary training, simulating enemy aircraft tactics to prepare Navy pilots for combat. Throughout its history, VA-45 operated several aircraft types, including the A-4 Skyhawk and the TA-4J, from its home base at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. The squadron was disestablished on 31 March 1996 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

Certainly! Here is a brief military history for each unit: **VA-76:** Attack Squadron 76 (VA-76), known as the "Spirits," was established in 1955. The unit participated in several significant Cold War operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and combat operations during the Vietnam War. VA-76 flew various attack aircraft, notably the A-4 Skyhawk, providing close air support and strike missions. The squadron was disestablished in 1969. **VC-4:** Composite Squadron Four (VC-4), nicknamed the "Nightcappers," was established in 1948 as the Navy's first night fighter squadron. VC-4 operated a variety of aircraft, including the F4U Corsair and F2H Banshee, specializing in night and all-weather fighter operations from aircraft carriers. The squadron played a pivotal role in developing naval night combat tactics during the Korean War era. VC-4 was disestablished in 1956. **VP-66:** Patrol Squadron 66 (VP-66), known as the "Liberty Bells," was a U.S. Navy Reserve patrol squadron established in 1970. Based at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, the squadron flew the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, conducting anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance missions primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean. VP-66 supported numerous NATO and fleet exercises during the Cold War and participated in real-world operations, including counter-narcotics missions. The squadron was disestablished in 2006 during a Navy Reserve restructuring.

Attack Squadron 145 (VA-145), known as the "Swordsmen," was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1949. The squadron operated a series of aircraft, including the A-1 Skyraider and later the A-6 Intruder, conducting attack missions from aircraft carriers. VA-145 saw extensive combat during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing close air support, interdiction, and strike missions. The unit was decommissioned in 1993, concluding over four decades of distinguished service.

Strike Fighter Squadron 27 (VFA-27), known as the "Royal Maces," is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron established in 1967. Originally designated Attack Squadron 27 (VA-27), the unit flew the A-7 Corsair II before transitioning to the F/A-18A Hornet in the 1990s and later to the advanced F/A-18E Super Hornet. VFA-27 is based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, and is assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). The squadron has participated in multiple major operations, including deployments supporting Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Freedom’s Sentinel, showcasing its enduring legacy of operational excellence in the Indo-Pacific region.

VAH-123, known as the "Professionals," was a U.S. Navy Heavy Attack Squadron established in June 1957 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. Its primary mission was to serve as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training aircrews and maintenance personnel for the A-3 Skywarrior aircraft. Throughout its service, VAH-123 played a crucial role in preparing crews for heavy attack operations during the Cold War era. The squadron was disestablished on February 1, 1971, with its training responsibilities transferred to other units.

VAQ-142, known as the "Gray Wolves," is a United States Navy electronic attack squadron established in 1988. Initially equipped with the EA-6B Prowler, the squadron provided tactical electronic warfare support, including radar jamming and electronic surveillance. After a brief deactivation in 1991, VAQ-142 was reestablished in 1994 and later transitioned to the advanced EA-18G Growler aircraft. The unit has participated in multiple deployments supporting Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, earning a reputation for excellence in electronic warfare and fleet support.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 127 (VAW-127), nicknamed the "Seabats," was a United States Navy airborne early warning squadron established on September 2, 1983. The unit operated the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne surveillance, command and control, and battle management for carrier strike groups. VAW-127 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 13 and deployed aboard the USS Coral Sea (CV-43), participating in key operations during the latter years of the Cold War. The squadron was deactivated on September 30, 1991, as part of post-Cold War reductions in naval forces.