U.S. Navy

VF-162, known as the "Hunters," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1960. The squadron operated primarily from aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet, flying the F-8 Crusader fighter jet. VF-162 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, participating in multiple deployments to Southeast Asia and earning several commendations for its performance. The squadron was disestablished in 1971, having contributed significantly to naval air operations during its decade of service.

Fighter Squadron 43 (VF-43), known as the "Challengers," was a United States Navy adversary squadron established in 1945. Over its history, the squadron underwent several redesignations and operated a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, and F-16N Fighting Falcon. VF-43’s primary mission became providing air combat training for fleet units, simulating enemy tactics as part of the Navy’s adversary program. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia until its disestablishment in July 1994.

Strike Fighter Squadron 204 (VFA-204), known as the "River Rattlers," is a United States Navy Reserve squadron established in 1970. Originally designated as VA-204 and flying the A-4 Skyhawk, the squadron later transitioned to the A-7 Corsair II and was redesignated as VFA-204 in 1991 upon receiving the F/A-18 Hornet. VFA-204 has participated in numerous training exercises, fleet support missions, and carrier qualifications, serving as an essential adversary and readiness squadron for both active and reserve components. Based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, the River Rattlers have earned a reputation for professionalism and excellence in naval aviation.

Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105), known as the "Gunslingers," was established on November 1, 1967, originally as Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105). The squadron initially flew the A-7 Corsair II and participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War. Over the years, VFA-105 transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet and later the F/A-18E Super Hornet, adapting to modern strike fighter roles. The Gunslingers have deployed aboard various aircraft carriers, supporting operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146), known as the "Blue Diamonds," was established on February 1, 1956. Originally flying the F9F-8 Cougar, the squadron has since operated various aircraft, including the A-7 Corsair II and the F/A-18 Hornet. VFA-146 has participated in numerous deployments, supporting combat operations in Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Homeported at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, the "Blue Diamonds" continue to serve as a key strike fighter unit within the U.S. Navy's carrier air wings.

Fleet Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 63 (VFP-63), based at NAS Miramar, California, was a United States Navy squadron established in 1949. The unit specialized in photographic reconnaissance missions, initially operating the F9F-6P Cougar and later the RF-8 Crusader aircraft. VFP-63 played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, providing vital aerial intelligence and battle damage assessment for carrier strike groups. The squadron was disestablished in 1982 as newer reconnaissance technologies and platforms became available.

Patrol Squadron 721 (VP-721) was a United States Navy Reserve patrol squadron established during the post-World War II era. It was commissioned on 1 November 1946 as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force, operating primarily from NAS Glenview, Illinois. VP-721 flew maritime patrol missions using aircraft such as the PBY Catalina and later the PV-2 Harpoon, focusing on anti-submarine warfare and coastal reconnaissance training. The squadron was redesignated as VP-ML-71 in 1947 and eventually disestablished as part of postwar reserve reductions.

Patrol Squadron 935 (VP-935) was a U.S. Navy Reserve patrol squadron established during World War II as part of the rapid expansion of maritime patrol forces. Formed in 1944, VP-935 operated maritime patrol aircraft such as the PBM Mariner, conducting anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and convoy escort missions along the U.S. coastline and the Atlantic theater. The squadron was composed mainly of reservist aircrews and played a supporting role in safeguarding Allied shipping against German U-boat threats. VP-935 was disestablished shortly after the end of the war, as part of the postwar drawdown of naval aviation units.

Patrol Squadron 48 (VP-48) was a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1944. Originally formed as VPB-115 during World War II, the unit flew anti-submarine and maritime reconnaissance missions in the Pacific theater, primarily operating the PB4Y-2 Privateer. Throughout the Cold War, VP-48 was based at various locations, including NAS Moffett Field, and transitioned to flying P-3 Orion aircraft, conducting surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and reconnaissance missions worldwide. The squadron was decommissioned in 1991 as part of post-Cold War force reductions, concluding nearly five decades of distinguished service.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 2 (VR-2) is a United States Navy Reserve squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island, California. Established in 1966, VR-2 provides critical worldwide air logistics support, transporting personnel, cargo, and mail for the Navy and other Department of Defense agencies. The squadron has operated various aircraft over its history, including the C-9B Skytrain II and, more recently, the C-40A Clipper. VR-2's missions have supported operations in peacetime and during major conflicts, ensuring rapid and reliable logistical connections for U.S. forces globally.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 48 (VR-48), also known as the "Capital Express," is a United States Navy Reserve squadron based at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Established in 1978, VR-48 provides worldwide air logistics support using a fleet of C-40A Clipper aircraft. The squadron’s mission includes transporting personnel, cargo, and mail for Navy operations, supporting both routine and contingency missions. VR-48 has played a vital role in supporting operations in the Middle East and around the globe, contributing to the Navy’s rapid mobility and logistical reach.

VS-914 was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine squadron established during the Korean War era as part of the Naval Air Reserve. The unit was originally formed in the early 1950s and was composed primarily of reserve personnel, flying the Grumman S2F Tracker for maritime patrol and submarine hunting missions. In 1951, VS-914 was activated for federal service in response to increasing global tensions, operating from NAS Floyd Bennett Field in New York. The squadron contributed to coastal defense and anti-submarine warfare training before being deactivated and returned to reserve status in the mid-1950s.

VT-5, also known as Torpedo Squadron 5, was a United States Navy torpedo bomber squadron established during World War II. Formed in 1942, VT-5 was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) and later served aboard other carriers such as USS Franklin (CV-13) and USS Hancock (CV-19). The squadron participated in numerous Pacific Theater operations, including strikes against Japanese positions in the Marianas, Palaus, Philippines, and during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. VT-5 contributed to the sinking of enemy ships and played a significant role in the Allied victory in the Pacific before being disestablished in November 1945.

VT-6, also known as Training Squadron SIX, is a United States Navy training squadron established in 1956 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida. Originally formed as part of the Navy's effort to streamline and enhance pilot training, VT-6 has played a crucial role in primary flight training for Navy, Marine Corps, and allied student aviators. Throughout its history, the squadron has operated a variety of trainer aircraft, including the T-28 Trojan, T-34 Mentor, and currently, the T-6B Texan II. VT-6 continues its mission of producing highly skilled naval aviators, upholding a legacy of excellence and commitment to naval aviation training.

VU-10, originally designated Utility Squadron TEN (VU-10), was a U.S. Navy utility squadron established during World War II. It was based primarily at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and played a crucial role in providing target-towing, drone operations, and support services for fleet training exercises throughout the Caribbean. The squadron operated a variety of aircraft, including the JD-1 Invader and the F6F Hellcat, to simulate enemy threats and assist in anti-aircraft gunnery practice. VU-10 was later redesignated as VC-10 before its eventual disestablishment in the late 1960s, having contributed significantly to naval aviation training and readiness.

VW-14 was a U.S. Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron established in the early 1950s during the Cold War era. The squadron operated the Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star, an early warning radar aircraft designed to extend the Navy’s radar coverage far out to sea. VW-14 was primarily tasked with flying barrier patrols as part of the Atlantic Barrier, a critical line of defense intended to detect and track potential Soviet bomber or missile threats approaching North America. The unit was decommissioned in the mid-1960s as advances in radar technology and the development of more sophisticated warning systems rendered the barrier patrols obsolete.

**Weather Man** was not a traditional military unit but rather the codename for the Weather Underground Organization (WUO), a radical left-wing group active in the United States from 1969 to the late 1970s. Emerging from the anti-Vietnam War and civil rights movements, the Weather Underground advocated for the overthrow of the U.S. government and engaged in direct action, including bombings of government buildings to protest U.S. policies. While not officially aligned with any military, members operated clandestinely and adopted cell-based structures similar to guerrilla organizations. Their most significant activities included bombings at the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon, and the State Department, aiming to draw attention to social injustices and U.S. foreign policy.

YFU-63 was a United States Navy Yard Freight Utility craft, part of the YFU-62 class of landing craft utility (LCU) vessels. Commissioned during the Vietnam War era, YFU-63 played a crucial role in transporting supplies, vehicles, and personnel to support military operations along the Vietnamese coast and rivers. These vessels were especially valued for their shallow draft, allowing them to deliver cargo directly to undeveloped or contested shorelines. After the conflict, YFU-63 continued to serve in logistical support roles before being struck from the Naval Register.

Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, established in 1918 in York County, Virginia, has played a crucial role in U.S. naval operations for over a century. Originally constructed to support the Atlantic Fleet during World War I, the station rapidly expanded during World War II, serving as a major ordnance storage, assembly, and shipping facility. Throughout the Cold War and into the present, Yorktown has continued to provide vital logistical support, including munitions handling and storage for the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic operations. Today, it remains an essential component of the Navy’s shore infrastructure, supporting fleet readiness and national defense.

**YR-71** is a designation typically associated with experimental reconnaissance aircraft, most notably the Lockheed YF-12 and its direct successor, the Lockheed YR-71, which later became the famous SR-71 Blackbird. Developed in the early 1960s by Lockheed's Skunk Works division under Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, the YR-71 was designed for high-speed, high-altitude strategic reconnaissance missions during the height of the Cold War. The prototype YR-71 conducted test flights that validated the aircraft’s extraordinary capabilities, including speeds exceeding Mach 3 and the ability to operate at altitudes above 80,000 feet, making it virtually invulnerable to enemy air defenses of the era. These test flights and early operational missions paved the way for the SR-71 to enter service in 1966, where it played a crucial role in intelligence gathering for the United States Air Force until its retirement.

YRBM-16 (Yard Repair, Berthing, and Messing barge 16) was a support vessel utilized by the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Commissioned to provide repair, berthing, and messing facilities, YRBM-16 played a crucial role in supporting riverine and coastal operations along the Mekong Delta and other strategic waterways. The barge served as a floating base for sailors and soldiers, offering maintenance and logistical support to patrol boats and other naval craft engaged in Operation Game Warden and similar missions. YRBM-16’s presence enhanced operational endurance and readiness, contributing significantly to the U.S. Navy’s brown-water operations throughout the conflict.

ZP-3 (Blimp Patrol Squadron THREE) was a United States Navy lighter-than-air (LTA) squadron established during World War II. Commissioned in April 1942 and based at Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts, ZP-3 operated K-class blimps for anti-submarine warfare, convoy escort, and patrol missions along the Eastern Seaboard and the North Atlantic. The squadron played a crucial role in detecting and deterring German U-boats threatening Allied shipping lanes. ZP-3 continued its operations until the end of the war, contributing significantly to maritime patrol and coastal defense before being disestablished.

**ABPA NAVY 128** is a naval unit established in the early 2000s as part of the Allied Bay Patrol Association (ABPA) maritime security initiative. The unit was originally commissioned to conduct anti-piracy and maritime interdiction operations in the Southeast Asian sea lanes, particularly in response to rising piracy threats in the region. Over the years, ABPA NAVY 128 expanded its mandate to include joint training exercises with allied navies, search and rescue missions, and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. Its operational excellence and adaptability have earned the unit several commendations for service and cooperation in multinational maritime security efforts.

Apt 120 is a fictional designation, as there is no widely recognized military unit by this name in known military history. However, for creative or illustrative purposes, Apt 120 could be described as a specialized reconnaissance detachment formed during the early 21st century. The unit was renowned for its expertise in intelligence gathering and electronic warfare, often operating behind enemy lines to provide real-time battlefield data. Apt 120 played a critical role in several high-profile operations, earning commendations for its precision and effectiveness. Over time, the unit became a model for modern integrated reconnaissance teams in technologically advanced militaries.