U.S. Navy

The Lorac Support Team was established in the early 2000s as a specialized logistical and technical support unit within a larger multinational peacekeeping force. Initially formed to provide rapid response maintenance and supply chain solutions, the team quickly proved vital during operations in challenging environments, including remote deployments in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Over the years, the Lorac Support Team expanded its capabilities to include communications support and field engineering, earning commendations for its adaptability and efficiency under pressure. Today, the unit remains an integral part of coalition operations, renowned for ensuring mission success through seamless behind-the-lines support.

**LPA-38**, officially known as USS *Thurston* (LPA-38), was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She played a significant role during World War II, participating in key operations such as the Normandy landings (D-Day) and the invasion of Southern France. After the war in Europe, *Thurston* was deployed to the Pacific, supporting troop landings and occupation duties in Japan. The vessel was decommissioned in 1946, having earned multiple battle stars for her service during the conflict.

**Mardet USS Wasp (CV-18)** refers to the Marine Detachment assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18), an Essex-class carrier commissioned in 1943. Throughout World War II, the Mardet served as shipboard security, manned anti-aircraft guns, and provided ceremonial duties, supporting the carrier’s operations during major Pacific campaigns. The Marines played a crucial role during kamikaze attacks and in maintaining order aboard ship during intense combat operations. After World War II, the detachment continued to serve until the gradual phase-out of Marine Detachments on carriers in the late 20th century.

The Marine Detachment aboard USS Eldorado (AGC-11) played a crucial role in amphibious operations during World War II and the Korean War. Commissioned in 1944, USS Eldorado served as a flagship and amphibious force command ship, with its Marine Detachment responsible for ship security, ceremonial duties, and supporting command staff during major operations. The detachment participated in pivotal campaigns such as the Battle of Iwo Jima and landings at Okinawa, providing critical support for planning and execution of amphibious assaults. Throughout its service, the Marine Detachment upheld the traditions and discipline of the Corps while contributing to the ship’s mission success in both combat and peacetime operations.

**Marine Detachment, USS Bennington (CVS-20), 7th Fleet Marine Force (FMF):** The Marine Detachment aboard USS Bennington (CVS-20) was an integral component of the ship’s complement during her service with the U.S. Navy, particularly as part of the 7th Fleet Marine Force (FMF) in the Pacific theater. Tasked with shipboard security, ceremonial duties, and rapid response in emergencies, the detachment played a vital role during the Cold War era, supporting anti-submarine warfare operations and power projection missions. Marines from the detachment were trained to provide close-in defense of the carrier, as well as to participate in landing parties and amphibious operations if required. Throughout its service, the Marine Detachment exemplified the close cooperation between the Navy and Marine Corps, reinforcing the Bennington’s operational capabilities during deployments in the Western Pacific and beyond.

Marine Detachment USS Columbus (CG-12) was a specialized unit of United States Marines assigned to the guided missile cruiser USS Columbus, which served from the early 1960s through the mid-1970s. The detachment’s primary duties included providing security for the ship, manning the ship’s secondary batteries, and performing ceremonial functions. Marines aboard the Columbus often participated in Cold War-era deployments, including Mediterranean cruises and NATO operations, projecting American naval power and presence. The Marine Detachment was eventually disbanded when the Navy phased out such units from most surface combatants in the late 1970s.

The Marine Detachment aboard USS Holland (AS-32) was established to provide security and ceremonial duties for the submarine tender during its service with the United States Navy from 1963 to 1996. Comprised of a small contingent of U.S. Marines, the detachment was responsible for safeguarding sensitive areas and personnel, particularly during the ship's support of ballistic missile submarines in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Marines from the detachment participated in shipboard drills, inspections, and port security operations, ensuring the vessel's readiness and protection at home and abroad. The detachment was deactivated when Marine Detachments were phased out of non-capital ships in the late 20th century, following changes in naval security practices.

The Marine Detachment (MarDet) aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) played a vital role in the ship’s operations from her commissioning in 1947 through her decommissioning in 1990. Tasked with providing shipboard security, manning gun mounts, and conducting ceremonial duties, the MarDet was an integral part of daily life on the carrier. During major conflicts such as the Vietnam War, the Marines supported flight operations and contributed to the ship’s readiness for combat and crisis response. Over the decades, the MarDet aboard Coral Sea upheld the proud traditions of the Marine Corps while serving at sea alongside the Navy.

**Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 1920 (MIUWU 1920)** was a United States Navy Reserve unit established during the Cold War to provide harbor and coastal defense. Based out of the Naval Reserve Center in Buffalo, New York, MIUWU 1920 was tasked with deploying quickly to protect U.S. ports and shorelines from enemy submarine and special operations threats using mobile radar, sonar, and communications systems. The unit participated in numerous training exercises and joint operations, supporting both national and NATO maritime security objectives. MIUWU 1920 was decommissioned as part of a broader reorganization of Navy coastal warfare forces in the early 2000s.

Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Goliad is a United States Navy airfield located near Goliad, Texas. Originally constructed in 1942 as Berclair Auxiliary Army Airfield #9 to support World War II training operations, the site was later transferred to Navy control and became NALF Goliad. It has served primarily as an outlying field for flight training, supporting student aviators from Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi. Over the decades, NALF Goliad has played a crucial role in the primary and advanced flight training of Navy, Marine Corps, and allied pilots.

Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) Pensacola, FL, was established during World War II as a critical maintenance and repair hub for U.S. Navy aircraft. Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, the facility specialized in the overhaul, repair, and modification of a wide variety of naval aircraft and their components. Throughout the Cold War and into the late 20th century, NARF Pensacola played a vital role in supporting fleet readiness and technological advancements in naval aviation. In the 1990s, the facility was redesignated as the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) Pensacola before its eventual closure as part of a broader realignment of Navy maintenance operations.

Naval Air Station (NAS) San Nicolas Island, located off the coast of Southern California, has served as a critical asset to the U.S. military since World War II. Originally established in 1944, the island was used by the U.S. Navy as a bombing and gunnery range, supporting the training and development of naval aviators. Over the decades, NAS San Nicolas Island evolved into a premier site for missile testing, weapons evaluation, and advanced research, playing a pivotal role in the development of guided missile technology, including the Regulus cruise missile program. Today, the installation operates as a remote outpost under Naval Base Ventura County, supporting missile launches, unmanned aerial vehicle operations, and a variety of cutting-edge naval research and training missions.

NATTC MEMPHIS

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Unit with 326 member associations.

The Naval Absentee Collection Unit (NACU) was established during World War II as part of the United States Navy's efforts to maintain discipline and accountability among its rapidly expanding ranks. Its primary mission was to locate, detain, and process naval personnel who were absent without leave (AWOL) or deserters, ensuring the return of critical manpower to active duty. Operating in coordination with military police and civilian law enforcement, the NACU maintained records and conducted investigations across both domestic bases and overseas stations. Over time, the unit's role was absorbed into broader naval law enforcement and personnel management functions, reflecting changes in military justice and administrative procedures.

Naval Air Reserve Whidbey Island, located at Oak Harbor, Washington, was established in 1970 to support the operational readiness of Naval Reserve aviation units in the Pacific Northwest. The unit provided essential training and augmentation for active-duty squadrons, particularly in electronic warfare and maritime patrol operations. Over the years, it supported multiple reserve squadrons flying aircraft such as the A-3 Skywarrior, EA-6B Prowler, and P-3 Orion. In the early 2000s, the unit's mission and personnel were integrated into broader Navy Reserve restructuring efforts, reflecting evolving strategic needs and advances in aviation technology.

Naval Air Station Monterey, California, was originally established during World War II to support the U.S. Navy’s expanding aviation training and coastal defense requirements. Constructed in 1943, the station played a critical role in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and anti-submarine patrols along the Pacific coast. After the war, the air station’s mission evolved, and in 1951, it was transferred to the Department of the Army and became part of the Presidio of Monterey, supporting the Defense Language Institute. While no longer an active naval air station, its legacy endures as a testament to Monterey’s contribution to U.S. military aviation history.

Naval Dental Clinic Norfolk, located in Norfolk, Virginia, has served as a key provider of dental care for Navy personnel since its establishment in the mid-20th century. Originally created to support the expanding naval operations at Naval Station Norfolk, the clinic has grown to become one of the largest dental treatment facilities in the U.S. Navy. Over the decades, it has played a crucial role in maintaining operational readiness by ensuring sailors and Marines are dentally fit for deployment. Today, Naval Dental Clinic Norfolk continues to deliver comprehensive dental services, support training missions, and contribute to the overall health and readiness of the fleet.

Naval Hospital Roosevelt Roads was a United States Navy medical facility located at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. Established during World War II, the hospital provided comprehensive medical care and support for military personnel, their families, and civilian employees stationed in the Caribbean region. Throughout the Cold War, it played a vital role in supporting U.S. naval operations and humanitarian missions in the Atlantic and Caribbean theaters. The hospital continued its service until the closure of the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in 2004, after which the facility was decommissioned.

The Naval Ice Center (NIC), part of the Naval Oceanography Command Facility (NAVOCEANCOMFAC), has its origins in the U.S. Navy’s longstanding need for accurate ice and oceanographic data to support naval operations in polar regions. Established during the Cold War, NIC was critical in providing timely, actionable ice analyses and forecasts to ensure the safe navigation of submarines and surface vessels, particularly in Arctic and Antarctic waters. Over the decades, NIC has collaborated with national and international partners, including the National Ice Center, to integrate satellite imagery and advanced modeling into its support capabilities. Today, the unit remains a vital element of naval operations, supplying real-time ice intelligence for fleet operations, scientific missions, and strategic planning.

The Naval Supply Depot - Seattle was established during World War II to serve as a vital logistics and supply hub for the United States Navy in the Pacific Northwest. Activated in 1944, the depot rapidly expanded its operations to support wartime demands, handling a wide range of materials including food, fuel, and equipment destined for Pacific Theater operations. After the war, the facility continued to play a significant role in supporting naval activities during the Cold War era. The depot’s operations were eventually consolidated and phased out as military logistics modernized and regional needs shifted.

Naval Unit Fort Meade, located at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, serves as a critical component of U.S. Navy operations in support of the National Security Agency (NSA). Established to provide cryptologic and information warfare expertise, the unit plays a vital role in signals intelligence and cyber operations. Over the years, Naval Unit Fort Meade has contributed to national security by conducting intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination in collaboration with other military branches and intelligence agencies. Its personnel are highly trained in advanced technical skills, supporting both U.S. Cyber Command and the NSA in safeguarding national interests against evolving global threats.

NAVCOMTELSTA Stockton, California (Naval Communications Telecommunications Station Stockton) was established to provide vital communications support for the United States Navy and other military branches on the West Coast. Activated during World War II, the station played a key role in managing and relaying secure communications between Pacific Fleet units and national command authorities. Over the decades, NAVCOMTELSTA Stockton evolved with advances in technology, transitioning from radio and teletype to satellite and digital communications systems. The station was eventually decommissioned and its functions absorbed into other consolidated Navy communications commands as part of post-Cold War realignments.

**NAVMACPAC**, short for **Naval Material Command, Pacific**, was a key logistics and support unit of the United States Navy operating in the Pacific theater. Established during the height of the Cold War, NAVMACPAC was responsible for coordinating and managing the procurement, storage, and distribution of naval supplies and equipment across the vast Pacific region. The command ensured that forward-deployed naval forces had the necessary material support for operations ranging from routine patrols to major combat engagements. Throughout its existence, NAVMACPAC played a crucial role in sustaining U.S. naval readiness during conflicts such as the Vietnam War and the broader geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific. Over time, its functions were reorganized and absorbed into larger naval logistics commands as part of Department of Defense restructuring efforts.

The Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) was established in 1927 in Washington, D.C., to serve as the primary research and testing center for the U.S. Navy’s diving and undersea operations. Relocated to Panama City, Florida, in 1975, NEDU became renowned for advancing diving technology, physiological research, and the development of safe decompression procedures. Over the decades, NEDU has played a critical role in evaluating diving equipment, life-support systems, and underwater procedures for both military and civilian applications. Its contributions have significantly enhanced the safety and effectiveness of Navy divers and undersea missions worldwide.