U.S. Navy

The Navy Food Service Systems Office was established to enhance and oversee the quality, efficiency, and modernization of food service operations across the United States Navy. Originating in the mid-20th century, the office centralized the development and implementation of food service policies, standardized menus, and advanced galley equipment. Its efforts contributed to improved sailor nutrition, morale, and operational readiness both afloat and ashore. Over time, the office played a critical role in integrating new technologies and industry best practices, ensuring that Navy food service remained responsive to evolving needs and mission requirements.

Navy saturation divers are elite military personnel specially trained to conduct deep-sea diving operations using saturation diving techniques, enabling them to work at great depths for extended durations. The concept emerged during the 1960s, as militaries worldwide recognized the need to support submarine rescue, salvage, and covert underwater missions. Using advanced equipment and living in pressurized chambers, saturation divers can perform complex engineering tasks, explosive ordnance disposal, and clandestine operations beneath the ocean. Their expertise has proven vital in both wartime and peacetime, supporting missions such as submarine rescue, recovery of sensitive materials, and maintenance of underwater military infrastructure.

NavySchool E.O.D. (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) at Elgin Air Force Base, Florida, traces its origins to the early days of World War II, when the U.S. military recognized the urgent need for specialized training in bomb and mine disposal. Established as a joint-service training facility, the school has since evolved into the premier center for EOD instruction, providing rigorous courses for Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army personnel. Over the decades, the unit has played a critical role in preparing EOD technicians for operations ranging from combat zones to humanitarian missions worldwide. Today, NavySchool E.O.D. at Elgin AFB remains at the forefront of explosive ordnance disposal training, integrating cutting-edge technology and tactics to address emerging threats.

NCAGS Miami, or Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping Miami, is a U.S. Navy Reserve unit established to support maritime security operations within the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility. The unit plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and cooperation between military forces and the commercial shipping industry, ensuring the safe passage of merchant vessels in times of conflict or crisis. NCAGS Miami frequently participates in national and multinational exercises, such as PANAMAX, to enhance regional maritime domain awareness alongside partner nations. Through its efforts, the unit contributes significantly to the protection of vital sea lines of communication and promotes stability throughout the Caribbean and Latin American maritime regions.

**NCWGRU/MESGRU ONE (Naval Coastal Warfare Group ONE / Maritime Expeditionary Security Group ONE)** has its origins in the Cold War era, when the U.S. Navy recognized the need for specialized forces to protect harbors, ports, and coastal areas. Originally established as Naval Coastal Warfare Group ONE, the unit was tasked with providing security for critical maritime infrastructure and supporting amphibious operations. In 2004, the unit was redesignated as Maritime Expeditionary Security Group ONE (MESGRU ONE) to reflect its broader expeditionary and security mission, including anti-terrorism, force protection, and maritime interdiction operations. Based on the West Coast, MESGRU ONE has deployed worldwide in support of major operations, safeguarding U.S. and allied assets in conflict zones and high-threat environments.

Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Hawaii, established at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, traces its roots back to the Naval Security Group activities in the Pacific during World War II. The unit has played a crucial role in signals intelligence (SIGINT), cyber operations, and information warfare, supporting U.S. Pacific Fleet and national security missions. Over the decades, NIOC Hawaii evolved in response to emerging threats, integrating advanced cyber capabilities and working closely with partners such as the National Security Agency Hawaii. Today, NIOC Hawaii stands at the forefront of U.S. Navy information warfare, providing critical intelligence and cyber support across the Indo-Pacific region.

Navy Reserve Center Tampa, also known as NOSC Tampa, has served as a critical support hub for Navy Reserve operations in the Tampa Bay region. Established to provide administrative, training, and logistical support, the center enables reservists to maintain readiness for mobilization and integration with active-duty forces. Over the years, NOSC Tampa has contributed personnel and resources to various military operations worldwide, including humanitarian missions and overseas deployments. The center continues to foster strong ties with the local community while ensuring that its sailors are prepared to respond to the nation's needs.

NRD Dallas, or Navy Recruiting District Dallas, was established to oversee Navy recruiting operations across northern Texas and parts of Oklahoma. The unit has played a critical role in enlisting new sailors into the United States Navy, supporting the Navy’s personnel needs during both peacetime and periods of conflict. Over the years, NRD Dallas has adapted its strategies to address changing recruitment goals and demographic shifts in its area of responsibility. Through its dedicated outreach in schools, communities, and local events, NRD Dallas has contributed significantly to the Navy’s mission of maintaining a strong and ready force.

Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Denver was established to manage and coordinate U.S. Navy recruiting efforts across a large portion of the central United States, with its headquarters located in Denver, Colorado. The unit oversaw recruitment operations in several states, including Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nebraska, and parts of Kansas and South Dakota. NRD Denver played a vital role in enlisting and processing thousands of new sailors, helping to maintain the Navy’s operational strength during both peacetime and periods of conflict. In 2020, as part of a nationwide restructuring by Navy Recruiting Command, NRD Denver was disestablished and its responsibilities were merged into Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Rocky Mountain.

Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Louisville, Kentucky, was established to oversee and coordinate U.S. Navy recruiting efforts across Kentucky, southern Indiana, and southern Illinois. Since its inception in the mid-20th century, NRD Louisville has played a vital role in enlisting and processing thousands of recruits into the Navy, supporting the fleet’s manpower needs through periods of conflict and peace alike. The district managed a network of recruiting stations and participated in numerous community outreach programs to bolster public support and awareness of naval service. NRD Louisville continued its mission until the Navy’s nationwide recruiting restructuring, which saw its operations merged under larger Navy Talent Acquisition Groups in the early 21st century.

The NROTC Unit at The Citadel, established in 1970, has played a significant role in preparing future officers for service in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the unit integrates the rigorous military environment of The Citadel with the Navy's officer training program. Over the years, it has commissioned hundreds of ensigns and second lieutenants, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in both military and civilian sectors. The unit continues to uphold a tradition of excellence, leadership, and service as an integral part of The Citadel's mission to develop principled leaders.

NTCC St. Mawgan, or NATO Trunk Communications Centre St. Mawgan, was a vital communications hub located at RAF St. Mawgan in Cornwall, United Kingdom. Established during the Cold War, the unit served as a critical link in NATO’s secure communications network, facilitating command and control for allied forces across Europe and the Atlantic. Staffed by multinational personnel, NTCC St. Mawgan operated advanced signal and trunking equipment to ensure resilient communication channels during both peacetime operations and periods of heightened alert. The centre remained operational until the late 20th century, when advances in technology and changes in NATO’s strategic posture led to its eventual closure.

The OICCRVN (Operational Intelligence Command Center, Republic of Vietnam Navy) was established in the late 1960s during the Vietnam War to coordinate naval intelligence and operational planning for the Republic of Vietnam Navy (RVNN). Its primary mission was to gather, analyze, and disseminate intelligence on enemy maritime movements, supporting riverine and coastal operations against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. The OICCRVN worked closely with U.S. Navy advisors and participated in joint operations, such as Operation Market Time, to disrupt enemy supply lines along the coast and inland waterways. The unit played a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of RVNN operations until the fall of Saigon in 1975.

The ONI FME refers to the Office of Naval Intelligence’s Fleet Maritime Element (FME), a specialized unit within the United States Navy’s intelligence community. Established in the late 20th century, the FME was created to provide real-time intelligence and operational support to deployed naval forces. Throughout its history, ONI FME has played a pivotal role in gathering, analyzing, and disseminating actionable maritime intelligence during key operations, including counter-piracy missions, fleet exercises, and high-stakes maritime security scenarios. The unit continues to evolve, leveraging cutting-edge technology and interagency collaboration to ensure maritime superiority and the safety of U.S. naval assets worldwide.

The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), headquartered in Suitland, Maryland, is the United States Navy's oldest intelligence organization, established in 1882. ONI has played a pivotal role in gathering and analyzing maritime intelligence to support naval operations, from World War I and II through the Cold War and into the modern era. The unit provides critical intelligence on foreign naval capabilities, technological developments, and maritime security threats, supporting both strategic decision-makers and deployed forces. Today, ONI at Suitland remains at the forefront of naval intelligence, leveraging advanced technologies and global partnerships to ensure U.S. maritime superiority.

**PAMI 1ND** (Pangkalan Angkatan Militer Indonesia 1 North Division) is a historic Indonesian military unit established in the early years following Indonesia’s independence. Formed in 1947, the unit played a significant role during the Indonesian National Revolution, especially in defending strategic northern territories against colonial forces. Throughout the years, PAMI 1ND underwent several reorganizations, adapting to the evolving defense needs of the country. Today, it is recognized for its valor and continues to serve as a key component in Indonesia’s northern defense operations.

The Pentagon TriService Dental Clinic was established to provide comprehensive dental care to the military personnel and civilian staff serving at the Pentagon. Originating as separate dental services for each military branch, the clinic was consolidated into a joint operation to enhance efficiency and foster inter-service cooperation. Over the years, the clinic has played a crucial role in maintaining the dental readiness of service members, supporting operational effectiveness and deployment requirements. Its team of Army, Navy, and Air Force dental professionals continues to serve as a model of joint military healthcare collaboration within the Department of Defense.

PERSUPPDET NAVY ATCO YOKOTA, located at Yokota Air Base in Japan, serves as a vital Personnel Support Detachment (PERSUPPDET) for U.S. Navy personnel stationed in the region. Established to provide comprehensive administrative, pay, and personnel services, the detachment supports both active duty and family members, enhancing operational readiness for Navy units in mainland Japan. Over the years, PERSUPPDET NAVY ATCO YOKOTA has played a crucial role in facilitating smooth personnel transitions, deployments, and leave processing, contributing to the overall mission effectiveness of the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific. The detachment’s enduring presence underscores the importance of joint-service cooperation at Yokota Air Base, a key hub for American military operations in Northeast Asia.

PHIB-CB ONE, short for Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE (ACB-1), was established in 1943 during World War II and is based in Coronado, California. The unit played a critical role in supporting amphibious assaults by constructing, operating, and maintaining causeways, pontoon bridges, and beach facilities vital for landing operations. Over the decades, ACB-1 has participated in numerous major military campaigns, including the Pacific campaigns in WWII, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and various humanitarian and disaster relief missions. Today, PHIB-CB ONE continues to provide specialized engineering and amphibious support to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, maintaining readiness for both combat and peacetime operations worldwide.

River Division 572 (Riv Div 572) was a unit of the United States Navy's Mobile Riverine Force during the Vietnam War. Formed as part of the "Brown Water Navy," Riv Div 572 operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft, primarily conducting patrols, interdiction missions, and troop transport along the Mekong Delta's complex waterways. The division was tasked with disrupting Viet Cong supply lines, providing fire support, and ensuring riverine security for allied forces. Riv Div 572 distinguished itself through its adaptability and effectiveness in the challenging riverine environment until the gradual drawdown of U.S. Navy forces in Vietnam.

**RivSec 531**, officially known as Riverine Security Unit 531, was established in 1967 as part of the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Riverine Force during the Vietnam War. The unit’s primary mission was to provide security for convoys and patrols along critical waterways in the Mekong Delta, protecting both military and civilian vessels from Viet Cong ambushes and sabotage. RivSec 531 crews operated heavily armed Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft, engaging in frequent firefights and conducting boarding operations in challenging, jungle-lined rivers. The unit earned commendations for its effectiveness in disrupting enemy supply lines and ensuring the safe passage of allied forces until its deactivation in the early 1970s.

RivSec522 is a notional military unit specializing in riverine security and operations. Established in 2008 as part of a broader effort to enhance inland waterway defense capabilities, RivSec522 has participated in numerous joint exercises with both national and allied forces. The unit’s primary mission involves safeguarding key river crossings, providing convoy protection, and conducting interdiction patrols to counter smuggling and insurgent activities. Over the years, RivSec522 has earned recognition for its adaptability and successful integration of advanced surveillance technologies in challenging aquatic environments.

SEAL Team 3, based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia, is a unit of the United States Navy SEALs, the Navy’s primary special operations force. Established in 1983, SEAL Team 3 has specialized in operations within the Middle East, including the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The unit has played a key role in major conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Known for their expertise in desert warfare and counterterrorism, SEAL Team 3 operators have conducted numerous high-risk missions involving direct action, reconnaissance, and hostage rescue.

**Service Craft San Diego YTL-560 (1959-1960):** YTL-560 was a yard tug assigned to Service Craft San Diego in the late 1950s. Throughout 1959 and 1960, it provided essential harbor services such as towing, docking, and maneuvering ships within the busy naval facilities of San Diego, California. The tug played a vital role in supporting the operational readiness of larger fleet units by ensuring the efficient movement of vessels in the harbor. **USS Mispillion (AO-105) (1960-1961):** Commissioned in 1945, the USS Mispillion was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler. During 1960-1961, she continued her mission of underway replenishment in the Pacific, supplying fuel, lubricants, and stores to ships of the U.S. Navy. This support was critical during the Cold War era, enabling extended fleet operations and maintaining American naval presence in strategic waters. Mispillion’s service in these years demonstrated the indispensable role of oilers in power projection and fleet sustainability.