U.S. Navy

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seabees

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The Seabees, formally known as the United States Naval Construction Battalions, were established in March 1942 during World War II. Their primary mission was to build and repair infrastructure in combat zones, including airstrips, roads, bridges, and bases, often under enemy fire. The Seabees earned a reputation for their motto "We Build, We Fight," demonstrating both construction expertise and combat readiness in theaters from the Pacific Islands to Europe. Over the decades, they have continued to support U.S. military operations worldwide, playing vital roles in conflicts, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief.

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.

**SOF/SOG3, Central Command, Asia Pacific: DEA** is a specialized military unit operating under the United States Central Command, focusing on counter-narcotics and special operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Established in the early 2000s as a joint task force, SOF/SOG3 collaborates closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to disrupt transnational drug trafficking networks that threaten regional stability and U.S. interests. The unit is renowned for its expertise in intelligence gathering, direct action missions, and training allied forces in counter-narcotics operations. Over the past two decades, SOF/SOG3 has played a critical role in dismantling major drug cartels and supporting law enforcement initiatives throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim.

The Special Enforcement Detachment (SED) is a specialized military unit typically tasked with high-risk law enforcement and counter-terrorism operations within the naval or maritime domain. Established to address the growing need for rapid response to complex security threats, the SED is trained in direct action, hostage rescue, and maritime interdiction missions. Its personnel are selected from elite naval forces and undergo rigorous training in close-quarters combat, tactical boarding, and advanced marksmanship. Over the years, the SED has played a critical role in safeguarding strategic maritime assets and supporting national security objectives during both peacetime and crisis situations.

**SPSA (Specialized Protective Security Agency)** is a modern military unit established in the early 2000s to address emerging threats to national security infrastructure. Originally formed as a small detachment within the national armed forces, SPSA rapidly expanded in response to increased terrorism and cyber warfare risks. The unit specializes in high-value asset protection, counter-sabotage operations, and rapid response to security breaches. Through rigorous training and state-of-the-art technology, SPSA has become a leading force in safeguarding critical military and civilian installations, earning recognition for its role in several successful counter-terrorism operations.

USS Pasadena (SSN-707) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine of the United States Navy. Commissioned on February 11, 1989, she has participated in numerous deployments, supporting both peacetime operations and combat missions, including intelligence gathering and anti-submarine warfare. Throughout her career, USS Pasadena has operated in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, earning recognition for her performance during various exercises and joint operations with allied navies. The submarine exemplifies the advanced capabilities of her class and continues to contribute to U.S. naval readiness and global security.

Sugar Grove Station, located near Sugar Grove, West Virginia, was established in the early 1960s as a United States Navy installation. Its primary mission was to support the National Security Agency (NSA) with signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations, utilizing large radio antennas to intercept and monitor communications, including satellite transmissions during the Cold War. The station played a key role in global intelligence-gathering efforts until the early 21st century. In 2017, the base was officially closed and later repurposed for civilian use, marking the end of its military service.

**Supply Center Brooklyn / USS Holhock** played a vital support role for the United States Navy during and after World War II. The Supply Center Brooklyn, located in New York, was a major logistics hub, efficiently managing the distribution of essential supplies and equipment to Atlantic Fleet operations. The **USS Holhock (YF-297)**, a covered lighter, was one of the Navy’s auxiliary vessels assigned to the center, responsible for transporting cargo, ammunition, and provisions between ships and shore installations. Together, they exemplified the indispensable supply chain operations that ensured fleet readiness and sustained naval missions throughout the mid-20th century.

Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 (TACRON 21), also known as TACRON TWO ONE, is a United States Navy unit specializing in amphibious air control and command. Established in 1951, TACRON 21 provides air traffic control and coordination between naval vessels and embarked Marine Corps aviation assets during amphibious operations. The squadron plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective airspace management for carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups. Over the decades, TACRON 21 has supported numerous deployments and exercises worldwide, contributing significantly to the Navy-Marine Corps team’s expeditionary capabilities.

Task Force 117, also known as the Mobile Riverine Force (MRF), was established in 1967 as a joint U.S. Army and Navy unit during the Vietnam War. Within this force, River Squadron 9 (RivRon 9) operated River Division 91 (RivDiv 91), conducting extensive riverine operations in the Mekong Delta. Their mission included transporting troops, providing fire support, and disrupting Viet Cong supply lines along the complex waterways. Through coordinated amphibious assaults and patrols, Riv Div 91 played a crucial role in the success of Task Force 117’s efforts to maintain control of critical river routes and bolster South Vietnamese security.