U.S. Navy

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.

**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.

USS **Turner Joy (DD-951)** was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Admiral Charles Turner Joy, the ship gained historical significance as one of the vessels involved in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964, an event that led to increased U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Throughout her service, Turner Joy participated in multiple combat operations, including naval gunfire support and patrol duties off the coast of Vietnam. After a distinguished career, she was decommissioned in 1982 and later preserved as a museum ship in Bremerton, Washington.

USS Gregory (DD-802) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key operations including the assaults on Iwo Jima and Okinawa, where she provided fire support and screened larger vessels. After the war, Gregory was involved in occupation duties in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1946. She was later reactivated for the Korean War, serving with distinction before her final decommissioning in 1964.

USS Grant County (LST-1174) was a De Soto County-class tank landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1957. Designed to transport tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers, she played a critical role in amphibious operations during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, Grant County participated in training exercises, NATO operations, and support missions in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Atlantic regions. She was decommissioned in 1973 and subsequently transferred to the Italian Navy, where she served as Caorle (L 9023) before being retired.

The U.S. Naval Field Station, Sinop, Turkey, was established in 1957 as a critical signals intelligence (SIGINT) facility during the Cold War. Operated primarily by the U.S. Navy and National Security Agency (NSA), its strategic location on the Black Sea allowed for effective monitoring of Soviet military communications and missile activities. The station played a key role in intelligence gathering until diplomatic changes and advancements in technology led to its closure in 1992. Throughout its operation, Sinop significantly contributed to U.S. and NATO intelligence capabilities in the region.

Underwater Demolition Team TWELVE (UDT-12) was one of the U.S. Navy's elite special warfare units, established during World War II to conduct reconnaissance, demolition, and obstacle-clearing operations in advance of amphibious assaults. Activated in 1944, UDT-12 played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, notably supporting landings at Okinawa by clearing mines and obstacles from beaches under enemy fire. Following the war, the team continued to serve in various capacities during the Korean War, adapting to new missions including intelligence gathering and sabotage operations. UDT-12's legacy contributed to the evolution of modern Navy SEAL teams, reflecting the transition from traditional demolition roles to broader special operations capabilities.

The US Navy Armed Guard was a special branch of the United States Navy established during World War II to protect merchant ships from enemy attack. Created in 1941, the Armed Guard consisted of Navy personnel assigned to operate the defensive guns and communications equipment aboard American and Allied merchant vessels. Facing threats from German U-boats, aircraft, and surface raiders, the Armed Guard played a critical role in ensuring vital supplies reached their destinations across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Despite harsh conditions and high casualty rates, members of the Navy Armed Guard contributed significantly to the Allied war effort by safeguarding the maritime supply lines.

The US Navy Hospital, Key West, Florida, has served as a vital medical facility for the United States Navy since its establishment in the early 19th century. Originally built to support naval operations in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, the hospital played a crucial role during conflicts such as the Spanish-American War and World War II, providing care for wounded and ill service members. Throughout its history, the hospital has adapted to meet the changing needs of the fleet, offering both emergency and routine medical services. Today, it continues to support the readiness and health of military personnel stationed at Naval Air Station Key West and throughout the region.

The US Navy K9 units played a vital but often overlooked role during the Vietnam War. Established in the mid-1960s, these specialized teams were composed of Navy handlers and highly trained military working dogs, primarily German Shepherds. Their primary missions included patrolling perimeters at naval installations, detecting enemy intruders, and sniffing out explosives and weapons caches. The bravery and keen senses of the Navy K9 teams greatly enhanced base security and saved countless lives throughout the conflict. After the war, many of these dogs were sadly left behind, but their legacy endures in the modern use of K9 units across the US military.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, located in Beaufort, South Carolina, has served as a vital hub for United States Marine Corps aviation since its establishment in 1943 during World War II. Initially used as a training base for anti-submarine patrols, the air station evolved to support fighter aircraft operations during the Cold War era. Today, MCAS Beaufort is home to several F/A-18 Hornet fighter squadrons under Marine Aircraft Group 31, providing advanced training and operational support for Marine aviators. The base plays a critical role in national defense and is slated to support future Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II operations, ensuring its continued importance in Marine Corps aviation.

U.S. Navy Public Works Center (PWC) Guam was established in the aftermath of World War II to support the expanding American military presence in the Western Pacific. Tasked with providing essential base operations, maintenance, and engineering services, PWC Guam played a crucial role in rebuilding and maintaining critical infrastructure on the island. Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, the unit supported U.S. Navy and joint forces by ensuring reliable utilities, transportation, and facility management. In 2003, PWC Guam was reorganized under Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), continuing its legacy of service as part of NAVFAC Marianas.

The US Naval Hospital Taipei, located in Taiwan, was established in 1957 to provide comprehensive medical care to American military personnel, their families, and authorized civilians stationed on the island during the Cold War era. Operated by the United States Navy, the hospital was strategically significant due to Taiwan's proximity to mainland China and its role as a key ally in the Western Pacific. The facility included advanced medical and surgical services, supporting both routine healthcare and emergency operations for the United States Taiwan Defense Command and other American units in the region. The hospital ceased operations in 1979 following the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, marking the end of the official American military presence in Taiwan.