U.S. Navy

**USS Alamagordo** was the name assigned to two different United States Navy ships during World War II. The first, **USS Alamagordo (AK-148)**, was a cargo ship launched in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater, transporting supplies and equipment essential for Allied operations. The second, **USS Alamagordo (ARDM-2)**, was a floating drydock that provided vital repair services to naval vessels in forward areas. Both ships contributed significantly to the logistical and maintenance capabilities of the U.S. Navy during the war, ensuring fleet readiness and operational success.

USS **Alaska (SSBN-732)** is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on January 25, 1986. Designed for strategic deterrence, she is capable of carrying Trident ballistic missiles and has played a vital role in the nation’s nuclear triad. Over her decades of service, USS Alaska has completed numerous strategic deterrent patrols, earning multiple awards for operational excellence. Notably, she underwent a conversion to accommodate both male and female crew members and continues to serve as a critical component of U.S. strategic defense.

USS Alex M. Diachenko (APD-123) was a high-speed transport of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1944. Originally laid down as a destroyer escort, she was converted during construction to serve as a fast transport for amphibious operations. During World War II, she participated in the Okinawa campaign, supporting underwater demolition teams and rescuing survivors from damaged ships. After the war, she continued to serve in various roles, including occupation duties in the Far East, before being decommissioned in 1947.

USS **Algol (AKA-54)** was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1944. Serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II, she played a vital role in several major amphibious operations, most notably participating in the Battle of Okinawa by delivering troops, vehicles, and supplies under enemy fire. After the war, Algol supported occupation efforts in Japan before decommissioning in 1946. Reactivated for the Korean War, she served as a cargo ship before finally being decommissioned in 1956 and later sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of New Jersey.

USS **Altair** (AK-257) was a cargo ship acquired by the United States Navy during the Cold War era. Originally built as the SS Aberdeen Victory in 1944, she was converted and commissioned as USS Altair in 1952. The ship served with the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), providing crucial logistical support by transporting supplies and equipment to U.S. and allied forces, particularly during the Korean War and early Vietnam War periods. After a decade of service, Altair was decommissioned in 1969 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Apache (ATF-67) was a Cherokee-class fleet tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1942. During World War II, she provided towing, salvage, and rescue operations in the Pacific Theater, supporting fleet movements and damaged vessels during major campaigns, including operations at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Apache continued to serve through the Korean War, again providing crucial support to naval operations. She remained active through the Cold War era, serving in various capacities until her decommissioning in 1974.

USS Arctic (T-AOE-8) was a fast combat support ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1995. Designed to provide rapid replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to carrier strike groups at sea, she played a crucial logistical role during her service life. Arctic participated in several major naval operations, including deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The ship was decommissioned in 2002 and transferred to the Military Sealift Command, continuing her support mission under a civilian-manned crew until her final inactivation.

USS Atka (AGB-3) was a Wind-class icebreaker commissioned by the United States Navy in 1950. Originally built as USCGC Southwind (WAGB-280) for the United States Coast Guard during World War II, she was transferred to the Navy and renamed Atka. Throughout her service, Atka played a crucial role in Arctic and Antarctic operations, conducting supply missions, scientific support, and icebreaking duties. In 1966, she was returned to the Coast Guard, resuming her original name and continuing polar service before being decommissioned in 1974.

USS Barbour County (LST-1195) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Designed to transport tanks, heavy vehicles, and troops directly onto shore, she played a vital role in amphibious operations and training exercises throughout her service. Throughout the Cold War and into the 1990s, Barbour County participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. After over two decades of service, the ship was decommissioned in 1992 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise.

USS Baya (SS-318) was a Balao-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1944. During World War II, she completed five war patrols in the Pacific, sinking several Japanese vessels and conducting vital reconnaissance and lifeguard missions. After the war, Baya was converted into an experimental submarine, serving with the Naval Electronics Laboratory and participating in pioneering sonar and electronic warfare research. Decommissioned in 1972, USS Baya contributed significantly to both combat operations and technological advancements in submarine warfare.

USS Benner (DD-807) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in February 1945. Named in honor of Marine Second Lieutenant Stanley G. Benner, she served in the Pacific during the final months of World War II, providing escort and screening duties. During the Korean War, the Benner participated in patrols, shore bombardments, and carrier task force operations. She later saw action off the coast of Vietnam, supporting naval gunfire missions before being decommissioned in 1970.

USS Billfish (SSN-676) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on March 12, 1971. Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, she served throughout the Cold War, undertaking a variety of missions including anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. Billfish participated in numerous fleet exercises and deployments, often operating in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned on July 1, 1999, and subsequently scrapped through the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.

USS Black (DD-666) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in July 1943. Named after Lieutenant Commander Hugh D. Black, the ship served extensively in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the Okinawa campaign. After the war, USS Black continued to serve during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and escort duties. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1969 and eventually sold for scrap in 1971.

USS Blenny (SS-324) was a Balao-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. During World War II, she conducted five war patrols in the Pacific, sinking several Japanese vessels and earning four battle stars for her service. After the war, Blenny participated in training exercises and served with the Atlantic Fleet, later undergoing conversion to a "Fleet Snorkel" submarine. She continued in active service until her decommissioning in 1969 and was eventually sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of Maryland in 1989.

The USS Brattleboro (EPCER-852) was originally laid down as a PCE-842-class patrol craft escort during World War II. Commissioned in 1944, she served primarily as a rescue and experimental vessel, designated as an Experimental Patrol Craft Escort Rescue (EPCER). Throughout her career, Brattleboro conducted various testing and training missions, supporting naval research and development efforts. After years of valuable service, she was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1968, marking the end of her unique contributions to the U.S. Navy.

USS Bridge (AOE-10) was a Supply-class fast combat support ship commissioned by the United States Navy in August 1998. Designed to provide rapid underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to carrier strike groups, she played a vital logistical role in maintaining fleet readiness. Bridge participated in multiple deployments, including support operations in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. After a decade of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in June 2004 and later transferred to the Military Sealift Command, where she continued to serve as USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10).

USS Brown (DD-546) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in July 1943. During World War II, she served in the Pacific Theater, participating in key operations such as the Marianas, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa campaigns, providing escort, screening, and shore bombardment duties. After the war, USS Brown was decommissioned in 1946 but was later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, where she supported United Nations forces with naval gunfire and patrol operations. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1962 and transferred to the Greek Navy, where she served as Navarinon until 1981.

USS Brownson (DD-868) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, shortly after the end of World War II. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Willard H. Brownson, the ship served extensively during the Cold War era, participating in numerous fleet exercises, NATO operations, and Mediterranean deployments. Brownson saw action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening for carrier task forces. After a distinguished service career spanning over two decades, USS Brownson was decommissioned in 1976 and subsequently sold for scrap.

**USS Brumby (DE-1044)** was a Knox-class destroyer escort commissioned in 1970. Primarily serving in the Atlantic Fleet, she conducted anti-submarine warfare operations, NATO exercises, and patrols during the Cold War. Decommissioned in 1994, Brumby was later transferred to the Turkish Navy. **USS Ware (DD-865)** was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned in 1945. After service in the final stages of World War II, Ware participated in the Korean War and later conducted patrol and escort missions during the Vietnam War. She was decommissioned in 1973 and subsequently sold for scrap.

USS Bulloch County (LST-509) was a tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. Originally designated LST-509, she participated in the Normandy invasion, landing troops and equipment on Omaha Beach under heavy enemy fire. After the war, she continued her service by supporting occupation forces in Europe. In 1955, the vessel was renamed USS Bulloch County (LST-509) and later served with the Military Sea Transportation Service before being decommissioned in 1958.

USS CAPE (MSI-2) was a coastal minesweeper of the United States Navy, originally laid down as YMS-311 in 1943. Commissioned during World War II, she participated in mine-clearing operations in the Pacific Theater, supporting amphibious landings and ensuring safe passage for Allied vessels. Postwar, she was redesignated as USS CAPE (MSI-2) in 1947 and continued service in various training and auxiliary roles. The vessel was eventually decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her distinguished service.

The Marine Detachment (MARDET) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was established to provide security, ceremonial functions, and support for the ship’s operations following her commissioning in 1982. Marines assigned to the detachment were responsible for internal security, nuclear weapons security (prior to the removal of nuclear weapons from aircraft carriers), and manning ship’s weapons during general quarters. The MARDET also participated in protocol and honors duties, representing the Marine Corps during foreign port visits and official ceremonies. The unit was disbanded in the late 1990s as part of a Navy-wide decision to eliminate permanent Marine Detachments from aircraft carriers.

USS Carmick (DMS-33) was originally commissioned as a Gleaves-class destroyer (DD-493) in 1942. She served with distinction in World War II, participating in the invasions of Sicily and Normandy, and providing fire support and anti-submarine patrols. In 1945, Carmick was converted to a high-speed minesweeper and re-designated DMS-33, serving in the Pacific during the final months of the war and in postwar occupation duties. She continued operations during the Korean War, conducting minesweeping and escort missions before being decommissioned in 1955.

USS Carter Hall (LSD-3) was an Ashland-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1943. Named after Carter Hall, the historic Virginia estate, the ship played a critical role in World War II, supporting amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater, including operations at Leyte, Luzon, and Okinawa. After the war, Carter Hall participated in occupation duties in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1947. The ship was recommissioned during the Korean War era, serving in various capacities until her final decommissioning in 1969.