U.S. Navy

USS Fahrion (FFG-22) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate commissioned into the United States Navy on 16 January 1982. Named after Rear Admiral Frank G. Fahrion, the ship served during the latter years of the Cold War, participating in operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, including NATO exercises and maritime security patrols. It played a role in enforcing sanctions and providing escort missions during regional conflicts. USS Fahrion was decommissioned on 31 August 1994 and later transferred to the Egyptian Navy, where it continues to serve under the name ENS Sharm El-Sheikh (F901).

USS Firm (MSO-444) was an Aggressive-class ocean minesweeper of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1955. Built to detect and remove naval mines, she played a crucial role in ensuring safe passage for allied vessels during the Cold War period. USS Firm operated primarily along the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean, and participated in NATO exercises in the Atlantic, honing anti-mine warfare tactics. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1971 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1945, just as World War II was ending. Named in honor of Marine Sergeant Floyd B. Parks, a hero of the Battle of Midway, the ship served in both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets. During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Floyd B. Parks provided vital gunfire support, participated in patrols, and performed search and rescue operations. The destroyer remained active throughout the Cold War, conducting multiple deployments before being decommissioned in 1973.

USS Gallant (MSO-489) was an Agile-class minesweeper commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Designed for mine countermeasure operations, she served primarily in the Pacific, including deployments to the Western Pacific and operations during the Vietnam War, where she participated in "Operation Market Time" patrols. Gallant played a vital role in ensuring safe passage for allied vessels by detecting and clearing naval mines along critical waterways. After decades of dedicated service, she was decommissioned in 1994 and later sold for scrap.

USS Galveston (CL-93) was originally laid down as a Cleveland-class light cruiser during World War II but was later converted into a guided missile cruiser, redesignated CLG-3. Commissioned in 1958, she became one of the first ships equipped with the Talos surface-to-air missile system, marking a significant advancement in naval air defense capabilities during the Cold War. USS Galveston served with the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, participating in numerous training exercises and deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean and Western Pacific. She was decommissioned in 1970, reflecting the rapid evolution of naval technology during her service life.

USS Green Bay (LPD-20) is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock commissioned into the United States Navy on January 24, 2009. Named after the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin, the ship provides transport and landing capabilities for U.S. Marine Corps expeditionary forces, supporting amphibious assault, special operations, and humanitarian missions. USS Green Bay has participated in numerous joint exercises and operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region, strengthening partnerships with allied nations. Notably, the ship has played key roles in disaster response efforts and forward-deployed operations as part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, enhancing maritime security and regional stability.

USS Harry W. Hill (DD-986) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on 19 September 1981. Named after Admiral Harry W. Hill, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare, surface action, and escort duties. Throughout her service, she participated in multiple deployments, including operations in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War and Operation Desert Storm. After over two decades of service, USS Harry W. Hill was decommissioned on 29 May 1998 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2004.

USS Hawaii (SSN-776) is a Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy on May 5, 2007. Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat, she is the third vessel of her class and the first U.S. warship named after the state of Hawaii. Since commissioning, USS Hawaii has been homeported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and has conducted a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare operations throughout the Pacific region. The submarine has participated in several multinational exercises, demonstrating advanced capabilities and strengthening partnerships with allied navies.

USS Hooper (DE-1026) was a Dealey-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named after Lieutenant Commander James J. Hooper, the vessel was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and fleet escort duties during the Cold War. Throughout its service, USS Hooper participated in numerous training exercises and patrols in the Atlantic and Caribbean, enhancing the Navy’s readiness against potential submarine threats. After nearly two decades of service, the ship was decommissioned in 1973 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Hooper Island (ARG-17) was a Luzon-class internal combustion engine repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Built to provide critical maintenance and repair services to naval vessels, she served in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II. After the war, Hooper Island supported occupation forces in Asia and later participated in Korean War operations, maintaining fleet readiness. The ship was decommissioned in 1959, after a notable career of logistical support and service throughout two major conflicts.

USS Hornet (CV-12) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in November 1943, named to honor the previous Hornet (CV-8) lost at the Battle of Santa Cruz. Throughout World War II, she played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and attacks on the Japanese home islands. Hornet's aircraft were crucial in sinking enemy ships and providing air support for amphibious landings. After the war, she supported Operation Magic Carpet, bringing American servicemen home, and later participated in the recovery of Apollo space missions before being decommissioned in 1970.

USS Irex (SS-482) was a Tench-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Although she did not see combat during the war, Irex played a significant role in postwar naval developments, notably becoming the first submarine to be fitted with a snorkel in 1946, which allowed extended submerged operations. Throughout her service, Irex participated in numerous training exercises, fleet maneuvers, and NATO operations during the Cold War, enhancing anti-submarine warfare tactics. After a distinguished career, she was decommissioned in 1969 and later sold for scrap.

USS Jefferson City (SSN-759) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on February 29, 1992. Built by Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, the submarine was named after Jefferson City, Missouri. Throughout its service, USS Jefferson City has participated in various operations, including support missions for carrier strike groups and intelligence-gathering patrols. The submarine has also taken part in numerous multinational naval exercises, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's commitment to undersea warfare and global maritime security.

The USS Kentucky refers to two notable ships in United States Navy history. The first, USS Kentucky (BB-6), was an Illinois-class battleship commissioned in 1900, serving as the flagship during the Great White Fleet's world cruise and participating in early 20th-century exercises before decommissioning in 1920. The second, USS Kentucky (BB-66), was planned as an Iowa-class battleship, but construction was halted during World War II and she was never completed, ultimately being scrapped in 1958. Both ships reflect significant periods in U.S. naval development, from pre-World War I power projection to the rapid technological changes of World War II. The name USS Kentucky honors the 15th state and symbolizes the Navy's enduring tradition of state-named capital ships.

USS Knudson (APD-101) was a high-speed transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. Originally laid down as a destroyer escort (DE-591), she was converted to a Crosley-class fast transport to support amphibious operations. Knudson served in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the Okinawa campaign, where she performed escort and patrol duties. After the war, she aided in occupation efforts in Japan and China before being decommissioned in 1946.

USS KULA GULF (CVE-108) was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1945. Named after the Battle of Kula Gulf, the ship served briefly in the Pacific at the tail end of World War II, transporting aircraft and personnel and supporting occupation duties in Japan. After the war, she participated in Operation Magic Carpet, returning American servicemen home, and was decommissioned in 1946. Recommissioned during the Korean War, KULA GULF later served as a training and aircraft transport carrier before being struck from the Navy list in 1969.

USS Laboon (DDG-58) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in March 1995. Named in honor of Father John Francis Laboon, a decorated World War II submarine officer and Navy chaplain, the ship has participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, Arabian Gulf, and off the coast of Africa. USS Laboon has been involved in key missions such as supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve, as well as NATO exercises and maritime security operations. The ship continues to serve as a vital asset to the U.S. Navy, specializing in air defense, surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense.

USS **Lake Champlain (CG-57)** is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned on August 12, 1988. Named after the historic naval battle of Lake Champlain during the War of 1812, the ship has served extensively in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Over her career, Lake Champlain participated in numerous operations, including support for Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf and humanitarian assistance missions in the Pacific. The cruiser has also been a vital part of carrier strike groups, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities until her decommissioning in 2023.

USS Louisiana (SSBN-731) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on September 6, 1997. As the eighteenth and final boat of her class, Louisiana plays a vital role in the nation's strategic deterrence, capable of carrying Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. She operates out of Naval Base Kitsap in Washington as part of Submarine Squadron 17, conducting deterrent patrols in the Pacific Ocean. Over her service, USS Louisiana has exemplified the silent service's commitment to readiness and national security.

USS LST-561 was a United States Navy tank landing ship (LST) constructed during World War II. Commissioned in May 1944, she was part of the LST-542 class, designed to transport and deploy tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers. LST-561 participated in the European Theater, notably supporting operations during the invasion of southern France in August 1944. After the war, she was decommissioned in May 1946 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her service.

**USS LUCID (AM-458)** was an Aggressive-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy during the Cold War. Commissioned in 1955, USS LUCID was tasked with detecting and removing naval mines to ensure safe passage for allied vessels. She served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in training exercises and readiness operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific. The ship was decommissioned in 1970 and later used as a civilian houseboat before being acquired for restoration as a museum ship in Stockton, California.

USS Macon (CA-132) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy on 26 August 1945, just after the end of World War II. Initially serving in the Atlantic Fleet, Macon participated in training exercises, goodwill cruises, and NATO operations during the early years of the Cold War. The ship was notably deployed to the Mediterranean as part of the 6th Fleet, supporting American interests and stability in the region. USS Macon was decommissioned on 10 March 1961 and subsequently placed in reserve, marking the end of her active service.

USS Macon (CA-132) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on August 26, 1945, just after the end of World War II. Although she missed wartime service, Macon was actively engaged during the postwar years, participating in numerous training exercises, goodwill cruises, and fleet maneuvers in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. She served as flagship for various cruiser divisions and took part in NATO operations, helping to project American naval power and foster alliances during the early Cold War period. USS Macon was decommissioned on March 10, 1961, and ultimately struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1969.

USS Maddox (DD-731) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing fire support at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and participating in anti-aircraft and anti-submarine operations. After the war, Maddox was modernized and saw further service during the Korean War, supporting United Nations forces along the Korean Peninsula. Most notably, USS Maddox became famous for her involvement in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964, which played a key role in escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.