Jerry Doteon

COMSIXTHFLEET, also known as the Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, is a major operational fleet of the United States Navy with headquarters in Naples, Italy. Established in 1950, the Sixth Fleet has played a critical role in maintaining maritime security and projecting American naval power throughout the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding regions. Over the decades, COMSIXTHFLEET has participated in numerous operations, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance, and joint exercises with NATO allies. The unit continues to serve as a forward-deployed force, responding to crises, deterring aggression, and supporting U.S. and allied interests in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic (SWFLANT), located at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, was established in 1985 as a key component of the United States Navy’s nuclear deterrence mission. SWFLANT’s primary mission is to provide strategic missiles and ordnance support for the Navy’s Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) stationed on the East Coast. Over the years, SWFLANT has played a crucial role in maintaining and handling the Trident II D5 missile system, ensuring the operational readiness and effectiveness of the nation’s sea-based strategic deterrent. The unit continues to uphold its commitment to security and excellence, supporting both national defense and global stability.

USS PUGET SOUND

U.S. Navy

**USS PUGET SOUND (AD-38)** was a Yellowstone-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Serving as a mobile repair and support ship, she provided maintenance, logistics, and administrative services to the fleet, primarily supporting destroyers and other surface combatants. Throughout her career, USS Puget Sound operated in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, frequently serving as flagship for the U.S. Sixth Fleet and supporting operations during crises such as the Lebanon conflict in the 1980s. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1996 and later scrapped.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, located near Meridian, Mississippi, was commissioned on July 14, 1961, as a key training facility for the United States Navy. Originally established to address the need for expanded naval aviation training during the Cold War, the station quickly became home to advanced jet flight training programs. Over the decades, NAS Meridian has played a critical role in producing skilled naval aviators and supporting operational readiness, hosting Training Air Wing ONE and Training Squadron NINE (VT-9). In addition to its primary aviation mission, the base also supports other tenant commands and has been recognized for its contributions to national defense and community partnership.

USS Fidelity (MSO-443) was an Aggressive-class minesweeper of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1955. Designed for clearing naval mines to ensure safe passage of ships, she operated primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean, participating in numerous exercises and training missions during the Cold War. Throughout her service, USS Fidelity also deployed to the Mediterranean as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, supporting NATO operations and strengthening alliances. She was decommissioned in 1989, marking over three decades of dedicated service in mine countermeasures and fleet support.

USS AMERICA

U.S. Navy

The USS America is a modern amphibious assault ship in the United States Navy. It is the fourth ship to be named after the country and is the lead ship of its class. The ship is capable of carrying a mix of air, ground, and amphibious assault vehicles to support a wide range of military operations. With advanced technology and a skilled crew, the USS America plays a vital role in projecting American power and protecting national interests around the world.