Leslie Dressler

USS Ogden (LPD-5) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned by the United States Navy in 1965. Throughout her service, she played a pivotal role in transporting Marines, equipment, and landing craft, notably participating in the Vietnam War and later in Operation Desert Storm. Ogden also supported humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the Pacific. After over 39 years of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 2007 and later used as a target during a SINKEX exercise in 2014.

USS Ajax (AR-6) was a Vulcan-class repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1943. During World War II, she provided vital repair and maintenance services to the Pacific Fleet, supporting operations in locations such as Eniwetok, Ulithi, and Okinawa. Ajax continued her service through the Korean War and the Vietnam War, ensuring fleet readiness by repairing and refitting ships close to combat zones. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1986, marking the end of a distinguished career supporting U.S. naval operations across three major conflicts.

USS Duluth (LPD-6) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned by the United States Navy in 1966. Throughout her service, Duluth participated in numerous major operations, including troop and equipment landings during the Vietnam War and support missions during Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. In subsequent decades, she provided critical support for humanitarian missions and military exercises around the globe, including deployments to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. After nearly four decades of service, USS Duluth was decommissioned in 2005, leaving a legacy of versatility and dedication to amphibious operations.

SIMA San Diego (Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity, San Diego) was established to provide maintenance and repair support for the U.S. Navy's surface fleet stationed in the San Diego area. Originally formed during the Cold War era, SIMA San Diego played a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness of ships by offering a wide range of technical services, from hull repairs to electronic systems maintenance. The unit worked closely with fleet units and shipyards, adapting to evolving naval technologies and operational demands. In the early 2000s, as part of Navy restructuring, SIMA San Diego was reorganized and its functions integrated into the Regional Maintenance Center (RMC) system to further streamline fleet support operations.

Service School Command, located at Great Lakes, Illinois, has played a pivotal role in the training and professional development of United States Navy personnel. Established in the early 20th century as part of Naval Station Great Lakes, the command became the Navy’s primary technical training hub following World War II, offering specialized instruction in various naval ratings and technical disciplines. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, Service School Command adapted its curriculum to meet evolving technological and operational needs, ensuring sailors are well-prepared for fleet assignments. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Navy training, maintaining its legacy of excellence in preparing enlisted personnel for service at sea and ashore.