Michael Anderson

Attack Squadron 212 (VA-212), known as the "Rampant Raiders," was established by the United States Navy on June 20, 1955. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Moffett Field and later at NAS Lemoore, flying a variety of attack aircraft, including the AD Skyraider and the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-212 participated in several major operations during the Vietnam War, conducting strike missions and close air support from aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. The squadron was disestablished on December 12, 1975, after two decades of distinguished service.

USS BONHOMME RICHARD

U.S. Navy

The USS Bonhomme Richard has been the namesake of several notable vessels in U.S. naval history. The first, commanded by John Paul Jones, was a former French merchant ship gifted to the United States during the Revolutionary War, famously defeating HMS Serapis in 1779 before sinking. Later ships bearing the name included aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, most recently LHD-6, commissioned in 1998. The LHD-6 served in numerous operations across the Pacific and Middle East until a devastating fire in 2020 led to its decommissioning. The legacy of Bonhomme Richard symbolizes resilience and valor in American naval tradition.