Brian Kleven

Allied Forces Southern Europe (AFSOUTH) was established in 1951 as a major NATO headquarters based in Naples, Italy. Its primary mission was to oversee and coordinate the defense of Southern Europe, including Italy, Greece, and Turkey, during the Cold War. AFSOUTH played a crucial role in planning joint exercises, fostering multinational cooperation, and deterring potential aggression in the Mediterranean region. The command was reorganized and renamed Allied Joint Force Command Naples in 2004, continuing its legacy of promoting security and stability in Southern Europe and beyond.

Commander, Task Force 67 (CTF-67) is a United States Navy task force responsible for maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, primarily in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, which encompasses Europe and Africa. Established during the Cold War, CTF-67 played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and intelligence-gathering missions, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. Over the years, the unit has operated a variety of aircraft, including the P-3 Orion and, more recently, the P-8A Poseidon, to support alliance commitments and regional security. Today, CTF-67 remains a key element in U.S. and NATO efforts to monitor and deter maritime threats across southern Europe and North Africa.

USS MOUNT WHITNEY

U.S. Navy

USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC-20) is a Blue Ridge-class command ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1971. Named after the highest peak in the contiguous United States, she serves as the flagship for the U.S. Sixth Fleet, operating primarily in the Mediterranean Sea. Equipped with advanced communications and command facilities, the ship has played a pivotal role in coordinating naval operations, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises with NATO allies. Over her decades of service, USS MOUNT WHITNEY has supported major operations including peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans and crisis response missions across Europe and Africa.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 37 (HSL-37), known as the "Easyriders," was established on 3 July 1975 at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii. As the first Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mk I squadron in the Pacific Fleet, HSL-37 operated the SH-2F Seasprite helicopter, providing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) support to surface combatants. The squadron transitioned to the SH-60B Seahawk in the early 1990s, enhancing operational capabilities. In 2013, HSL-37 was redesignated as Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 (HSM-37), continuing its legacy of excellence in maritime operations.

Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) Memphis, Tennessee, was established in 1942 during World War II to meet the urgent need for trained aviation maintenance personnel. Located at the former Park Field in Millington, just north of Memphis, the facility quickly became one of the largest technical training centers for the U.S. Navy, providing instruction in aviation mechanics, electronics, and ordnance. Throughout the war and into the Cold War era, NATTC Memphis played a vital role in preparing sailors and marines for service with naval aviation units worldwide. In 1993, as part of military realignment, most training activities were relocated, and the base transitioned to become Naval Support Activity Mid-South, continuing its legacy of support to the Navy.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 31 (HSL-31), also known as the "Arch Angels," was a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron established in 1969. Based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, HSL-31 served primarily as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training pilots and aircrew to operate the SH-2 Seasprite helicopter for anti-submarine warfare and other naval missions. Over its years of service, the unit played a critical role in preparing crews for deployment aboard surface combatants. HSL-31 was disestablished in 1994 as part of a broader reorganization of Navy helicopter units.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 31 (HSL-31), also known as the "Arch Angels," was a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron established in 1969. Based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, HSL-31 served primarily as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training pilots and aircrew to operate the SH-2 Seasprite helicopter for anti-submarine warfare and other naval missions. Over its years of service, the unit played a critical role in preparing crews for deployment aboard surface combatants. HSL-31 was disestablished in 1994 as part of a broader reorganization of Navy helicopter units.

Patrol Squadron 8 (VP-8), known as the “Fighting Tigers,” was established in September 1942 during World War II. Originally flying the PBY Catalina and later the PB4Y-1 Liberator, the squadron conducted anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol missions in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Over the decades, VP-8 transitioned to various maritime patrol aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune, P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon. Throughout its history, VP-8 has participated in key operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, Cold War patrols, and modern global anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions, earning a reputation for operational excellence.

Torpedo Squadron 3 (VT-3) was a United States Navy torpedo bomber squadron established in the 1920s and most famously active during World War II. VT-3 gained distinction for its role in the Battle of Midway in June 1942, where its pilots and crew launched a courageous but costly attack against the Japanese carrier fleet. Despite suffering heavy losses—most of its planes were shot down—VT-3’s attack, along with those by VT-6 and VT-8, drew Japanese fighter cover away, enabling American dive bombers to strike decisively. The squadron’s sacrifice was pivotal in turning the tide of the Pacific War in favor of the Allies.

USS Francis Hammond (DE-1067) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Named in honor of Hospitalman Francis C. Hammond, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, the ship primarily operated in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Francis Hammond participated in numerous exercises, anti-submarine warfare operations, and provided escort duties for carrier groups. The ship was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to the Republic of Turkey, where it served as TCG Derya (F-247).

Training Squadron Thirty-One (VT-31), known as the “Wise Owls,” was established in 1960 and is based at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. The squadron’s primary mission is to provide advanced multi-engine flight training for future U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and international student naval aviators. VT-31 initially flew the Grumman TS-2A Tracker before transitioning to the Beechcraft T-44A Pegasus, which remains its primary training aircraft. Over the decades, VT-31 has played a crucial role in preparing aviators for operational assignments in maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and transport aircraft.

Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45), known as the “Pelicans,” is a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established on November 10, 1942. Originally flying the PBY Catalina during World War II, VP-45 conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol missions in the Atlantic and Caribbean theaters. Over the decades, the squadron transitioned to more advanced aircraft, including the P-5 Marlin, P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon, significantly expanding its operational capabilities. VP-45 has participated in numerous conflicts and operations, including the Cold War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and ongoing global maritime security missions. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

VPU-1, or Patrol Squadron Unmanned-1, is a specialized unit within the United States Navy established to operate and evaluate unmanned aerial systems for maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions. Formed in the 21st century as the Navy shifted focus toward advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, VPU-1 played a pivotal role in integrating unmanned technologies like the MQ-4C Triton into fleet operations. The squadron's missions have included persistent wide-area surveillance, signals intelligence, and support for anti-submarine warfare. VPU-1's innovative work has contributed significantly to the evolution of naval aviation and modern maritime domain awareness.