David Lake

USS Guam is the name borne by several United States Navy ships, most notably LPH-9, an Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1965. Designed to embark, transport, and land elements of a Marine landing force, USS Guam played a key role in numerous operations, including supporting the evacuation of Saigon during Operation Frequent Wind in 1975. Throughout her service, she participated in major exercises, humanitarian missions, and provided disaster relief. Decommissioned in 1998, USS Guam’s legacy endures as a symbol of U.S. naval amphibious capability.

USS EISENHOWER

U.S. Navy

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), often referred to as "Ike," is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy in 1977. As the second Nimitz-class carrier, she has played a crucial role in projecting American naval power, participating in major operations such as Operation Eagle Claw in 1980 and multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War and subsequent conflicts. Over her decades of service, Eisenhower has supported combat operations, humanitarian missions, and exercises with allied navies around the globe. Continually modernized, she remains a vital asset in U.S. carrier strike group missions into the 21st century.

Helicopter Training Squadron Eighteen (HT-18), known as the "Vigilant Eagles," was established on March 1, 1972, at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. Created to meet the growing demand for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard helicopter pilots, HT-18 initially flew the TH-1L "Huey" before transitioning to the TH-57 Sea Ranger. The squadron provides advanced rotary-wing training, preparing student aviators for operational assignments in various helicopter platforms. Over the decades, HT-18 has played a pivotal role in producing highly skilled helicopter pilots, upholding a tradition of excellence in naval aviation training.

Sea Control Squadron 22 (VS-22), known as the "Checkmates," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established in 1950. Initially flying the Grumman S-2 Tracker, VS-22 later transitioned to the S-3 Viking, operating primarily from aircraft carriers in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. The squadron participated in significant operations, including NATO exercises and combat support missions during the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After over five decades of service, VS-22 was decommissioned in 2009 as the S-3 Viking was retired from frontline service.

Patrol Squadron 19 (VP-19), nicknamed the "Big Red," was a U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1946. Throughout the Cold War, VP-19 operated various patrol aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune and P-3 Orion, conducting anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions in the Pacific and around the world. The squadron played significant roles in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing vital maritime patrol and intelligence support. VP-19 was decommissioned in 1991 after decades of distinguished service.

Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHTEEN (HT-18), known as "Vigilant Eagles," is a United States Navy helicopter training squadron established on March 1, 1972. Based at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida, HT-18 was created to meet the growing demand for naval helicopter pilots during the Vietnam War era. The squadron provides advanced helicopter flight training to Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and allied student aviators, primarily utilizing the TH-57 Sea Ranger. Over the decades, HT-18 has played a crucial role in producing highly skilled rotary-wing aviators, ensuring the operational readiness of U.S. and allied naval forces.