Robert Podlaski

USS BELLEAU WOOD

U.S. Navy

USS **Belleau Wood** refers to two notable ships in United States Navy history, named after the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood. The first, **USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)**, was a light aircraft carrier commissioned in 1943, serving with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major campaigns such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea. For her service, she earned 12 battle stars before being transferred to the French Navy in 1953. The second, **USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3)**, was an amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1978, supporting numerous operations including humanitarian missions and Operation Desert Storm, before decommissioning in 2005. Both ships upheld the legacy of their namesake, embodying valor and service in their respective eras.

Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, located on the southeastern coast of Cuba, has been under continuous U.S. control since 1903, following the Spanish-American War. Initially established to serve as a coaling and naval station, its strategic location allowed the U.S. Navy to project power throughout the Caribbean. Over the decades, Guantanamo Bay has played roles in regional conflicts, Cold War intelligence, and humanitarian operations. Since 2002, it has become globally recognized as the site of a U.S. military detention facility used in the War on Terror.

Naval Communications Station Keflavik, Iceland (NAVCOMMSTA Keflavik) was established in 1951 as part of NATO’s strategic presence in the North Atlantic during the early Cold War. Its primary mission was to provide critical communications support for U.S. and allied naval and air operations, monitoring Soviet activity and ensuring secure transmission of military messages across the region. The station played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and air defense coordination, particularly during periods of heightened tension between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. NAVCOMMSTA Keflavik operated until the late 1990s, when advances in technology and the reduced threat environment led to its closure and consolidation of operations.

The NAVAL TRAINING CENTER SAN DIEGO (NTC/RTC SAN DIEGO) is a former military base located in San Diego, California. It served as a training facility for the United States Navy from 1923 until its closure in 1997. The base was responsible for training thousands of Navy recruits throughout its years of operation. Today, the site has been redeveloped into a mixed-use community known as Liberty Station.

Commander, U.S. Naval Activities, United Kingdom (COMNAVACTUK), London, England, served as a key administrative and operational command for the United States Navy in the United Kingdom during the Cold War and into the late 20th century. Established to coordinate U.S. naval interests, logistics, and support in the region, COMNAVACTUK played a vital role in fostering Anglo-American naval cooperation and providing support for U.S. ships and personnel operating in European waters. The command managed multiple subordinate activities, including naval facilities, housing, and communication sites throughout the UK. COMNAVACTUK was eventually disestablished in the 1990s following post-Cold War realignment and reductions in U.S. overseas military presence.

USS Sphinx

U.S. Navy

USS Sphinx (ARL-24) was a landing craft repair ship of the United States Navy, originally commissioned in 1945 near the end of World War II. Built as LST-963 and later converted to an Achelous-class repair ship, she provided crucial repair and maintenance services to amphibious forces in the Pacific. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, USS Sphinx supported riverine and coastal operations, earning multiple campaign stars for her service. Decommissioned in 1971, she continued to serve in civilian roles before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register.