Gary French

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.

VF-111, known as the "Sundowners," was a distinguished U.S. Navy fighter squadron originally established during World War II in October 1942. The unit earned fame in the Pacific theater, achieving numerous aerial victories against Japanese aircraft. Reactivated several times, VF-111 later flew iconic aircraft such as the F-8 Crusader and the F-14 Tomcat during the Cold War, participating in the Vietnam War and other significant deployments. The squadron was finally disestablished in 1995, but its legacy remains a proud part of naval aviation history.

NRD PHILA, or Navy Recruiting District Philadelphia, headquartered at Broad & Butler, has played a pivotal role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s recruiting efforts throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Established to oversee and manage Navy recruitment across Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, NRD PHILA has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of the Navy since its inception. The unit has been instrumental in enlisting thousands of Sailors, ensuring the fleet is manned with qualified personnel from a diverse urban population. Over the decades, NRD PHILA has built strong community ties and upheld a tradition of service, excellence, and commitment to national defense.