Ricky Burroughs

USS KEARSARGE

U.S. Navy

USS Kearsarge is the name given to several notable ships in United States Navy history, most famously the sloop-of-war commissioned in 1862. During the American Civil War, USS Kearsarge gained renown by defeating the Confederate raider CSS Alabama off the coast of France in 1864, a pivotal naval engagement that bolstered Union morale. Later, the name was carried by a series of aircraft carriers, beginning with USS Kearsarge (CV-33), an Essex-class carrier commissioned in 1946 that served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. The legacy continues today with USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1993, supporting a wide range of military operations and humanitarian missions around the globe.

USS **McKee** (DD-575) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in March 1943 during World War II. She served extensively in the Pacific Theater, providing fire support for amphibious landings, escorting fast carrier task forces, and participating in key operations such as the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, and the Philippines. The McKee earned eight battle stars for her wartime service, reflecting her active and distinguished combat record. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1972.

Naval Station Norfolk, located in Norfolk, Virginia, was established in 1917 as a key naval base during World War I, originally known as Naval Operating Base Hampton Roads. Throughout World War II, it rapidly expanded to become the largest naval base in the world, serving as a hub for Atlantic Fleet operations and troop deployments. During the Cold War, the station played a vital role in supporting U.S. naval power projection and logistical support for both the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. Today, Naval Station Norfolk remains the world's largest naval installation, home to the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet and serving as a critical center for fleet readiness and operations.

USS Bataan (LHD 5) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy on September 20, 1997. Named in honor of the heroic defense of the Bataan Peninsula during World War II, the ship has played a pivotal role in numerous military and humanitarian operations worldwide. Over its service, USS Bataan has participated in major deployments, including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and disaster relief efforts such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The ship continues to serve as a versatile platform for Marine Corps and joint force operations, exemplifying the Navy’s expeditionary capabilities.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy on July 25, 1998. Named after the 33rd President of the United States, the carrier has served as a flagship for Carrier Strike Group 8, participating in multiple deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, and other regions in support of operations such as Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. Truman has played a critical role in power projection, maritime security, and joint exercises with allied navies. The ship is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, and continues to be a cornerstone of U.S. naval capability.

The Great Lakes Naval Training Center, located in North Chicago, Illinois, is the United States Navy's largest training facility. It was established in 1911 and continues to provide basic training for enlisted sailors. The center boasts state-of-the-art facilities and training programs to prepare recruits for active duty in the Navy. With a long history of excellence in training, the Great Lakes Naval Training Center plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the US Navy.

Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor was officially established in 1917 on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, to support the growing role of submarines in U.S. naval strategy. During World War II, the base became a vital hub for submarine operations in the Pacific, serving as a homeport, repair, and resupply center for submarines conducting patrols against Japanese shipping. Submarines operating from Pearl Harbor played a decisive role in cutting off enemy supply lines and gathering intelligence. Today, the base is part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and continues to support the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet submarine force, maintaining its legacy as a cornerstone of undersea warfare.

USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on March 19, 1994. Named after Curtis D. Wilbur, the 43rd Secretary of the Navy, the ship has been primarily assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. Over its service, USS Curtis Wilbur has participated in numerous multinational exercises, including RIMPAC and Foal Eagle, and has conducted freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. The destroyer has also supported humanitarian missions and provided ballistic missile defense capabilities, showcasing the flexibility and strength of the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Naval Recruit Training Command (RTC), located at Great Lakes, Illinois, is the United States Navy’s only boot camp. Established in 1911, it has trained millions of sailors for service, especially during major conflicts like both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terrorism. Throughout its history, Great Lakes has adapted its training programs to meet evolving naval needs, incorporating advances in technology, tactics, and diversity. Today, RTC Great Lakes remains a critical institution, transforming civilians into sailors and serving as the gateway to the modern Navy.