Paul Adams

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy in November 1989. Throughout its service, the ship has participated in major operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, providing critical air support and power projection. The carrier has undergone several deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, showcasing American naval presence and deterrence. After a four-year Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) completed in 2019, USS Abraham Lincoln remains an integral part of U.S. naval operations worldwide.

Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9), known as the "Golden Eagles," is a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established in March 1951. Originally flying the P4Y-2 Privateer, the squadron has since operated a variety of patrol aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune, P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon. Throughout its history, VP-9 has conducted anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, supporting U.S. operations in the Pacific and beyond. The squadron has participated in key operations such as the Vietnam War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and numerous multinational exercises, earning a reputation for operational excellence.

Training Squadron 22 (VT-22), known as the "Golden Eagles," is a United States Navy aviation training squadron established in its current form in 1960. Originally formed as Advanced Training Unit 600, the squadron has played a key role in training naval aviators, specializing in advanced strike and jet training. Based at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, VT-22 has operated a variety of aircraft over the years, including the T-2 Buckeye and currently the T-45C Goshawk. The squadron’s mission is to develop and qualify student naval aviators for carrier-based jet aircraft operations, ensuring the readiness of future Navy and Marine Corps pilots.

The USNR Naval Air Station New York, located at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, was established in 1928 as New York City’s first municipal airport and later transformed into a key naval aviation facility. During World War II, it served as a major training and operations hub for the United States Naval Reserve (USNR), supporting anti-submarine warfare patrols, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance. The station remained active through the Cold War, providing reserve training and readiness for naval aviators and support personnel. Decommissioned in 1971, its legacy endures as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, preserving its historic hangars and runways.

Patrol Squadron 1 (VP-1), known as the "Screaming Eagles," is a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established in February 1943. Initially formed during World War II, VP-1 played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance missions in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, the squadron has operated various aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune and the P-3 Orion, and today flies the P-8A Poseidon. VP-1 continues to support U.S. Navy operations with surveillance, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine missions from its current home base at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.