Franklyn H. Lord

USS San Pablo (AGS-30) was a United States Navy hydrographic survey ship, originally laid down as the Liberty ship SS John G. Tod in 1944. Acquired by the Navy and commissioned in 1944, she was converted and renamed for survey work. Throughout World War II and the postwar years, San Pablo conducted extensive hydrographic surveys in the Pacific, supporting naval operations and safe navigation. She played a vital role in charting uncharted waters, particularly around the Marianas, the Philippines, and the Western Pacific until her decommissioning in 1969.

USS Independence (CVA-62) was a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1959. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous Cold War operations, including deployments in the Mediterranean and support of U.S. interests during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Independence also saw action in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) in 1991, launching air strikes against Iraqi forces. After nearly 40 years of service, she was decommissioned in September 1998.