William Craig

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.

Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron FIVE (HCS-5), also known as the "Firehawks," was a United States Navy Reserve helicopter squadron established in 1988. The unit was based at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California, and operated the HH-60H Seahawk helicopter. HCS-5 provided combat search and rescue (CSAR), special warfare support, and vertical replenishment missions, often deploying to the Persian Gulf and supporting Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The squadron was deactivated in December 2006 as part of a Navy-wide restructuring of reserve helicopter forces.

Fleet Intelligence Center Pacific (FICPAC) is a United States Navy intelligence unit with origins dating back to World War II, when Pacific Fleet intelligence operations were centralized to support major combat operations against Japan. Officially established in various forms throughout the Cold War, FICPAC has provided critical intelligence analysis and support to U.S. Pacific Fleet commanders. Its mission includes the collection, processing, and dissemination of intelligence relevant to maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Over the decades, FICPAC has evolved with advances in technology and global threats, playing a vital role in supporting U.S. naval operations, planning, and decision-making in the Pacific theater.

**CINCPACHQ**, or Commander in Chief, Pacific Headquarters, was the principal headquarters of the United States Pacific Command during World War II and the early Cold War. Established in Honolulu, Hawaii, CINCPACHQ coordinated joint operations for the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps across the vast Pacific theater. Under the leadership of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the headquarters played a critical role in planning and directing major campaigns, including the island-hopping strategy that led to victory over Japan. After the war, CINCPACHQ continued to serve as the command center for U.S. military operations in the Asia-Pacific region, adapting to the evolving strategic landscape of the postwar era.

The **USS Yellowstone** name has been carried by several vessels in the United States Navy, most notably by **USS Yellowstone (AD-27)**, a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned in 1946. Designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to destroyer fleets, she played a vital role during the Cold War, supporting U.S. naval operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Yellowstone participated in major exercises and deployments, ensuring fleet readiness during crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and numerous Mediterranean operations with the Sixth Fleet. After decades of distinguished service, the ship was decommissioned in 1996, marking the end of her significant contributions to U.S. naval power projection and fleet support.

**DP A SCHOOL, San Diego Naval Training Center** served as a primary training facility for Data Processing (DP) personnel in the United States Navy. Established during the Cold War era, the school was located at the Naval Training Center (NTC) San Diego, which operated from 1923 until its closure in 1997. At DP A School, sailors received specialized instruction in computer operations, data management, and the maintenance of Navy information systems, reflecting the growing importance of technology in naval operations. Graduates of the school supported fleet-wide administrative and operational functions, contributing to the Navy’s transition into the digital age. Following the BRAC-mandated closure of NTC San Diego, DP training was consolidated at other naval education commands.

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 Communications Station (NAVCOMSTA) Yokosuka, Japan, was established in the early 1950s to support U.S. Navy operations in the Western Pacific following World War II. Strategically located within the U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka complex, the unit provided critical communications, cryptographic, and electronic support for naval and joint forces throughout the region. NAVCOMSTA Yokosuka played a vital role during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ensuring reliable command and control links between deployed fleets and higher headquarters. Over time, its mission evolved with advances in technology, and the station eventually transitioned into what is known today as the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Far East.

USS White Plains (AFS-4) was a Mars-class combat stores ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Named after the Battle of White Plains from the American Revolutionary War, the vessel provided vital logistical support by delivering food, ammunition, and other supplies to ships at sea, primarily in the Pacific Fleet. White Plains played a significant role during the Vietnam War and later supported operations throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. After over two decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1995 and eventually scrapped.