Navy

Though it was first designed in 1962, finalized in 1976, and then standardized in 1990, the Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU)—affectionately known for its “chocolate chip” or “cookie dough” camouflage patterns—defined the U.S. military era known for a single event: Operation Desert Storm.

On the evening of Jan. 16, 1991, Jacky Frawner was in a weight room when he heard his skipper come across the shipboard public address circuits, also known as the 1MC. The alert let the sailors aboard USS Paul F. Foster they were about to transition from Operation Desert Shield to Operation Desert Storm. USS Wisconsin was supposed to fire the first Tomahawk missile. However, the mission shifted to the USS Paul F. Foster. Within hours, Frawner and his shipmates would be part of the opening shots of Desert Storm.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Richard Newville, who served as a jet engine mechanic across the Pacific during the Vietnam War.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Ollie McHone. McHone was killed in action while serving aboard the USS Indianapolis during World War II.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Danny Shaffstall, who served for three years as an operations specialist third class.

In his 37-year career with the Navy, William McRaven conducted counter-terrorism operations worldwide as a special operator.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Robert E. Andermann, who served aboard USS New Orleans in the Pacific during World War II.

On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Frank Curre, who survived and later died on the 70th anniversary.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Lee Laz, who served as a bomber pilot in the Pacific Theater and received a Navy Cross during World War II.

During National Native American Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran John B. Herrington, who served as an aviator and NASA astronaut.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Robert Balfour, who served as a communications officer in the Pacific during World War II.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Joseph Moore, who served on several ships during his career from 1947-1969, including in Vietnam.