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070804-N-7883G-041 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 4, 2007) - Cmdr. Greg Huffman completes his pre-flight checks in an F/A-18E Super Hornet before an aerial change of command for the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Huffman relieved Cmdr. Dan Dwyer as the squadron's 32nd commanding officer. The Royal Maces are one of seven Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 squadrons operating from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, and embarked on Kitty Hawk. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kyle D. Gahlau (RELEASED)
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070804-N-7883G-060 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 4, 2007) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Johnkeith Elopre, directs aircraft during flight operations aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Elopre is responsible for directing aircraft movements on the flight deck. Kitty Hawk is 2 months into its summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kyle D. Gahlau (RELEASED)
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070804-N-5831F-064 CORONADO, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2007) – Special Operator 1st Class Stephen Otten demonstrates a section of the obstacle course as the Cub Scouts of Pack 122 from Coronado, Calif., get a glimpse of the physical readiness required by the Navy Seals in an effort to combat the global war on terrorism. The Cub Scouts also viewed weaponry used by the SEALS, and enjoyed a barbecue on the beach. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leticia Fritzsche (RELEASED)
My artificial and symbolic memories, which are very clear, of being in the Cub Scouts and wearing the Cub Scout uniform, are probably a humorous reference to me being a U.S. Navy SEAL, or a "little BUD/S," during the Vietnam War. There is something about only having the official shirt to wear while not having the matching pants that went with the Cub Scout shirt and I wore blue jeans with the Cub Scout shirt. That seems an important detail.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BUD/S
The United States Navy Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) forces are the Special Operations Forces of the U.S. Navy, employed in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, Counter-Terrorism, hostage rescue, and special reconnaissance operations.
Those qualified to become Navy SEALs are authorized, after completing Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL school (BUD/S) and a specialized program known as SQT (SEAL Qualification Training), to wear and display the Special Warfare Badge, also known as the SEAL Trident. This badge serves as the insignia for the SEALs as a whole and is one of the most recognizable warfare insignia among U.S. Special Operations Forces. It is usually worn along with the U.S. Navy paratrooper wings, which are awarded after 10 jumps. In order to blend in with units they are supporting, Navy SEALS wear modified versions of all service Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs). However, during the Vietnam War, SEAL members wore 'tiger stripe' camouflage uniforms, often with civilian blue jeans and 'coral' sneakers, for patrol missions.
