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Most Popular DOD Stories in 2019

Dec. 31, 2019
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This year, the Defense Department welcomed a new defense secretary, established U.S. Space Command and Space Force, and continued to focus on the top priorities of lethality, partnerships and reform.  U.S. forces also made strides in the war on terror, killing ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a raid in northwestern Syria. Defense.gov featured coverage of all these events and more. We invite you to take a moment to explore 10 of the most-viewed stories in 2019.

1
5 Facts to Know About Veterans Day
Soldier stands at Vietnam War Memorial with flag.
Soldier stands at Vietnam War Memorial with flag.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A U.S. Army Reservist reads some of the 58,307 names etched into "the Wall" of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as the sun rises in Washington, July 22, 2015.
Download: Full Size (1.74 MB)
Photo By: Army Sgt. Ken Scar
VIRIN: 150722-A-ZU930-001C
Veterans Day is a well-known American holiday, but there are also a few misconceptions about it — like how it's spelled or whom exactly it celebrates. To clear some of that up, here are the important facts you should know. Read the story here.
2
10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About the Pentagon
Why is it in the shape of a pentagon? Are there really 70 elevators? How did renovations save lives on 9/11? Get these answers and more. Read the story here.
3
Why are Marines Part of the Navy?
A Marine unties the rotors of a helicopter.
A Marine unties the rotors of a helicopter.
Helicopter Prep
Marine Corps Capt. Brenda Amor helps to prepare an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter for flight operations on the flight deck of the USS Arlington in the Mediterranean Sea, Jan. 30, 2019.
Download: Full Size (3.7 MB)
Photo By: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Parker
VIRIN: 190130-N-HG389-0004C
Ever wonder why the Marine Corps is part of the Navy? Here's your answer. Read the story here.
4
Central Command Chief Gives Details on Baghdadi Raid
The mission to capture or kill ISIS founder and leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was exquisitely planned and executed, the commander of U.S. Central Command said. Read the story here.
5
DOD Submits U.S. Space Force Proposal
Military rocket blasts off from launching pad.
Military rocket blasts off from launching pad.
Rocket Fire
The EFT-1 military satellite launches from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dec. 5, 2014.
Download: Full Size (1.25 MB)
Photo By: NASA
VIRIN: 141214-D-HG842-001C
A primer on the Space Force – understanding what it is and why it's necessary. Read the story here.
6
Desert Storm: A Look Back
Three airborne fighter jets
Three airborne fighter jets
Oil Field Flames
F-16A Fighting Falcon, F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft fly over burning oil fields in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm.
Download: Full Size (983.04 KB)
Photo By: Air Force photo
VIRIN: 020926-O-9999G-908C
Operation Desert Storm was the first major foreign crisis for the United States after the end of the Cold War. Read the story here.
7
Hitting Bottom: Submarines Explored Deepest Part of Ocean
Thousands have climbed Mount Everest, and a handful of people have walked on the moon. But reaching the lowest part of the ocean? Only three people have ever done that, and one was a Navy submariner. Read the story here.
8
A 9/11 Reflection: The Pentagon in Photos
''A picture is worth a thousand words'' holds true in these photos — haunting reminders of the tragic attack on the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. Read the story here.
9
Maybe the Toughest Man Alive
A man stands in the water with a big gun.
A man stands in the water with a big gun.
Securing a Beach
Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer David Goggins secures a beach during his SEAL training.
Download: Full Size (92.16 KB)
Photo By: Courtesy photo
VIRIN: 181204-F-ED851-0002
Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer David Goggins has been called the toughest man alive. Being the only U.S. military member to complete SEAL training (Hell Week three times), Army Ranger School and Air Force Tactical Air Control Party training, he makes a compelling case. Read the story here.
10
The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial: What to Know Before You Visit
Lights illuminate memorial benches at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
Lights illuminate memorial benches at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
Memorial at Night
Lights illuminate memorial benches at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Aug. 24, 2016. The memorial is dedicated to the 184 souls lost in the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
Download: Full Size (1.83 MB)
Photo By: EJ Hersom
VIRIN: 160824-D-DB155-004A
The $22 million memorial sits on two acres of land right outside where the jetliner struck the Pentagon on 9/11. Read the story here.

Want more? Check out DOD in Photos: 2019 Want more? Check out DOD in Photos: 2019: https://www.defense.gov/Experience/DOD-in-Photos-2019/

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