Established in 1970, the U.S. Navy Special Warfare (SEAL) insignia quickly earned the nickname “BUDS” for two reasons. The first and most obvious was that part of the Special Warfare qualification process was completing the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL, or BUD/S Training program. The second was that the insignia—a golden eagle with spread wings clutching an anchor, a trident, and a flintlock pistol—resembled the logo of brewer Anheuser-Busch, whose flagship product just happened to be nicknamed “Bud.”
Specialty lapel pins such as this one are not authorized for wear on Navy uniforms, but Navy regulations permit them to be worn by retired personnel on civilian clothing. Article 61002 of the Navy Uniform Manual states retired Navy veterans “may wear honorable discharge and service buttons on left lapel of civilian clothes except civilian evening dress (white tie).”