USS Colorado (SSN 788) battle flag created by the crew through sewing patches together that highlight group accomplishments during deployment aboard the boat in Groton, Conn, May 14, 2020. The tradition of submarine battle flags began largely during World War II as U.S. submarines became heavily involved in combat in the Pacific Ocean against Japanese forces. The flags were used to keep an unofficial record of the number of ships sank during the war, but today they serve as onboard records of success to motivate the crew while deployed. (U.S. Navy photo by Capt. James Geddes)