Index

Case Narrative

Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia

Case Narratives are reports of what we know today about certain events of the 1990-1991 Gulf War. This particular case narrative focuses on events that occurred during the war at Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia. We published the original Al Jubayl case narrative on August 13, 1997. Since that time, we have received many comments from veterans and other concerned individuals about the narrative, especially about the investigation of the loud noise event. Veteran comments, new information, and the development of alternative scenarios to explain the loud noise event expanded the investigation of this event. This version of the narrative presents the results of our latest investigation and analysis, updating what we provided in the 1997 narrative. This is an interim, not a final, report. We hope that you will read this and contact us with any information that would help us better understand the events reported here. With your help, we will be able to report more accurately on the events surrounding the incidents reported in this narrative. Please contact my office to report any new information by calling:

1-800-497-6261

Dale A. Vesser
Acting Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses,
Medical Readiness, and Military Deployments
Department of Defense

2000152-0000015 Ver. 2.0

Last Update: January 31, 2001

Many veterans of the Gulf War have expressed concern that their unexplained illnesses may result from their experiences in that war. In response to veterans’ concerns, the Department of Defense established a task force in June 1995 to investigate incidents and circumstances relating to possible causes. The Office of the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Gulf War Illnesses assumed responsibility for these investigations on November 12, 1996, and has continued to investigate reports of chemical warfare agent incidents. Effective July 26, 2000, this office became the Office of the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Gulf War Illnesses, Medical Readiness, and Military Deployments, with continued responsibility for Gulf War issues.

To inform the public about the progress of these efforts, the Department of Defense is publishing on the Internet and elsewhere accounts that may contribute to the discussion of possible causes of illnesses of Gulf War veterans, along with documentary evidence or personal testimony used in compiling the accounts. This narrative is such an account.