Sailors began testing two new types of fleet uniforms in September that offer comfort along with fire protection.
One is an improved version of the flame-resistant variant coveralls now worn in the fleet, along with a new flame-resistant fleece jacket. The other type looks like a Navy blue flight suit: a flame-resistant fabric that sports a flight suit design.
Sailors at three commands are to begin what’s expected to be a year-long wear test of uniforms that will replace the uncomfortable flame-resistant coveralls, which were fast-tracked to the fleet in 2012 amid concerns about fire risk. Fleet Forces Command on Sept. 10 issued the first 165 sets to sailors aboard the destroyer Carney, which left Mayport, Florida on Sept. 4 in a homeport switch to Rota, Spain. At least 235 more sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge and the attack submarine Newport News will be outfitted prior to deployments this fall.
