- In 2023, the US Navy will roll out several uniform updates, including a new & lighter safety footwear and modifications to the maternity service dress blue coat.
- The US Navy’s goal is to develop a uniform that is “adaptable” and can be used in a variety of operating environments, including surface ships, submarines, and flight decks.
The uniform modifications come as the US Navy begins to provide sailors with a new two-piece, flame-resistant uniform that is marketed as their “primary at-sea” choice. This year, sailors will have wider access to the 2POC uniform, also known as the two-piece organizational clothing uniform.
Recruits at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois, received the I-Boot 5 as a seabag requirement in October 2022, and the rest of the fleet will be able to purchase the shoe starting in April 2023.
According to a naval administrative message released on Dec.20, “The I-Boot 5 is a lightweight constructed safety boot, black or brown with full inner lining, steel-toed, and smooth outer leather.”
“The I-Boot 5 is suitable for wear in multiple Navy environments and weather conditions afloat, airborne, and ashore.”
“Existing NWU boots, to include the I-Boot 4, will remain authorized for wear as long as serviceable,” the NAVADMIN stated.
The US Navy will also introduce a new maternity service dress blue coat in the summer of 2023, which will now feature some adjustable options for pregnant sailors.
“Design improvements to the maternity Service Dress Blue coat will incorporate adjustable side tabs to align with all existing maternity uniform tops,” the NAVADMIN said.
The service has also introduced a different physical training uniform fitness suit without reflective piping due to supply chain concerns. The US Navy Exchange Uniform Center anticipates receiving the alternate design fitness suit jacket in December, along with the matching pants, in May 2023.
Supply chain issues have also prompted the service to introduce an alternate physical training uniform fitness suit – one that doesn’t include reflective piping. The alternate design fitness suit jacket was expected to hit the Navy Exchange Uniform Center in December,2022 while the accompanying pants were expected in May 2023.
“The alternate design fitness suit is of the same basic design, color, and Navy logos as the standard fitness suit, but without reflective piping,” the NAVADMIN said.
“Sailors may wear fitness suit jackets and pants that do not match with respect to reflective piping but are advised to wear a reflective belt or vest when wearing the physical training uniform to conduct outdoor physical activities during reduced visibility hours.”
Several other uniform changes approaching
Other uniform-related projects are also in progress, but it is not yet clear when they will take effect. For instance, the Navy is starting a size standardization initiative to enhance uniform fit. Currently, the initiative is concentrating on women’s skirts, shirts, and blouses.
Two new female overblouse concepts, for optional wear with a female officer and chief petty officer summer white and service dress blue uniforms, have been developed as a result of the sizing standardization program.
“Concepts are currently in their initial development phase and will be showcased during size standardization fit demonstrations and concept advertisement articles via media publications,” the NAVADMIN said.
The US Navy also stated that it is working on an “improved” black fleece liner and jacket to replace the current black fleece parka liner.
“The new fleece liner and jacket concept encompasses two zippered side pockets, an attached rank tab, and weather-resistant fabric that is suitable for wearing as an outer garment during most weather conditions,” according to the NAVADMIN.
Also read: NZ Post Launches New Uniforms for the Mail Carriers and Couriers
