http://www.navytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-457855.php


Iwo Jima crew gets first gander at proposed new working uniforms

By Mark D. Faram
NavyTimes staff writer
October 18, 2004



Models wearing each of the four uniforms pose in the hangar bay door of the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima. The models are (L-R) CNO-designated Command Master Chief Robert Carroll, Cryptologic Technician (Administrative) Angela Eggleston, Cmdr. Carl Murphy and Yeoman 1st Class Deion Gibson. (Only Carroll is wearing a uniform with his correct rank and identification.) — Mark Faram / Navy Times Staff


Norfolk, Va. — The crew of the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima got the first official look at the four proposals for a new working uniform Monday in Norfolk, Va., as Master Chief Petty officer of the Navy (SS/AW) Terry Scott unveiled the concepts to a cheering, envious crew.“What you’re seeing today is just like cars being rolled out at an auto show, these are just concepts,” Scott told the ship’s crew. “But, if adopted, a uniform similar to those you see in front of you will replace seven other working uniforms in use today.”Iwo Jima will be one of 21 commands slated to test the prototype uniforms this December.

Only about 60 of Iwo Jima’s 1,500 sailors will get to wear the test uniforms. Each of the other 20 commands, including eight ships, three squadrons and a host of other sea and shore duty commands, will have roughly the same number of testers.Crew members applauded as Scott paraded four models across a stage set up on the ship’s hanger bay.

Each model wore a variation of what the other services call a battle dress-style uniform. The Navy will simply call it the Navy Working Uniform because when adopted, it will be worn by all ranks. The colors of the four uniforms are all blues and grays. Two have a digital pattern while two have a traditional “woodland” pattern. Each pattern has one version which is predominately gray, while another is predominately blue. “We didn’t use camouflage patterns so sailors would blend in with their ships,” said CNO Designated Command Master Chief (SS) Robert Carroll, the sole full-time member of the Navy’s 18-month-old Task Force Uniform “We did it because it is more practical, and will hide dirt and stains as well as wear better than our dungarees and coveralls do now.

”Each uniform has a different combination of features, such as elastic-topped cargo pockets to keep contents from falling out. Other features include sew-on rank and warfare insignia and name tapes that are gold for chiefs and officers and blue for E-6 and below.

Each tester will get one of each of the four concept uniforms that they’ll wear for six months, Scott said. While the tests are going on, sailors will be asked to use the Web to submit feedback on the designs and features they most like. The final uniform will reflect the opinions of the majority of the Navy.

Scott said he wants all sailors to make their opinions known, not just those who will wear the concepts.Scott said even after a final design is decided on, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark must approve it.

It will then take at least 18 months to hit fleet, he said. “I’d sure like the chance to test out that uniform, but I was on leave when they made those selections,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Edward Perez of the Iwo Jima’s CO division. “I like the design, the look and the style of them.

It seems to be much more practical that the dungarees or coveralls because they don’t have to be ironed, and I don’t have to worry about my shirt coming un-tucked.”
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Contributed,
YNCS Don Harribine, USN(ret)


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