USS Reagan Caption This Photo

[tcourtplayer]

The NWU's were designed in the colors they were to hide grease/paint/oils...etc. Originally, their intent was so that all the various "working uniforms" could be done away with and everyone could buy just this one type. As a bonus, they threw in this cammo pattern so in theory the sailors could leave work and go directly to the NEX/Commissary without sending a Chief into orbit because he had a grease stain on his uniform.

The reality is that for the first 6 months or so, they still didn't authorize it outside of work spaces (because it was a "work" uniform, so we cannot let those dependents/retirees possibly see a sailor at the NEX looking dirty). They eventually relented on this after it was pointed out that the only reason for having this cammo pattern was to hide stains. Additionally, they are finding that they are not the best for the shipboard environment because testing has shown that a during ship's fire they could "burst into flames and burn robustly." I shit you not, that is what the message said. Oh well, we've already spent millions in the design so we might as well order a Mk-2 of it.

As for the comments on the "man overboard" situation...the reality of it is that all you see of someone in the water is their head and if you are lucky (I mean really lucky) their upper shoulders/back unless they are in flotation. That is why Navy/Marine aviators have white reflective tape on their helmets but still wear normal dark green or tan uniforms and survival gear.