Why would Navy officers wear camouflage uniforms . . . at sea? I was in the Navy forty years ago, and the only Naval personnel who wore camis were Seals. Naval officers and chiefs always wore khaki as their workday uniform. Did the moviemakers just think that the actors would look cool in cami?
I disagree with what you are saying, but I will fight to your death for your right to say it;-)
They've been doing it since 2008, much to some of the sailors dismay.
SAN DIEGO, CA – In an announcement today at Naval Base San Diego, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) remarked that he was extremely proud of the “versatility and usefulness of the Navy Working Uniform (NWU).”
The uniform, which resembles the Marines’ desert and green colored digital MARPAT design, was introduced in 2008 amid controversy over its necessity for naval personnel.
“What the hell are we going to blend into with a blue camouflage pattern?” asked CT2 Brian Nathan, a sailor aboard the USS Makin Island. “I mean seriously — we’re in the Navy for chrissakes. We’re not pulling ninja moves on al Qaeda in the ocean.”
Despite sailor gripes over the change, the NWU was added to the long list of required clothing items — now estimated between 48 and 64 different uniforms.
“If they add any more *beep* uniforms, I may have to sleep on the floor so there’s room in the coffin rack for the 3 seabags I need,” said HN Benjamin Rodriquez, a Corpsman who also has the honor of buying Navy and Marine Corps uniforms, bringing his total closer to 100.
Admiral Cecil D. Haney said that despite a few hiccups, sailors liked the uniform, saying that it was able to withstand more wear and tear as well as cover what some call BOSNIA, or Big Ol’ Standard Navy Issue Ass.
“This is the best working uniform we’ve ever had. There’s no question,” said Haney. “Sailors are able to work in a comfortable and durable uniform — and there’s also the benefit of camouflage protection from enemy observation.”
Haney continued to stress the importance of camoflauging Naval personnel at sea, even after a reporter asked “why that matters when they’re on a huge *beep* gray ship.”
“Listen, this isn’t just me talking here. We have real data from our boys deployed right now,” said Haney. “In fact, we had two sailors go overboard just the other day off the USS Bonhomme Richard, and no one could spot them in the water. This design is fantastic!”
When pressed for more information on the two sailors lost at sea, the Admiral shrugged off any criticism.
“I’m sure they’re fine. I mean come on, we’ve got swim qual[ification]!” remarked Haney. “And not only that, these bad boys [the NWU trousers] can be used as a flotation device.”
Tragically, TDB learned that during a rescue attempt, the two sailors were shot after being mistaken as an enemy boarding party by Captain Erik King of the USS Haditha.
Thank you for the response. By the way, the old trousers could also be used as a flotation device.
Frankly, this reminds me of a brouhaha in the Army over the use of berets. At the time, you had to be an Army Ranger to wear a tan beret. Then some brass decided to let ALL soldiers wear them. The Rangers were understandably pissed.
I'll bet the Seals are today.
I disagree with what you are saying, but I will fight to your death for your right to say it;-)
It seems to me that there is also some concern about the material being synthetic - not what you want to be wearing if you're in a battle and happen to be near something exploding or catching fire.
shareThey chose the pattern because it doesn't show paint marks and grease stains like the old one did.
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