New working uniform making waves
Thursday, January 14, 2010
USS Scranton in Norfolk was the first sub crew equipped with the NWU. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Todd A. Schaffer)
The blue camouflage pattern of the new Navy working uniform is becoming a more common sight around the Northwest as local commands begin to adopt it. The uniform, known as NWU, became available at Navy Exchanges here in November 2009.
A uniform specialist at Naval Station Everett's Navy Exchange told The Herald of Everett she expects a rush when USS Abraham Lincoln arrives this month after a nine-month overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton:
“We’ll have a huge rush when the Lincoln gets here,” she said. Fewer than a third of the several thousands who serve aboard the carrier have suited up in the new gear.
Sailors reactions to the uniform seem to be positive so far. A submariner stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor told the Kitsap Sun he loves it:
Schaffran no longer has to worry about cold wind blowing up his pant legs or his seat splitting, like with the thin utility uniforms, he said. Dirt, stains and wet paint are hidden in the blue camouflage, a main reason for it, and the uniform holds up well, he said.