[fredhead]

When I started my Navy career, we were issued the “utility” uniforms. Dark blue pants with a lighter blue shirt. And since I was small (109 lbs) I received the polo-type pullover shirt. First thing everyone did after boot camp was chuck the utilities and buy dungarees.

I wore dungarees for 20 years. Only problems were the pants faded too fast and you couldn't keep a stencil on them.

I also came in during the Zumwalt dress uniforms. Coat and tie Service Dress Blue, Winter Blue (called Johnny Cash's), Summer White, Summer Blue. The jumper Service Dress Blues became available during that first summer, and I bought a set. Loved them.

One advantage of the jumper uniform was that as I aged and my waist got a little bigger than my hips I could wear suspenders underneath the jumper to keep the 13 button pants from slipping.

With the digitized uniform the Navy is also trying to do away with the command ballcap, another tradition. It is not authorized for wear off the ship with that uniform, as it was with all other working uniforms. The three carriers I served on gave every new crewmember a ballcap when they checked in.

[tacticalogic]

My son’s a bubblehead. He bought a set of dress blues but doesn’t have locker space on the boat for them, so they stay at his apartment. I think he’s worn them once.