US Navy sailors to don flame resistant uniforms

04 Jun '13

2 min read

The commanders of U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) and U.S. Pacific Fleet (CPF) have jointly released a message announcing the recommendations from a working group that has reviewed the requirements of flame-resistant uniforms for the US Navy fleet.

The USFF and CPF ordered the working group in January following an impromptu test by the US Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility. The test concluded that the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I lack flame-resistant properties.

Adm. Bill Gortney of USFF said in the statement, “We are making some revisions to our policy to introduce new uniform items that will add an additional level of protection for every Sailor of the fleet.”

“Safety is integral to every duty our men and women perform and this is something we can do to help protect them in rare cases where a fire may break out on a ship,” Mr. Gortney added.

According to the statement, the Navy will develop a new hybrid coverall combining the currently used designs of the existing nylon/cotton clothing with the flame-resistant material of the cotton repair-locker coverall, which would be available for all US Navy Sailors as organizational clothing.

In the long-term, the US Navy Exchange in partnership with the Defense Logistics Agency will develop a uniform that is flame resistant, provides arc flash protection and contains low lint levels necessary to satisfy submarine requirements.

The statement added that the new flame-resistant coveralls will be introduced to the Sailors in 3 years time.

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