The new unisex attire, similar to the bomber jackets worn by aviators, was first announced in January with the intention that they would become a source of pride and a symbol of tactical expertise for sailors who have earned their SWO pin.
“The Surface Warfare community has a long-standing history of excellence, and a uniquely identifiable item is one way to signify the outstanding achievement and professionalism of our Surface Warfare Officers,” said Vice Adm. Richard Brown, commander of Naval Surface Forces, in a Jan. 9 press release. “Those who wear the jacket will be easily identified as a part of a long lineage of professional ship drivers and maritime warfighters.”
To order their jackets, active and reserve SWOs must fill out an order form on command letterhead and submit it via email.
The Surface Warfare web page also includes detailed instructions on how to order a jacket that fits correctly, and what to do if there is a fitting problem once the jacket is received.
The jacket was originally expected to be available in June, but production and delivery were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Navy now expects to receive at least 600 jackets each month and, if all required sizes are in stock, to begin distribution with admirals, working their way down the officer ranks.