Photo by Asael Peña on Unsplash
Beginning summer 2020 United States Navy Surface Warfare Officers (SWO) will be issued their very own service-approved leather jackets. The newly approved uniform items will symbolize tactical warfare expertise in their field.
According to an official communication transmitted to the Naval Personnel Command (NAVADMIN) and released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr, officers who have obtained their surface warfare qualifications will be eligible to receive the new uniform items and will be permitted to take the jacket with them if they decide to transfer in the future.
Vice Admiral Richard Brown stated that “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.”
Military personnel qualified to wear the SWO leather jacket may keep their jacket when separating or retiring from the Naval Service under honorable conditions. Issuance of replacement jackets will not be authorized after a service member’s time of retirement or parting from service.
Similar to the iconic aviator bomber jacket, the SWO jacket is expected to feature a center zipper, waistbands, and with knitted cuffs.
The fully-lined black leather jacket is expected to be available this summer under a plan of issuance that will continue through next year.