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Many Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) wore the new Navy Working Uniform Saturday as the ship departed from Naval Station Norfolk for its scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations.
At that moment IKE became the first aircraft carrier to deploy wearing the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) before the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region mandatory wear date in October of this year.
IKE’s Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Bryan Exum said it’s an awesome opportunity for the crew to be the first ones to wear the uniform while in the gulf.
“Having the opportunity to go over and answer the call of our nation, in the way we are doing it by wearing the NWU, is not only an honor as a service member but it also represents the theme of Dwight D. Eisenhower,” Exum said.
Sailors aboard IKE got the chance to purchase the NWU Feb. 17 when the Navy Exchange reserved the day specifically for IKE Sailors. Crew members received assistance with uniform fittings, ordering of name tapes and getting the accouterments sewed on.
Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (AW) Ryan Deck assigned to the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 was among many of the Sailors aboard IKE who took the initiative of buying the NWU early to avoid the last minute rush enabling them to wear the uniform during the deployment.
“The stores are going to be crowded and the tailors are going to be backed up towards the initial deadline date to be in the new uniform officially,” Deck said.
“NWUs are a lot more professional looking than utilities and not to mention more comfortable to wear throughout the day.”
In comparison to the utilities, Sailors across the board on IKE like Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW) Jeremy Yelken of Weapons Department, G-3 Division are thrilled to be wearing the NWU during the deployment.
“I wanted to be one of the first people around here wearing them,” Yelken said. “I didn’t want to have to buy new utilities because they fade really fast and it’s hard to get stains off the uniform.”
Yelken is even encouraging his friends back in Norfolk to hurry up and jump on board with the new uniform.
“I’m calling back my buddies on the beach who aren’t wearing them and saying ‘hey’ you need to get these quick.”
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman (AW) Anne Shell of Air Department V-1 Division said she won’t miss the utility uniform because it was so tight fitting.
“I can wear this uniform all day and every day with ease,” Shell said. “With the utilities I used to rush home to just take them off because they were so uncomfortable.”
Exum explained guidance will be given in the near future.
“We will be rolling out our plan on how to properly take off the jacket in spaces and the rolling of the sleeves,” Exum said. “We’ll be getting that information out soon to the crew.”