Defense Media Network

September 30th is Last Day for Blue Navy Working Uniform, Rank-Insignia Cover

The last day of approved wear of the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I is Sept. 30, as this uniform has been replaced by the NWU Type III, as announced in NAVADMIN 174/16.

Additionally, the NWU Type III eight-point cover with the Anchor, Constitution, and Eagle (ACE) logo replaces the eight-point cover with rank insignia. Sailors will be required to have the NWU Type III uniform and ACE cover on Oct. 1.

Initially announced August 2016, Sailors were given 24 months, beginning Oct. 1, 2017, to purchase required NWU Type III components. During that 24-month period, active duty Sailors received an increase in their annual clothing replacement allowances to purchase the new NWU Type III uniform.  The change serves as part of a multi-phased process to streamline and consolidate the Navy’s uniform requirements, and ultimately improve uniformity across the force.

Command Master Chief De'Andre Beaufort performs a uniform inspection on the engineering department's repair division Sailors as part of Division in the Spotlight aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Gerald R. Ford is currently undergoing its post-shakedown availability at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Zack Guth/Released)

Command Master Chief De’Andre Beaufort performs a uniform inspection on the engineering department’s repair division Sailors as part of Division in the Spotlight aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Gerald R. Ford is currently undergoing its post-shakedown availability at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Zack Guth/Released)

Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) officials encourage Sailors who still need the NWU Type III uniform to visit any worldwide NEX or call customer service at 877–810–9030 before the Oct. 1 deadline. In some cases, special orders may be needed for certain sizes, and NEX tailors require a two-week turnaround time to create and sew on name tapes.

“NEXCOM is postured to support our Sailors with a full stock of the NWU Type III in our stores and distribution centers, said Capt. John Cassani, deputy commander of Navy Uniforms for NEXCOM. “Our uniform personnel and call center are prepared to answer Sailors’ questions regarding sizing and manner of wear.”