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Archive for the ‘Navy’ Category
Propel LLC showing innovative Electronic Textiles at Navy FST, April 10-11, 2019, UMASS Lowell Tsongas Center
Wednesday, March 27th, 2019US Navy to Test Two-Piece, Flame-Resistant Organizational Clothing
Tuesday, March 5th, 2019NORFOLK (NNS) — U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command will begin a second round of testing later this year on a two-piece organizational clothing variant that offers flame resistance and moves the Navy one step closer to delivering Sailors a safe, comfortable, no-cost alternative to the Improved Flame Resistant Variant (IFRV) coveralls, with the same travel flexibility as the Type III working uniform.
USFF conducted the initial wear test on two-piece variants from May through September of last year and collected feedback from nearly 200 wear-test participants across surface, aviation and submarine communities about everything from colors and design, to comfort and options like buttons and hook-and-loop fasteners. The command also received feedback from more than 1,700 Sailors in an online survey about colors and design.
Fleet survey responses indicated that Sailors liked the functionality of the Type III but would like to see the design in traditional Navy uniform colors. More than 70 percent of E-6 and junior Sailors surveyed liked the navy blue blouse and trouser while a khaki version was the preference for chiefs and officers.
“Leaders are listening to the fleet when it comes to this design,” said USFF Fleet Master Chief Rick O’Rawe, a wear-test participant. “We have an obligation to keep our Sailors safe in inherently dangerous environments, but we also want to be mindful of their time. This is going to be something that’s safe, easy to maintain, and doesn’t require half-masting of coveralls when it’s hot or having to change clothes every time you leave the ship. Never again should we have to pass the words ‘all hands shift into the uniform for entering port or getting underway.’”
The updated design, which won’t require Sailors to sew on components, will be tested by 100 officers and enlisted Sailors to see how well it performs from wash-to-wear without ironing, and how it holds up to laundering. The two-piece variant will allow for de-blousing in extreme climates and challenging work environments. An undershirt will continue to be tested with a flame-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric in black.
“I have received so much feedback just from wearing the two-piece around the command every day,” said Yeoman 1st Class Kelly Pyron, a wear-test participant assigned to USFF. “The best part is that we’ll be able to transit from the ship and run errands in the two-piece; having one standard underway and in-port across the board will be much more convenient. I am excited to see the wear test moving into the next phase of evaluation.”
Once approved, the new prototype will serve as an alternative to the IFRV coverall for operational commands. The coverall may continue to be the prescribed clothing item for some Sailors in applicable work environments.
Pyron expressed, “If a clothing item, that I will not have to buy, can make my life easier while keeping me safe, I’m all for it.”
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy M. Atkins Ricks, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs and Outreach
SPAWAR Systems Center Names Change to Naval Information Warfare Centers
Thursday, February 14th, 2019SAN DIEGO (NNS) — Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) announced it will change the names of its Echelon III systems centers, SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic in Charleston, South Carolina, and SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific in San Diego, to Naval Information Warfare Centers Atlantic and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, respectively.
The changes will be effective Feb. 18. The new language “Naval Information Warfare Center,” with the acronym NIWC, (pronounced N’ wick) will apply to the names of all Naval Information Warfare Center sites falling under NIWC Pacific and NIWC Atlantic worldwide.
SPAWAR Commander Rear Adm. Christian Becker made the announcement, Feb. 13, in his address to attendees at the WEST 2019 conference co-hosted by the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) at the San Diego Convention Center.
The name change demonstrates that information is a fundamental element of warfare, an essential concept of the Navy’s Design for Maritime Superiority 2.0.
Use of “warfare centers” in the names reflects the centers’ focus, core capabilities and importance in the full spectrum of warfighting. It also improves clarity of mission and purpose with stakeholders across the fleet and industry, and throughout the broader information warfare community and Naval Research and Development Enterprise.
The name Naval Information Warfare Center also aligns the centers with Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) air warfare centers and Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) surface and undersea warfare centers.
The intent of the name change is to recognize the importance of the information warfare mission and does not signal a change in SPAWAR’s mission of identifying, developing, delivering and sustaining information warfighting capabilities.
“The advantage information warfare brings to the fight is at the core of our Navy’s ability to compete and win today and in the coming decades,” said Becker. “Recognizing our systems centers as Naval Information Warfare Centers reaffirms our commitment to accelerate the development and delivery of advanced warfighting capabilities to the fleet.”
SPAWAR identifies, develops, delivers and sustains information warfighting capabilities supporting naval, joint, coalition and other national missions. SPAWAR consists of more than 10,000 active-duty military and civil-service professionals located around the world and close to the fleet to keep SPAWAR at the forefront of research, engineering and acquisition to provide and sustain information warfare capabilities to the fleet.
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For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/spawar.
By Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Public Affairs
US Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Selects MOHOC Cameras
Tuesday, November 13th, 2018
SEATTLE, WA. MOHOC, Inc., creator of the world’s first military-optimized helmet cameras, has been chosen to supply the Personal Recording System for the US Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). After extensive competitive trial and evaluation through Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, NECC selected MOHOC® Cameras over other video solutions. The tactically-designed and ruggedized cameras will be used to record both training and key mission activities.
Following the award, MOHOC recently completed delivery of over 2,000 MOHOC® Cameras and accessories to the US Navy’s Coastal Riverine Group 1 (CRG1). CRG1 conduct maritime security operations, defending high value assets and critical maritime infrastructure on both inland and coastal waterways. They are one of numerous groups under NECC now eligible to procure MOHOC® Cameras.
Eric Dobbie, Vice President of US Sales at MOHOC, commented, “We’re excited to support CRG1 with MOHOC® Cameras. We believe more NECC units and other branches of service will recognize the advantages of our field-proven helmet cameras tailored to the requirements of operators.”
MOHOC® Cameras feature a patented form-factor that provides a low-profile, helmet-contoured, and snag-free fit. They are ruggedized to IP68 rating (10m waterproof, 2m drop-proof), and easy-to-use in extreme conditions with simple, tactile controls. The cameras capture 1080p HD video and 12MP photos in visible light and infrared illumination, run on multiple battery types, and livestream video over wifi. Already deployed with Special Forces and SWAT Teams around the world, the NECC selection continues the trend of MOHOC® Cameras being adopted by broader Armed Forces and First Responders.
DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation Wins Navy SBIR PHI Computer Learning Obfuscating Adversarial Kit (CLOAK) Contract
Thursday, October 18th, 2018ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation (DAC), a leader in cutting-edge Machine Learning development and application, has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop the Computer Learning Obfuscating Adversarial Kit (CLOAK) system. Under this effort, DAC will provide the Navy with a portable camouflaging kit by advancing state-of-the-art adversarial imagery though physical-world manipulation and data synthesis.
In Phase I of this effort, DAC will select and train two modern classifiers on military and commercial vehicles, develop an advanced data synthesis pipeline, and develop an algorithm for learning camouflage configuration. DAC’s algorithms will combine advanced 3D data synthesis with a constrained adversarial generation process for generating physical-world robust computer vision camouflage.
Navy Announces Updates to Uniform Policies
Monday, September 24th, 2018WASHINGTON (NNS) — Navy announced updates to uniform policy, grooming standards and the launch of a uniform working group in NAVADMIN 233/18, Sept. 21.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan U. Kledzik.
Highlights of the changes include:
• Completion of fittings and wear tests for new, improved female officer and chief petty officer slacks and skirts, scheduled to be available for purchase by the end of 2018
• Announcement of the improved general safety boot (I Boot 4) with enhanced comfort and durability features, expected to be available for purchase in October 2018
• Commanding officer’s (CO) approval for the wear of coyote brown ball cap with coveralls and flight suits
• CO authorization of command logos on t-shirts worn with Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I, II and III, coveralls and flight suits
• Fingernail grooming standards for men and women, including guidance on length, shape and color of nails
• Lock hairstyle standards for wear, size, length and guidance for wear in uniform
• Wear guidance and changes to the allowed material for rings and bracelets
• Announcement for Sailors assigned to Marine Corps units, who must now abide by Marine Corps grooming standards when wearing Marine Corps uniforms
• Authorization and wear guidance for the optional simultaneous wear of the Post-Tour Command at Sea and Command Ashore/Project Manager insignia
Navy has launched a uniform policy working group to provide a forum for direct Fleet feedback on uniform wear and regulations. Commands interested in having a crew member participate in a future working group can submit a command endorsed request with the name, rank, rate and availability of the Sailor to the “Ask The Chiefs” email list at umo_cmc@navy.mil.
Sailors can provide feedback and recommendations on Navy uniforms and the Navy Uniform App at any time via the “Ask The Chiefs” email, on the Navy Uniform Matters Office website at www.npc.navy.mil, or a link available on the Uniform App.
Read NAVADMIN 233/18 in its entirety for details and complete information on all of the announced uniform changes, updates and guidelines at www.npc.navy.mil.
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For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
Editor’s Note: The message is available here.
US Navy Testing 2-Piece FR Uniforms
Wednesday, June 6th, 2018Referred to as the Maritime Heritage Maritime Utility, the US Navy is currently testing 2-piece Flame Resistant garments for wear underway, in lieu of the current Coverall, which is also undergoing an FR makeover.
Testing began 14 May but the concept has been on the drawing board since last year. The Heritage variants replicate traditional sea service uniforms, with a Khaki shirt and pant for Officers and Chiefs and a Blue version for lower enlisted and noncommissioned Sailors.
Interestingly, the Blue version is similar in appearance to the old Dungarees, but one style harkens all the way back to the Dark Blue on Dark Blue of enlisted deck wear, worn up until WWII. Another option, replaces the Dark Blue shirt with a Light Blue, similar to the Chambray shirts worn until the advent of the current Navy Working Uniform.
Below, you can see all three options currently being evaluated.
Design Features in the Test
Blouse
• Untucked shirt that can be tucked in during general quarters (GQ)
• Covered button placket, six buttons — no top button
• Exposed six buttons — no top button
• External patch pockets with flap stitched on three sides
• Pen pocket with two channels on left sleeve
• Rolled 1/4″ hem, curved front and back that rises up at the side seam (men)
• Adjustable two button cuff
• Sleeves can be rolled to the forearm or to the bicep
• Back yoke with box pleat
• Side panel for female fit (women)
• Internal signle welt pocket with hidden zipper closure, pen pocket inside
• Drifire Fabric
Trousers
• Internal thigh pocket flap with velcro
• 1/4 top side pockets
• External patch pockets with flap stitched on three sides
• Wider waistband for rigger belt
• Wider belt loops for rigger belt
• Button closure at waist
• Waistband with concealed elastic for adjustability
• Reinforced cuff to prevent fraying
• Cell phone pocket, single welt with zipper closure (only on Test Code D)
• Internal single welt back pocket with zipper closure
• Drifire Fabric
Flame Resistant Undershirts
• Drifire Fabric
Molder Boots
Most Sailors currently serving won’t be familiar with these, low cut, slip-on boots.
Participating Commands
West Coast
•Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9 (CSG-9)
•Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC)
•Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet
• Commander, US 3rd Fleet
• USS Nimitz
• USS Montgomery
• USS Maine
• USS Jefferson City
• USS Bunker Hill
• SWRMC
• VFA 97
• VFA 151
East Coast
• US Fleet Forces Command
• MARMC
• SURFLANT
• AIRLANT
• NNSY
• USS McFaul
• USS Nitze
• HSC-2
• VFA 83
• VFA 105
• VR 56
Outside Continential US (OCONUS)
• FDRMC
• PCRON 1
• USS Devestator
• USS Monsoon
• USS Squall
• USS Tempest
• USS Thunderbolt
• DESRON 60
• USS ROSS
• USS Carney
Meanwhile, the Canadian Navy is considering this working uniform, displayed at the recent CANSEC by developer Logistik Unicorp. Initially it was baggier and based on a prototype ground Combat Uniform. After slimming the garment slightly, they are now working on zipper and button options.
This Canadian uniform is much closer to the Modern 2-Piece garment also being considered by the US Navy which adapts the cut of the Digital Woodland camouflage Navy Working Uniform Type III, to a similar Tan and Dark Blue color scheme of the Heritages Uniform being tested here. It also introduces FR fabrics to protect Sailors from shipboard hazards.
No matter which uniform the Navy eventually adopts, it will be Organizational Clothing, like the currently issued Coverall. Sailors will wear the Black Fleece Jacket or an upcoming FR Fleece Jacket with this uniform.
All photos from US Navy except Canadian Navy prototype uniform.
Ask SSD “What’s The Latest For USN FR Clothing For Shipboard Wear?”
Monday, July 17th, 2017While development and fielding of an FR Coverall (Improved Flame Resistant Variant) to replace the Blue Coverall has been ongoing for several years, the Navy has been working more recently on a two-piece design. Undergoing trials have been Heritage and Modern variants.
The Heritage variants replicate traditional sea service uniforms, with a Khaki shirt and pant for Officers and Chiefs and a Blue version for lower enlisted and noncommissioned Sailors. Interestingly, the Blue version is similar in appearance to the old Dungarees, but one style harkens all the way back to the Dark Blue on Dark Blue of enlisted deck wear, worn up until WWII. Another option, replaces the Dark Blue shirt with a Light Blue, similar to the Chambray shirts worn until the advent of the current Navy Working Uniform.
On the other hand, there is a Modern variant utilizing the cut of the NWU Type III, which was recently adopted for wear as the service’s utility uniform while ashore, and replaces the AOR 2 pattern with Khaki for officers and Chiefs and Dark Blue for lower enlisted and NCOs.
Additionally, NAVAIR continues to approve FR materials for Deck Jerseys and the service is working on FR base and insulation layers as well as hardshell garments for inclement weather.
