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NAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON, Wash., (June 13, 2018) Thirty-eight Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), were selected to take part in a wear test for a new two-piece flame resistant variant (FRV) prototype. The wear test began June 1 and will run until September.
Capt. Mark Runstrom, director of Fleet Supply Operations and Services at U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command, said the development of the new two-piece design was the result of focus groups and surveys in Norfolk and San Diego during the wear test process for the IFRV coverall in 2016. Sailors positively endorsed a two-piece design and liked the idea of having a uniform that could be worn both on and off the ship and to and from work.
“I had difficulty fitting into the FRV’s during deployment,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Steven Freeman, from Los Angeles. “The top would fit, but the bottom wouldn’t. I like the two-piece a lot more, because I am able to get the appropriate size blouse and pants. The new FRVs fit better, and they are more functional for everyday use.”
The two-piece FRV features a khaki blouse and khaki trousers for E-7 and above. There are two variations for E-6 and below. One has a dark blue blouse and dark blue trousers. The other has a light blue blouse and dark blue trousers.
“The uniform is pretty comfortable, and it breathes well,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Tyler Heffley, from Reno, Nevada. “It is nice to be able to use the bathroom without having to remove my blouse, which is a problem with the current FRVs. The low-cut molder boots are great. I don’t have to tie anything, and they are comfortable.”
Freeman said not all feedback has been positive since he started wearing the two-piece uniform.
“Some Sailors have negative feelings about the new FRV,” said Freeman. “I feel it is because people don’t like change. Sailors have memories of their uniforms and feelings attached to them. It is hard to see something new that changes what you are used to.”
Some Sailors have practical concerns about the uniform.
“This uniform is good for me as a supervisor, but I think it will be hard for my seaman to work in,” said Heffley. “I think the blouse will catch on things as Sailors are moving around and working with tools. I feel the two piece FRV’s will expose my Sailors to more paint.”
Upon completion of the wear test, Sailors selected to participate will fill out surveys, providing insight on how the uniform fit, how durable it was and their general opinion of the uniform.
Additionally, USFF would like to gather actionable feedback from Sailors around the fleet in order to make improvements. Sailors who would like to contribute should visit http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Pages/2-pc-fr/main.aspx.
Nimitz is currently conducting a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship is receiving scheduled maintenance and upgrades.
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.22.2018 13:15 |
| Story ID: | 281935 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Nimitz Sailors Try New FRV, by ENS Greg Hall, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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