I must admit that I was a little taken aback when I started this mission, since the Navy had us wear Army uniforms. I mean, every other service has its own distinctive combat uniforms. The Navy is still wearing old style desert cammoflage utilities in certain spots of the world.
Well thankfully I feel vindicated to some degree now that the Navy has authorized those of us wearing Army Combat Uniforms (ACU's) to wear the Navy Jack on our left arm.
The Navy Jack is the earliest flag of the United States Navy. A red and white striped flag with a rattlesnake and the motto "Don't Tread on Me!". Usually this particular jack was only to be flown from the bow of the oldest Navy vessel on active service when secured at anchor or pierside, but since 31 May 2002 the Secretary of the Navy directed all US Navy Ships to fly this flag for the duration of the War on Terrorism. Thus it is an altogether fitting patch for a sailor to wear while deployed with the Army in support of the War on Terrorism
Well thankfully I feel vindicated to some degree now that the Navy has authorized those of us wearing Army Combat Uniforms (ACU's) to wear the Navy Jack on our left arm.
The Navy Jack is the earliest flag of the United States Navy. A red and white striped flag with a rattlesnake and the motto "Don't Tread on Me!". Usually this particular jack was only to be flown from the bow of the oldest Navy vessel on active service when secured at anchor or pierside, but since 31 May 2002 the Secretary of the Navy directed all US Navy Ships to fly this flag for the duration of the War on Terrorism. Thus it is an altogether fitting patch for a sailor to wear while deployed with the Army in support of the War on Terrorism
Amen! Great patch and a great flag. I wasn't aware of its history.
ReplyDeletePaul Hirsch
Do you have the reference that authorizes wearing the patch? Trying to keep a step ahead of the uniform police.
ReplyDeleteHighland Sailor,
ReplyDeleteI can't paste the email since that is on a govt computer, and this MWR computer center is the only way that I can get to my blog. But to Clarify it pertains only to Afghanistan and was decided by the US Forces Commander/ISAF. The info was passed via email by the NAVCENT Afghanistan Force Masterchief. Hope this helps.
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2010/NAV10116.txt
ReplyDelete