Flame-Resistant Coveralls Coming to the Fleet Soon

“We made the decision to supply flame-resistant coveralls to all Sailors assigned to ships as an added safety precaution. The information provided in the manner wear message will ensure everyone understands what is expected in the wearing of this new organizational clothing.”

 Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces

Sailors in the fleet will start to receive New Flame Resistant Variant coveralls before the end of the year. The new coveralls will initially be provided to the crews of ships scheduled to deploy in early 2014.

Flame resistant organizational clothing had previously been limited to Sailors working in engineering departments, on flight decks and in other high-risk areas.

Once outfitted, Sailors will wear the New Flame Resistant Variant coveralls while underway. The Navy Working Uniform type I and other polyester and poly blend uniforms are no longer authorized for wear underway except for special events such as manning the rails, change of command or receptions held at anchor.

A static display of the new flame-resistant variant (FRV) coveralls is on exhibition in U.S. Fleet Forces Command headquarters building at Naval Support Activity Norfolk. The FRV coveralls are scheduled for distribution to the fleet towards the new year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rafael Martie/Released)

In a message, Adm. Gortney and Adm. Harry B. Harris, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, emphasized the Navy’s commitment to safety.

We operate in an environment that contains inherent risks. Given what has been learned through the organizational clothing working group analysis and [Navy Working Uniform] type I burn test, we are striving to make shipboard environments safer. We have made initial progress toward that goal and believe that providing the [Flame Resistant Variant] coverall to all afloat Sailors will help reduce the risk of injury aboard ship. When worn properly, the [Flame Resistant Variant] offers significant protection from flame and flash fire. We are committed to always improving safety.

Initial fleet outfitting should be complete by October 2014.

Learn more about the new New Flame Resistant Variant coveralls from All Hands Magazine, or read previous blogs about this issue from Navy Live.