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Sailors Overseas Urged to Stock up Now on PT Gear

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090406-08
Release Date: 4/6/2009 5:08:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Marc Rockwell-Pate, Commander Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- With commands throughout the Navy gearing up for the semiannual fiscal year 2009 spring physical readiness test (PRT), many Sailors are practicing their push-ups, sit-ups and run but may be forgetting to meet a new requirement - purchasing the Navy's physical fitness uniform.

The Navy began the rollout the new uniform in the summer of 2008 and later directed that it be worn during all command physical training (PT) sessions. Because of this new requirement and the difficulties of resupplying to overseas locations, some personnel around the region are finding some uniform racks low on supplies.

"When the rollout first started, we got a large shipment of the uniforms to stock our shelves," said Mario Gazzillo, the Navy Exchange uniform supervisor at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy.

"Now, we are getting fewer supplies, and people are buying the uniforms for the PRT. This is causing us to have a temporary shortage of items in certain sizes."

Once a majority of personnel around the region buy the required two sets of uniforms, Gazillo said uniform shops throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia should have a consistent stock of all items.

"I think that people should buy them when they get the chance to because most of the common sizes are always sold out," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Barone Parker, a chef at Commander, Joint Forces Command (JFC) in Naples, Italy. "I think it's because people really like the uniform. I own five different sets."

The Navy's first approved PT uniform consists of a gold short-sleeved shirt and Navy blue shorts. The shirt is moisture-wicking and odor resistant polyester with "Navy" in reflective lettering on the back and front. The nylon moisture-wicking and odor resistant Navy blue shorts come in six- and eight-inch lengths, providing standard appearance among Sailors' differing heights. The shorts also have reflective piping and reflective Navy lettering. They also have side pockets with a hidden ID card pocket inside the waistband.

Master-at-Arms (SW/AW) David Coon feels the new fitness uniform shows the Navy's dedication to each Sailor's well-being.

"Now that Sailors wear the PT gear for unit exercise, it not only creates a uniform appearance, but it also drives home the fact that physical exercise is the professional responsibility of each and every Sailor," said Coon, the Commander Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia command fitness leader.

"These uniforms show the Navy's commitment to a lifestyle of fitness."

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnre/.