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NAS Jax Navy Exchange Rolls Out New Navy Working Uniform

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090423-23
Release Date: 4/23/2009 4:56:00 PM

By Kaylee LaRocque, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville Navy Exchange (NEX) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 14 to officially roll out the new Navy Working Uniform (NWU) and to open a new store to accommodate Sailors in acquiring needed items. The new store is located next to the convenience store in the NEX warehouse.

During the event, NEX employees gathered as NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. praised their hard work and dedication to the Sailors here.

"I just want to take a moment and thank you all for the fantastic work you've done in putting this all together. I really appreciate all the great effort that went into this, and I have no doubt that when people start shopping here, it's going to be a tremendous success," he said.

According to NEX General Manager Steve Foster, the idea was to create a special area where Sailors could go as a unit to get fitted for the NWU, find the items they need, put in their embroidery orders and make the purchase in just one stop.

"I put this out to my staff and asked how we could best accomplish this. My store manager, John Wood, took it for action and with a team from Building 523 and Southeast District Facilities, set out to create a space in our warehouse," said Foster.

This meant creating a space, building shelving units and dressing rooms, rewiring the electrical system and organizing the merchandise.

"It took us about seven weeks to transform this space. Our team of associates also spent hours going to the different commands here to pre-fit about 3,500 Sailors and measure them for their new uniforms," Foster continued.

"We will be located here for about 90 days and then plan to move all the items into the uniform shop in the NEX. Our goal is to get at least 50 to 60 percent of our Sailors outfitted here so the uniform shop is not so congested and it's easier for our customers to get their items," added Foster.

For those already measured, all they have to do is walk in, pick out their items and check out. There is also a team of associates standing by to assist with measurements if needed and help Sailors find their items.

"It's really organized and efficient. I've bought everything I need in one stop. They are fully stocked with everything I need and the service was excellent," said Senior Chief Aviation Warfare Systems Operator(AW) Jim Zobrosky.

The rollout is part of a Navywide campaign to transition Sailors to the new uniform which will eventually replace utilities, wash khakis, coveralls, woodland green and aviation green uniforms. The NWU will become the primary working uniform used in all Navy communities and duties. All existing working uniforms will continue to be authorized for wear until December 2010. Fiscal year 2009 clothing replacement allowances have been adjusted to facilitate purchasing four sets of NWU shirts and trousers by December 2010.