US Navy introduces new flame resistant coveralls

U.S. Navy sailors will be receiving new flame resistant uniforms as the U.S. Fleet Forces commander announced on January 19 that an improved variant of the flame resistant coverall was approved for use.

The approval came after a review of the results from recently completed afloat wear tests conducted aboard three deploying ships and involving more than 700 sailors.

The IFRV coveralls are intended to replace the flame resistant variant (FRV) coveralls currently in use throughout the fleet.

“The IFRV was designed not only with the safety of our sailors in mind, but also comfort and durability,” said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, USFF. “We will always make safety a priority, but if we can also improve quality of life for our Sailors in doing so, then everyone wins.”

The original FRVs were introduced in response to widespread reports in which sailors afloat were at risk because most of their required uniforms were not flame resistant. Given the potential safety concerns, USFF endeavored to develop and distribute the FRV as quickly as possible.

In early 2015, recognizing the significant dissatisfaction with the original FRV, USFF partnered with Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) and the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) to develop an improved version which is more comfortable, durable, and as safe or safer than the original.

The result was an IFRV coverall made from a flame resistant, tri-fiber blend. The navy says it weighs less than the current FRV fabrics and provides improved moisture management by allowing the fiber to breathe more efficiently. This IFRV coverall also offers arc flash protection, a notable upgrade in safety from the current FRV.

“Shipboard wearability and functionality was of extreme importance with the development of the IFRV,” said Davidson. “We weren’t going to introduce something new without thorough testing afloat to ensure it meets the needs of our Sailors and was indeed an improvement over the original FRV.”

USFF conducted coverall wear tests aboard three ships, amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64), and fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) during their recent deployments.

Both a flight suit and traditional version were tested, with surveys taken both mid- and post-deployment. The results were overwhelmingly positive for the IFRV and favorable toward the traditional version of the coverall. In summary, 89 percent of respondents thought the IFRV looked better than the FRV; 86 percent thought it was more durable; 91 percent said it was more comfortable; and 85 percent thought it was cooler in hot climates.