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New service uniform rollout dates announced

The rollout of the new E-6 and below Navy service uniform in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii will begin on Nov. 15, 45 days later than planned, according to a Navy announcement. At the same time, uniform delivery is expected to accelerate in two other regions.

Sales of the new khaki shirt and black pants in the Northwest and Hawaii had been planned for Oct. 1, but were pushed back due to “production shortfalls,” according to the message.

On the other hand, sailors in Millington, Tenn., and along the Gulf Coast will be able to buy their uniforms Dec. 1, one month earlier than planned.

The temporary slowdown did not affect the rollout for new sailors at Great Lakes, Ill., who began receiving their uniforms in October.

The message added that manufacturing is now in high gear, making an accelerated rollout for other regions possible next year.

The uniform will be mandatory for all sailors E-6 and below by July 31, 2010.

Here’s the updated schedule:

• Nov. 15: Pacific Northwest and Hawaii.

• Dec. 1: Gulf Coast and Millington.

• April 2009: Naval District Washington.

• July 2009: Hampton Roads, Va.

• October 2009: Southeast.

• January 2010: Northeast.

• April 2010: Europe, Japan and Guam.

Tell us

Do you plan to buy the service uniform as soon as it’s available in your exchange? Why or why not? E-mail staff writer Mark D. Faram.