The Navy began wearing Cracker Jacks in the early 1900s, as a part of their signature military look and a way to easily identify sailors while afloat. The blue and white uniform was adopted after the 1902 Navy uniform regulations stated that all sailors should wear a white shirt and dark blue trousers, plus a sailor cap, also known as a “cracker jack.
” The phrase “cracker jack” was originally used to describe something that was cheap, delicious, or excellent quality. The Navy adopted the blue and white uniform with the idea that the uniform should represent the same qualities that the phrase “cracker jack” stood for.
This iconic uniform has become a basis of the Navy’s identity, and a symbol of the Navy’s traditions and dedication to excellence.
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What is a crackerjack in the Navy?
Crackerjack is a term used in the U. S. Navy to refer to a sailor who is considered to be highly proficient in their job and typically has many years of experience in the Navy or other military service.
Such sailors are often responsible for training and guiding new enlistees. A crackerjack is often awarded various accolades, such as medals or promotions, to recognize their exemplary service.
A Crackerjack is also used to refer to the US Navy Dress Blue Uniform, which consists of a navy blue jumper worn with a white collar and a pair of navy blue trousers with a black stripe down the side.
The name of the uniform came from the phrase “crackerjack sailor,” which was used to describe the highest level of excellence among sailors. The uniform is typically worn on special occasions and is usually reserved for officers and higher-ranking enlisted members in the Navy.
What is Navy Cracker Jack uniform?
Navy Cracker Jack uniforms are a part of the Sailor’s uniform, which is a service dress uniform worn in the United States Navy from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. It consists of a short-sleeved white cotton undershirt, bell-bottom denim trousers, a belt, and a cotton sailor’s cap with a black brim.
The jacket and trousers have a blue-black or scarlet stripe or band running along the outside of the trousers and jacket. It is also known as a “crackerjack” because of its resemblance to the Cracker Jack snack.
Navy Cracker Jack is considered a very formal uniform and is often worn on important occasions and ceremonies. The uniform typically consists of black boots, a white shirt, an enlisted cap, and the enlisted dress blue jumper with the blue/black stripe.
It is a full-length jumpsuit that is made of a wool blend fabric. The belt is a navy-style web belt with a metal buckle. The uniform is designed to look neat and professional and is suitable for most any occasions.
The wearers must take care in wearing the uniform and make sure they appear neat and well-groomed when wearing it.
What is the flap on the Navy uniform for?
The flap on the Navy uniform is a cockade, also known as a Naval badge, which serves as a distinguishing symbol of Navy service. The circular emblem, featuring an anchor and chevrons, dates back to the Revolutionary War and is used to denote membership and loyalty to the United States Navy.
The placement and design of the cockades varies depending on the type of uniform. On traditional dress uniforms, the cockade is worn on the left front breast pocket and is typically accompanied by a ribbon.
On military working uniforms, the cockade is positioned at the center of the person’s cover. The cockade also acts as a functional element, as it should be secured to the Navy cap and works as a lanyard for pins and other service decorations.
Why do Navy pants have 13 buttons?
Navy pants with 13 buttons are standard issue in the United States Navy and other maritime armed forces around the world. The reason for this is that it was historically believed that having an uneven number of buttons allowed sailors to button the sides of their trousers so it was more difficult for their clothing to be grabbed and pulled during sea battles.
This thought harkens back to more barbaric forms of combat in which both clothing and people were more easily grabbed and pulled. It is also said that the 13 buttons come from the 13 original American colonies, which served as the basis of the United States Navy.
This explanation seems more poetic than rational, however. Another reason for the 13 buttons is purely aesthetic in nature; 13 buttons simply look good, and the tradition persists today.
Do female sailors wear cracker jacks?
No, female sailors do not typically wear cracker jacks. Cracker jacks are a type of naval clothing traditionally worn by male sailors as part of their uniform. The traditional sailor uniform includes a bell-bottom sailor pant, a medium blue jacket with gold buttons and a white sailor’s hat with a traditional sailor’s black trim.
The jacket is usually topped off with a colorful “cracker jack”, which is a sailor’s hat adorned with colorful ribbons, medallions and anchors. This is considered a classic and iconic sailor look and is exclusively worn by men.
Though there is no prohibition against women wearing cracker jacks, for uniformity’s sake, cracker jacks are typically not worn by female sailors.
What do the 3 stripes on a sailors collar mean?
The three stripes on a sailor’s collar signify their rank. The vertical stripes indicate that the sailor is an enlisted person, while the horizontal stripes indicate an officer. The number of stripes depend on the rank of the sailor; for example, seaman recruits have one stripe, seaman apprentices have two stripes, and petty officers have three stripes.
The traditional horizontal stripe goes from left to right and may be accompanied by a rocker, which is two stripes that look like a wave to signify the seafaring lifestyle.
Why do Sailors wear bell bottoms?
Sailors wear bell bottoms, also known as flared pants or flares, for a number of reasons. Firstly, they provide the most amount of comfort in a garment that must fit all types of weather and temperatures.
The bell bottom shape gives ample room for movement which is essential when working and maneuvering around the boats. Additionally, they provide protection from getting wet while on the deck of a ship.
The circumference of the leg at the bottom helps trap air and act almost like a wetsuit, keeping your lower body dry.
These trousers also come with a practical purpose. The sailor can roll up the cuffs of the pants to the knee, providing access to his working boots. This was especially important on wooden boats, so the sailors could move more freely and quickly.
The bell bottoms also protect sailors from the harsh elements of the sea such as splinters, gnats, and parasites, among other hazards.
In conclusion, bell bottoms are a practical, long-standing part of sailor fashion for many different reasons. They offer comfort, protection from the elements, and a practical way to handle on-board tasks.
They have become such an iconic part of nautical culture that it’s hard to imagine a sailor without them.
Why are dress blues called cracker jacks?
Dress blues are called “cracker jacks” because of the distinctive blue color of their military uniform jackets. The term was first used by British soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars to describe the blue coats worn by members of the British Royal Navy; the color was highly visible and reminiscent of a type of biscuit or cracker known as a “cracker jack.
” It was then adopted by American soldiers in the mid-19th century to identify the blue woolen military jackets that remained part of their standard dress uniform until the end of World War I. The name then was carried into other branches of the military, as the U.
S. Army adopted the dress blues in 1850. The term has remained used ever since, and today it is a part of the standard English vocabulary used to refer to the U. S. military’s dress blues uniform.
Are cracker jacks now Cracker Jills?
No, Cracker Jacks are not now called Cracker Jills. Cracker Jacks have been a snack food in the United States since 1896 and feature a combination of popcorn, peanuts and molasses. The Cracker Jack brand, owned by Frito-Lay since 1997, has been a popular guilty pleasure snack for generations.
The Cracker Jack Company has continued to market the snacks under its original name to this day.
Are sailor uniforms still used?
Yes, sailor uniforms are still regularly used today. Naval and merchant marine sailors typically wear a dress uniform when on duty. Some of these include the U. S. Navy’s “Crackerjack” uniform, the British Royal Navy’s “Sailor Suit,” and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s “Shiro-maki” uniform.
Additionally, some naval schools and academies may have special sailor uniforms for their students, such as the U. S. Naval Academy’s Summer White uniform and the Royal Naval Academy’s Britannia Royal Academy uniform.
Outside of the military, some restaurants, schools, and other establishments may have sailor-inspired uniforms for their staff, such as waiters, teachers, and train conductors.
Does the Navy still wear blueberries?
Yes, the Navy still wears blueberries. Blueberries are the official designation for the boatcloths that sailors wear. The old-style blueberry uniform, which has a thick navy wool material, was replaced in 1996 by the Navy Working Uniform, which is a more modern version.
The new uniform features a medium blue-gray color, which was dubbed “blueberry” by sailors because it looked similar to the old uniform. It is the same color wool and material as the old uniform, but it is lighter weight and has a more comfortable fit.
The material can be further treated with a water and soil repellent, making it even more comfortable and resilient. It is still referred to as the “blueberry,” as a tribute to the classic style of the past, and is adorning the sailors of the United States Navy today.
What are the current Navy uniforms?
The current Navy uniforms are the Alpha and Dress Uniforms, which were instituted in 2020. The Alpha Uniform consists of a blue jersey and uniform trousers, along with a white belt. It can be worn year round.
The Dress Uniform consists of a coat and trousers, with a white belt, white shirt, and optional neckerchief. It is only prescribed for ceremonial and official occasions. Both the Alpha and Dress Uniforms have approved devices and accouterments, such as badges and patches, which accurately reflect the wearer’s rank and specialty insignia or ribbons earned, as well as Navy working uniforms, which include the Navy Working Uniform Type I and II, Aviation Working Uniform, and the Navy Physical Training Uniform.
There are also optional items such as the Navy CPO Uniform and the Navy Chaplain Uniform.
Why do they wear bell bottoms in the Navy?
Bell-bottomed trousers are a staple of the Navy uniform, and have been worn by sailors since the early 1800s. The design updated the traditional uniform trousers, which were made of loose-fitting material and had wide, flared legs.
Bell bottoms have a few practical benefits. Firstly, they can be quickly rolled up, allowing sailors to tuck them into their boots so they don’t get wet when working on the deck of a ship. This helps to keep feet dry and warm, and prevents injury from slipping or tripping on a wet, slippery deck.
Secondly, the leg openings are very wide, allowing for quick and easy access to any clothing that may be tucked inside. Additionally, since the trousers are made of tough, durable material and the legs can be rolled up easily, they last longer, and need to be replaced less often.
Lastly, many people agree that the design is aesthetically pleasing, helping the sailors look polished and professional in their uniforms. Thus, there is a practical, functional, and aesthetic reason why the bell-bottom is such a popular choice in the Navy.
When did Navy stop wearing bell-bottoms?
The United States Navy stopped wearing bell-bottoms as the standard uniform in the early 2000s, with the official change taking place in July 2002. Prior to that, bell-bottoms were the official uniform of enlisted sailors up until 1981.
However, as fashion trends changed, so too did the utilitarian styling of Navy uniforms. The Navy phased out the bell-bottoms in favor of a more streamlined and less baggy version of trousers called the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) in order to improve performance and safety for the sailors.
Although the traditional Navy Working Uniform is still worn aboard some ships, it has seen a dramatic change in recent years, as the Navy has opted to incorporate several fabric options – from lightweight ripstop to flame-resistant aluminized twill – into a more modern-looking pant, which has replaced the old-fashioned bell-bottoms.
