The History of the U.S. Navy “Blueberry” Uniform (NWU Type I) by Jeremiah Senne

The Navy Working Uniform (NWU), commonly known as the “Blueberry” uniform, was introduced in 2007 as part of the Navy’s effort to modernize its appearance and adopt a standardized camouflage design. Before the NWU, sailors wore a mix of uniforms, including woodland and desert camouflage patterns labeled as Types A, B, and C. These older uniforms were considered outdated and unsuitable for the Navy’s operational environments. The new NWU aimed to create a single, distinctive look for sailors, similar to how the Marine Corps had successfully introduced its MARPAT (Marine Pattern) camouflage earlier in the 2000s.

Inspired by the Marines’ success, the Navy designed its own pattern composed of blue, gray, and black digital blocks, earning it the nickname “Blueberry.” The goal was for the uniform to represent the Navy’s maritime identity while still being practical for work aboard ships. The camouflage was meant to hide stains and wear from shipboard work rather than to blend into natural environments like land camouflage. The material and design were also influenced by the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) style common at the time.

However, problems soon appeared. By around 2009, sailors began reporting that the fabric stained easily and was difficult to clean. More seriously, it was discovered that the nylon-cotton material was not flame resistant. This created safety risks for sailors who worked around fires, fuel, or electrical equipment. In addition, the dark blue camouflage created an unexpected hazard: if a sailor fell overboard, the uniform’s color made it extremely difficult to spot the person in the water, defeating the purpose of visibility during rescue efforts.

Because of these problems, the “Blueberry” NWU never achieved its intended success. In 2017, the Navy officially decided to retire the uniform. Recruits were no longer issued the NWU Type I, and it was replaced by the green-and-brown NWU Type III pattern, which is both safer and more practical for shipboard and shore duty. The NWU Type III has since proven to be more durable, more visible, and far better suited to the Navy’s needs.

The author acknowledges editing assistance from ChatGPT for clarity and structure.