An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

SWO LEATHER JACKET PROGRAM

 
 “The Surface Warfare community has a long-standing history of excellence, and a uniquely identifiable item is one way to signify the outstanding achievement and professionalism of our Surface Warfare Officers… Those who wear the jacket will be easily identified as a part of a long lineage of professional ship drivers and maritime warfighters.”
- Vice Adm. Richard Brown

 
ORDER YOUR JACKET

Surface Warfare Officers, to order your jacket, please route a <Request for SWO Leather Jacket> letter to your chain of command. Submit the letter on command letterhead, signed by your CO, via email to swojacket@navy.mil.  
 

UPON RECEIPT

Try your jacket on for size and fit right away. DO NOT REMOVE THE TAG until you are satisfied that your jacket fits. If it does not fit, do not accept the jacket. Email swojacket@navy.mil for return and reissue instructions.

If you are satisfied with the fit, sign and date the enclosed receipt (<see example>). Scan or take a photo of the receipt, save it as “RANK_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_MI” and email it to flcj-pnsc-swo@navy.mil with the subject line “SWO JACKET RECEIPT.”
 

SIZING CHART

Measure
Fit
 
 

SWO LEATHER JACKET CARE

DO NOT:
❌ Wash your SWO Leather Jacket in a washing machine or immerse it in water. This will strip the natural oils from the leather, causing it to dry out and crack. Once machine washed, the jacket will be permanently damaged.
❌ Put your SWO Leather Jacket in the dryer or use an iron. High heat will permanently damage the leather, potentially shrinking or cracking it.
❌ Use shoe polish on your SWO Leather Jacket. It can clog the leather’s pores, leading to discoloration and dryness.
❌ Store your leather jacket inside plastic. This traps moisture and can lead to mold or mildew growth.
 
DO:
✔️ Store your jacket on a sturdy hanger in a dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight.
✔️ Condition your jacket based on how often you wear it. Jackets that are stored properly and used infrequently should be conditioned annually. Jackets exposed to the elements (rain, sunlight) or worn regularly should be conditioned at least every three months. Clean and condition with commercial products designed for leather care and use a soft cloth.
✔️ Wear your jacket regularly to help soften the leather and mold it to your body’s shape.
✔️ Consult a leather specialist, not a tailor or a drycleaner, for advanced cleaning or repair needs. Leather jackets that see a lot of use may occasionally need repairs to keep them looking their best.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 
Q: Am I authorized to wear the SWO Leather Jacket?
A: Active, Reserve, and Full-Time Support SWOs with designators 1110, 1115, and 1117 are authorized to wear the SWO Leather Jacket. Officers with designator 1115 must be on active orders or in a drilling status to be issued a jacket.
 
Q: Am I still authorized to wear the SWO Leather Jacket if I lateral transfer?
A: Officers who are issued a SWO Leather Jacket while serving in designators 1110, 1115, and 1117 and lateral transfer are authorized to continue wearing their jacket.
 
Q: Do I have to turn in my jacket when I separate or retire from the Navy?
A: Personnel separating or retiring from the Naval Service under honorable conditions are authorized to continue wearing the SWO Leather Jacket. However, they will not be eligible for replacement or subsequent issues after separation or retirement.
 
Q: Are there additional jacket lengths other than Regular and Long?
A: No, the jacket is available only in Regular (R) or Long (L) sizes, with chest sizes ranging from 32 to 60 inches.
 
Q: Can I submit multiple requests on one command letterhead?
A: Yes, you may list multiple orders on the same requisition letter signed by your CO (Example Letter).
 
Q: I will be transferring soon. What should I do to ensure I receive my jacket?
A: Complete the requisition letter with your current and future address, including an estimated transfer date. If any information changes, contact us as soon as possible at swojacket@navy.mil.
 
Q: How do I know if my jacket has been shipped to me?
A: Once your jacket has shipped, an email will be sent to both you and your command with your tracking information.
 
Q: I received my jacket but lost my receipt, what should I do?
A: If you lost your receipt, email swojacket@navy.mil to request a copy.
 
Q: Am I authorized to wear any patches with the jacket?
A:
ONLY the name patch is authorized to be worn on the jacket.
 
Q: I am not eligible for a subsequent issue; what should I do if I want a new jacket?
A: If you are not eligible for another jacket through the Navy, there are several private commercial vendors that offer SWO Jackets online. However, please note that we cannot endorse or recommend specific vendors.
 

IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS, EMAIL SWOJACKET@NAVY.MIL

 

RESOURCES & MEDIA

OPNAV INST ALNAVSURFOR
NAVADMIN 004/20 NAVADMIN 186/20
 
Navy Times Article: Surface warfare officers: Order your leather jackets now!
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/08/13/surface-warfare-officers-order-your-leather-jackets-now/
 
Military.com Article: Navy Authorizes New Black Leather Jacket for Surface Warfare Officers
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/09/navy-authorizes-new-black-leather-jacket-surface-warfare-officers.html
 
Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 2841 Rendova Rd. San Diego, CA 92155-5490
 
This is an official U.S. Navy website
Email: Public Affairs Officer | Webmaster
Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 2841 Rendova Rd. San Diego, CA 92155-5490

This is an official
U.S. Navy website

U.S. Pacific Fleet
2841 Rendova Rd
San Diego, CA
92155-5490

Email:
Public Affairs Officer
Webmaster

 
Guidance-Card-Icon Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon