Why the Navy wears ‘rainbow jerseys’ on flight decks and what each color means

It's not actually an homage to The Wiggles.

By Rebecca Rosen

Posted on Mar 11, 2022

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Malcolm Grandison, from Charlotte, North Carolina, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) air department, operates the jaws-of-life on Ford’s flight deck during a flight deck olympics, June 15, 2021. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST). The U.S. Navy conducts shock trials of new ship designs using live explosives to confirm that our warships can continue to meet demanding mission requirements under harsh conditions they might encounter in battle. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brett Walker)

If you’ve ever seen a video or photo of Navy sailors on a flight deck at sea, you’ve probably noticed their distinctive colored shirts. I mean, it’s kind of hard not to. They’re very bright.

What you probably don’t know, however, is why they wear them. We did the research for you, and have helpfully compiled it into this one video, so you never have to wonder again.

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