DECEMBER 2, 2021 – Navy Athletics and Under Armour debut the 2021 Army-Navy uniform, spotlighting Naval Aviation and the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Using one of the most famous naval career paths as an inspiration, the 2021 “Fly Navy” uniform highlights classic American symbolism and the most utilized multirole fighter jet in aircraft carrier aviation, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Unmatched across the globe, America’s fleet of 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers can deploy up to 44 of these strike fighters at a time; and with a massive arsenal of diverse firepower, the Super Hornet will remain the backbone of the carrier air wing well into the future.
The Roundel and The Rhino
Military Aircraft Insignias have served as a way to identify aircraft nationality since the dawn of aviation. The first roundel to be featured on a Naval aircraft was that of a blue anchor in 1916. Since then, America’s roundel has changed in color and shape throughout history. The current version featured on the right side of the helmet and both shoulders of the jersey depicts a white star with red and white bars on a blue background. This roundel has been active since January of 1947, just predating the birth of the United States Air Force. The one-color version is often used as a low visibility marking for strike fighters like the Super Hornet, however, in each squadron there is one “Legacy” jet which sports the full-color roundel.
Though the official name of the F/A-18 is the Super Hornet, it is unofficially known as “the rhino” in an operational use. This name was given because of the rhino-like protrusion on the front of the aircraft’s radome and to further distinguish the E/F models from the original Hornet.
A United Front
On the back of the helmet, there are three sets of gold wings. Each of the gold wings symbolizes a unique and critical group within Naval Aviation. Unable to accomplish their mission without one another, the success of the air wing depends on the ability of each individual to perform its job at an elite level.
The Danger Zone
Featured on the left upper chest is the Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet patch. Based at Naval Air Station Oceana, this wing encompasses over 16 operational fighter squadrons. Each squadron consists on average of 10-12 aircraft, 22 officers and 190 enlisted personnel. The Strike Fighter Wing’s mission is to provide U.S. Atlantic Fleet commanders with combat-ready Strike Fighter squadrons which are fully trained, properly manned, well maintained and supported.
Roger Ball
When attempting to land on an aircraft carrier, a naval pilot will communicate with the Landing Signal Officer their side number, aircraft type, their distance behind the ship and “call the ball.” This signals to the ship they have a visual on the optical landing system to the side of the landing strip nicknamed the “meatball.” To confirm, the LSO will then reply “roger ball” and give the pilot the winds and deck state.
This year’s exclusive game ball by Team Issue features the silhouette of an F/A-18 Super Hornet, the US Military Roundel and color scheme, as well as an intricate stitching design around the laces. You can purchase your own by clicking on the link below!
Carefully Crafted
The 2021 Army-Navy helmet shells were each hand-painted to depict an accurate representation of the F/A-18 Super Hornet and its plating. This monochrome color palette is accented by the red, white and blue colors drawn from the United States Military Aircraft Roundel.
Every detail of these custom masterpieces is color-matched to the uniform, tying the ensemble together in a meaningful and visually accurate way. Each helmet taking an average production time of 3 hours, for a total timeline that spanned nearly six months.
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Use the hashtags #FlyNavy and #BeatArmy to show your support, and for a chance to be featured on the microsite and Navy Athletics social media channels!
THE ARMY-NAVY GAME
PRESENTED BY USAA
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY
Dec 11th, 2021
Game set for 3 pm ET on CBS Dec. 11th.