Command Master Chief Samira McBride wears the maternity Navy service khaki uniform at the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium at Norfolk, Va., in July 2022. (Jeanette M. Mullinax/U.S. Navy)
The Navy is expanding a congressionally directed program that provides moms-to-be with free uniforms during pregnancy, a move made with the aim of doubling the number of participating sailors.
Based on feedback, the service is adding four “sea bag component options” to its maternity uniform pilot program, Navy officials announced last week.
This will allow expectant sailors to choose the best combination of uniforms for their work environment, according to the Navy Personnel Command.
More than 850 sailors have received one set of each type of authorized maternity uniform since the program launched in January 2022, a Navy administrative message said last week.
Uniforms are delivered to the home of each participant ready to wear at no personal cost, regardless of where they are stationed.
Sailors will still receive the standard maternity uniforms, but effective immediately, additional choices are available, the message said.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Savana Romey, a participant in the Navys maternity uniform pilot program, points out the features of the maternity Navy working uniform type III in 2022. The Navy is adding four new options to its maternity uniform pilot program. (Jeanette M. Mullinax/U.S. Navy)
Those include a “waterfront option” that comes with two sets of working uniforms, one service uniform, one dress blue or white uniform and a cardigan sweater.
One of two “ashore staff” options includes a Navy working uniform and two service uniforms; the other includes one or two dress uniforms.
Sailors can update their selection if their command directs a change in uniform requirements, the Navy said.
The Navy began issuing temporary uniforms to expectant officers and enlisted sailors after Congress in 2021 directed the Defense Department to provide free loaner uniforms.
The goal is to provide immediate savings to pregnant service members and evaluate the cost savings for the military.
Active-duty and reserve sailors worldwide are eligible to apply through Sept. 30, 2026.
Command must verify the member’s pregnancy status. Volunteers are not eligible for a maternity uniform allowance during their pregnancy.
Unlike the Navy, which ships tailored maternity uniforms directly to sailors, the Air Force targeted 10 bases for its pilot program. Most of those are stateside.
Command Master Chief Samira McBride wears the Navy maternity service khaki uniform in 2022 for a promotional poster advertising the maternity uniform pilot program. The Navy announced last week that it is expanding the program, which provides moms-to-be with free uniforms during pregnancy. Four new uniform options are being added. (Jeanette M. Mullinax/U.S. Navy)
