My own collection by Jiguad

[jiguad]

Nobody have answers? A new one Champion's brand:


And me diving my DACOR mask who fits me perfectly!!!

[Aileron]

About the blue and gold Tshirt, as I know that some of VDH members are Navy Seals retired, I've a question: do you remember which brand where worn by UDT/Seals and if these Tshirt where private purchases or available in PX?

Jiguad..it's hard to say about these types of items. It really depends on the time period the shirt is from. I believe early on SEALs may have gotten them on their own, but later on when SEALs were funded better, they may have been issued. Bernie (Popeye) on this board may have better answers than I have.

Lisa

[jiguad]

Thanks a lot Lisa for your answer. I've read that Champion reversible shirts where worn by US Navy Seals in Vietnam. But I've no more infos. I will contact Bernie tomorrow to see if it could learn me more about that...

[uwstlth]

Nobody have answers? A new one Champion's brand:


And me diving my DACOR mask who fits me perfectly!!!

Like mine? USN issue...

[jiguad]

Really nice one! It's the same one on each sides?
Dan Healy who died in Afghanistan was from the class 176. Is it your own shirt?

[uwstlth]

Yup, it's mine. You can't get these on the flea market if you get my drift, most guys would kill before parting with one...

The backs are the same image but the left pocket logo is different. The blue side has the class number and hellweek, the yellow side has the "the only easy day was yesterday" logo if you are familiar with that.

[jiguad]

Yes I'm familiar with this motto.
If you've pass Hellweek you deserve my respect! It was the harder training never seen in the military in USA in the 60's. I've started to read the excellent book of Kevin Dockery who detail the different part of BUDS training. This was not for the FNG!

About the shirt, I'm looking for information from the 60's period. I know that UDTs and SEALs wears such Tshirts during training time and also in the Delta in Vietnam. I think, but I'm note pretty sure, they bought civilian Tshirt like Champion brand in civilian market or PX. But I've no way to know if my Champion shirt is from the period or later. The brand logo don't change since 1929...
Could you tell me where you buy your shirt today? Is it available in the PX? When did you receive it? After your training class or after your 1st mission? Is it only wears for party today? Such informations could help me to understand where this habit come from. And I really like to know...

[JES]

For what it's worth, these shirts are not just UDT/SEAL specific. They were also used by the rest of the Navy Dive community as well.

[jiguad]

Thanks Jes to specify this, I didn't know that.
I have read something about the yellow color used to indicate that the diver have already dive one time this day and to provide dives accidents. But I'm not sure this information is true. Could you tell me why used such sport shirt in the Navy?

[Bryan]

Can't tell you the URL or website name but I am 99.9% sure this information is discussed on several website message forums on a daily basis. I am sure they would have all the details you are lacking.....Just trying to expedite the knowlege process.

[Popeye]

Most team and class shirts were/are made at Bullshirts in coronado,California check their website or contact them at.

http://www.sealteamstore.com/

[jiguad]

Thanks bryan to advise. But if I ask here this question it's because I have never read something pertinent about these Tshirt on different military forums.
Popeye, thanks for the link. I've seen that this reseller exist since 1976. Not sure they could help me but I will contact the webmaster and see if I obtain an answer.

[Bryan]

Here you go, try here http://www.navyseals.com/forums/

Looks like it has answers to any question you could ask.....

I support their community in every way possible and we have more than a few UDT/EOD/SEAL divers here but using this forum asking questions about their community is like posting BC questions here.....Kinda works but not really....Get where I'm going with this ?

[jiguad]

Many thanks Bryan. I did not know this forum. I'll check today and tried to find answers. I really understand that VDH was not the good place to asks such thinks! My next questions will be about my next DAAM, I promise!

[8dust]

For what it's worth, these shirts are not just UDT/SEAL specific. They were also used by the rest of the Navy Dive community as well.

Well... and.... most high school & college athletic programs use them as well. At least they did when I was in school in the 80’s. Not a rare item at all Jiguad. If anyone would like a William Allen H.S. Canaries, or a Univ. of Colorado Buffalos B&Y shirt, slightly used, for your collection, I can probably set you up.

If it wasn't for the Seals, they most likely would have sent in the fightin' Canaries to get B.L.