Navy flight name tags
The Navy uniform manual sets the tag's size, lettering and insignia. Here is what it says, the layouts we measured, and how to fill in each box.
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What goes on each line
| Where | What | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Top left | First name or initials | M.T. |
| Bottom left | Rank | LT, LCDR, AWS2, AMCS |
| Top right | Last name | HOLLIS |
| Bottom right | Service (Reserve: USNR) or squadron | USN, USNR, VQ-3 |
Everything is engraved in capitals. Use your branch's rank abbreviations, with or without periods; we engrave exactly what you type.
What the uniform manuals say, and what people wear
The Navy uniform manual (NAVPERS 15665J, article 6803, Flight Clothing) puts a 2 x 4 inch name tag of black or brown leather (or cloth embroidered in squadron colors) on the left breast of the flight suit and flight jacket: your aircrew wings centered in the top field, then your name in block letters, at least a first name or initial and last name. A billet title such as CO, XO or CAG is optional, and enlisted aircrew show their rank on the tag. Tags for tan flight jackets are brown leather. Article 6803 points to article 5201.4b for the leather tag itself: name, rank and USN in block letters 1/4 inch tall, gold for officers and chief petty officers, silver for E-1 to E-6, and only one breast insignia, embossed above the name.
In practice you will also see dark brown tags, especially on G-1 jackets, and squadrons often put the squadron (for example VQ-3) where the service would go. Both are in the builder: brown leatherette, and Squadron or unit instead in the service list.
Layouts
Four boxes is the layout we saw most on modern Navy tags. Older tags, and many jacket tags, use two centered lines: name on top, then rank and service.
Colors
Gold on black for officers and chiefs, silver on black for E-6 and below. Brown leatherette with gold or silver is common on jackets. The builder starts on gold and lets you pick any of the four.
Wings
Naval Aviator wings for pilots, Naval Flight Officer wings for NFOs, Aircrew wings for enlisted aircrew and Flight Surgeon wings for flight surgeons. The wing art is drawn from the official insignia and engraved at the same size on every tag, about two-thirds of the tag width, like the tags we measured.
Questions
Should my Navy tag be gold or silver?
The Navy uniform manual says gold for officers and chief petty officers and silver for E-6 and below. The builder starts on gold; pick silver if you are E-6 or below.
Can I put my squadron instead of USN?
Yes. Many squadron tags carry the squadron in the bottom-right box. In the builder, pick Squadron or unit instead in the service list and type it (for example VQ-3). The preview shows it exactly as we engrave it.
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