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When
Naval Aviators begin their training at NAS Pensacola,
Florida, they have two common questions: "How
long until we get our wings?" and "When
do we get our jackets?" ¹
The
G-1 jacket and gold wings are the two of the most
coveted possessions of Naval Aviators. First
issued as the M422-A in 1938, and then as the
AN-J-3a in 1943, this leather flight jacket has been
worn by Navy and Marine Corps flight crews during
the most heroic air battles in history.
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Navy G-1 shown in dark brown goatskin.
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Before
1965, the G-1 was always made from goatskin. The Navy's
current specification allows either goatskin or cowhide.
The collar is mouton (lamb's wool).
A quick
inspection of our jacket shows the utmost attention
to detail and quality. Roll the collar up on our G-1
and notice the gracefully curved throat latch. Lift
the left pocket flap and check the carefully sewn
pencil pocket.
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Unzip
the front zipper, unsnap the inside map pocket, run
your hand inside and note the room for map and gear
storage.
Lift
the sleeve and see the two-piece underarm gussets.
Turn the jacket face down and look at the pleated
action back. The gussets and action back make this
jacket exceptionally comfortable.
¹ Derek
Nelson and Dave Parsons, "Hell Bent for Leather:
The Saga of the A-2 and G-1 Flight Jackets,"
Motorbooks International, 1990.
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