| The olive green issued battle helmet, Mk 1 or steel pot with
liner and chin strap, was part of the battle dress uniform. From
WWII until the 1990s, it was worn by Sailors when they went to
general quarters (GQ) Condition I, if assigned to a topside GQ
station, or when they had duties that took them topside, such as
repairs 1, 1B, 2 and 3. Below decks, they donned the battle
helmet liner alone. With a life jacket secured on a belt around
the waist with the encased gas mask, they were ready to
investigate areas or break out equipment as directed by the
repair locker officer or chief. If they were part of a fire
party and assigned as OBA men, they donned a breathing apparatus
and proceeded to the scene as directed. |
