In VAH-5, CAG-8, on Forrestal in 1961-63 flight crews had red ball caps.
We wore them from the ready room to the a/c, with our flight helmets
in o/d carry bags. I have a flight crew photo from 1961 with all 13
crews on the flight deck lined up alongside an A3D. As PIO, I remember
asking several to put the caps further back on their heads so we could
see their faces, then I took my place. The Forrestal '61 cruise book is
filled with sailors with dark blue ball caps. I also see other
squadrons, mainly officers, with ball caps with the squadron id on the
front (i.e., VA-81). For RON's and cross countries, I always had a
fore'n'aft/p***cutter cap in a flight suit pocket.
J.McEachen VAH-5


Bill Kambic wrote:
When did baseball caps become part of the Naval Uniform, both
officially and unofficially?

I have seen photos circa 1940 of Army Air Corps line mechanics wearing
something similar. There are newsreels from 1942 showing ADM Halsey
in a ballcap with a rather large bill. I've seen photos and newreels
of other senior officers in similar headgear.

Did they begin in the Air Navy? They are pretty practical working
around recipricators (I guess nothing is appropriate around "hot
tubes" ;-) ).

I've got some historcial "coffee table" books I'll review to see just
how early they show up. I was hoping one of the group may have a
definitive answer!!! :-)