[700x525]
Sailors on board HMS Daring trial the Royal Navy's new dark blue combat uniform[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Keith Morgan, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

[700x525]
HMS Daring's Commanding Officer, Captain Guy Robinson, on the bridge of HMS Daring as she departs Bahrain (note that baseball caps are not part of the uniform trial and are purchased by the ship's company for a deployment only as a practical measure)
[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Keith Morgan, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

A new combat uniform for the Royal Navy is being trialled by HMS Daring while on counter-piracy operations in the Gulf.
Sailors on board the new Type 45 destroyer are now wearing a specially-designed dark blue kit in place of the Royal Navy's traditional light blue outfit known as the Number 4 dress. This is the first new uniform to be worn by sailors on operations for 20 years.
The new kit is designed to be much more versatile and adaptable to the different weather conditions that the Royal Navy encounters as it carries out operations around the globe.
Each sailor on board HMS Daring has been issued multiple layers including a t-shirt, shirt, thermal fleece and windproof jacket - all in the new darker colour. The trousers have slanted pockets on the legs so it is easier to use them when sitting down.
The whole uniform has been designed to make it easier to get dressed quickly - something that is essential for those on board ships who may have to be woken up in the event of an incident. The boots have zips as well as laces, and the collar can be turned up and fastened instantly with Velcro rather than fiddling with buttons.