ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Navy Athletics and Under Armour unveiled the 2026 Army-Navy football uniform, honoring the extraordinary history, heritage and sacrifice of the men and women of Naval Special Warfare (NSW), including the Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) and the pioneering Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) that laid the foundation for modern Naval Special Warfare.
The specially-designed uniform celebrates the elite warriors who operate in some of the world's most demanding environments, carrying out critical missions in defense of the United States. From the earliest Navy Frogmen of World War II to today's highly trained SEALs and SWCC operators, the uniform pays tribute to generations of service members whose courage, determination, innovation and sacrifice have helped define Naval Special Warfare.
The Midshipmen will wear the uniform for the 127th playing of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA on Saturday, Dec. 12, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Coverage starts at 12 noon on CBS Sports Network and will move to CBS and Paramount+ starting at 2:30 pm. Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM on CBS and Paramount+
The uniform incorporates distinctive elements inspired by Naval Special Warfare's maritime heritage, including a tonal blue camouflage pattern, specialized stencil typography, the Navy SEAL Trident, the SWCC Master Warboat insignia and symbols honoring the legacy of the original Underwater Demolition Teams.
Every element of the uniform tells a story, from the helmet honoring the two primary warfare communities within Naval Special Warfare to the commemorative insignia and inscriptions recognizing the generations of warriors who have served and sacrificed for their country.
Naval Special Warfare Command
As the Navy's component of United States Special Operations Command, Naval Special Warfare Command builds and deploys a highly capable and lethal maritime special operations force to execute missions in support of national security and combatant commander objectives.
Established April 16, 1987, Naval Special Warfare Command traces its heritage to World War II, when specialized Navy units were developed to conduct reconnaissance, clear obstacles and prepare enemy-held beaches for amphibious assaults.
Among those pioneering forces were the Scouts and Raiders, Naval Combat Demolition Units and Underwater Demolition Teams, whose innovative tactics and extraordinary courage helped establish the foundation for modern maritime special operations.
Today, Navy SEALs and SWCC operators form the backbone of Naval Special Warfare's operational capabilities, working together to execute complex missions across the world's maritime environments.
Navy SEALs, whose name represents their ability to operate at sea, in the air and on land, are among the nation's most highly trained special operations forces. Their missions include special reconnaissance, direct action, covert infiltration, amphibious operations and other specialized assignments.
Becoming a Navy SEAL requires successfully completing one of the military's most physically and mentally demanding training programs, Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California. The approximately six-month program tests candidates through relentless physical challenges, demanding waterborne operations and exercises designed to develop teamwork, resilience and determination.
SWCC operators provide another essential element of Naval Special Warfare's capabilities.
These elite maritime warriors specialize in operating high-performance military watercraft, conducting coastal reconnaissance and providing rapid insertion and extraction of SEALs and other special operations forces.
Their expertise in precision navigation, maritime mobility and high-speed combat craft operations enables Naval Special Warfare forces to reach objectives and operate in challenging coastal and riverine environments.
The SWCC community traces its heritage to the Navy's PT boats of World War II and the riverine warfare forces that operated during the Vietnam War.
Together, SEALs and SWCC operators embody Naval Special Warfare's commitment to operational excellence, adaptability and mission accomplishment.
The Legacy of the Frogmen
The origins of modern Navy SEALs can be traced to the specialized maritime warfare units established during World War II.
In 1943, the Navy began developing underwater demolition capabilities to support amphibious operations. The early Underwater Demolition Teams, whose members became known as "Frogmen," were trained to conduct reconnaissance of enemy-held beaches and destroy underwater obstacles that threatened approaching landing forces.
Operating in dangerous conditions, often under enemy fire, these combat swimmers helped clear the way for Allied amphibious assaults and established a tradition of courage, innovation and determination that continues to define Naval Special Warfare.
The original UDT insignia became an important symbol of this pioneering community and served as a predecessor to the modern Navy SEAL Trident.
In 1962, the Navy established SEAL Teams One and Two, formally creating the modern Navy SEAL program and expanding the capabilities developed by the underwater demolition forces of World War II.
The legacy of the Frogmen remains central to Naval Special Warfare's identity, connecting today's operators to the generations who established the standards of excellence, perseverance and sacrifice that continue to guide the community.
That connection is reflected throughout Navy's 2026 Army-Navy uniform, including the original UDT insignia incorporated into the gloves and a commemorative patch inside the jersey.
Uniform Design and Symbolism
The 2026 Army-Navy uniform draws its inspiration from the maritime environment that serves as the foundation of Naval Special Warfare.
Water is the unifying element of the design, reflecting the operational heritage of Navy SEALs and SWCC operators and their ability to conduct missions across sea, air and land environments.
The uniform features a distinctive color palette of white, Tidal Blue, Thermal Blue and Metallic Blue, complemented by a specially developed Naval Special Warfare print incorporating Blue Mist, Moonstone Blue and Isotope Blue.
The combination of tonal blues and camouflage-inspired graphics represents the stealth, precision, adaptability and operational versatility of Naval Special Warfare forces.
Helmet
The helmet prominently features three of Naval Special Warfare's most recognizable symbols, with the Navy SEAL Trident displayed on one side and the SWCC Master Warboat insignia on the opposite side, while the Bone Frog logo is on top of the helmet.
The Navy SEAL Trident is one of the most respected insignia in the United States military.
Earned through rigorous training and qualification, it represents the honor, heritage, responsibility and daily commitment associated with serving as a Navy SEAL.
Each element of the Trident carries special significance.
The anchor represents the United States Navy and the SEALs' connection to their maritime heritage, while the eagle symbolizes the United States and the courage, strength and sacrifice of those who defend the nation.
The trident reflects Naval Special Warfare's maritime heritage and its ability to operate across sea, air and land environments. The cocked flintlock pistol represents the community's combat heritage and its constant readiness to act.
The SWCC Master Warboat insignia recognizes the elite maritime operators responsible for providing critical mobility and support during special operations missions.
The insignia incorporates a Special Operations Craft, a crossed Navy cutlass and flintlock pistol, an anchor and a distinctive three-star banner.
The cutlass represents the SWCC community's heritage as a fighting force, while the flintlock pistol symbolizes constant combat readiness and the community's history of riverine and land warfare operations.
The Special Operations Craft reflects the high-performance vessels that enable SWCC operators to execute missions with speed and precision. The anchor represents the Navy and the leadership and stability provided by experienced SWCC operators.
The three-star banner honors the SWCC community's Vietnam War heritage, commemorating Task Forces 115, 116 and 117 and the generations of maritime warriors who helped shape modern special boat operations.
The front bumper of the helmet features Navy branding, while the rear bumper displays "Naval Special Warfare."
The bone frog logo is an iconic symbol in the U.S. Navy SEAL and Naval Special Warfare community that honors fallen operators and frogmen.
The frog traces back to World War II Underwater Demolition Team "frogmen," representing amphibious warfare, adaptability, and the living members of the community.
The skeleton design represents the reality of mortality that operators face and specifically serves as a tribute to teammates who did not make it home.
Jersey
The jersey incorporates numerous design elements inspired by Naval Special Warfare training, equipment, watercraft and operational heritage.
The shoulders and sleeves feature a four-color tonal interpretation of the Navy Working Uniform Type II camouflage pattern, originally developed under the designation AOR1 specifically for Naval Special Warfare operators.
The digital camouflage design reflects the stealth, adaptability and operational versatility required of SEALs and SWCC operators across a wide range of environments.
A similar camouflage-inspired visual treatment can be found on Combatant Craft Assault vessels, where distinctive patterns are applied to the port and starboard sides.
The Navy wordmark across the chest is inspired by the stencil typography commonly found throughout Naval Special Warfare training environments, equipment and watercraft.
The jersey numbers also incorporate this distinctive stencil style, drawing inspiration from the identification numbers worn by candidates during BUD/S training.
Featuring a matte base with a tonal gloss outline, the numbers reinforce the uniform's maritime foundation while reflecting the stealth and precision associated with Naval Special Warfare operations.
The left sleeve displays the Naval Special Warfare Command emblem, recognizing the command's mission of developing and deploying the nation's premier maritime special operations forces.
The emblem features a circular design surrounded by a gold rope border symbolizing unity, naval heritage and the command's global reach.
A globe and Navy SEAL Trident at its center represent Naval Special Warfare's worldwide operational presence and its commitment to excellence across the maritime domain.
The right sleeve features a tonal American flag, honoring the nation that Naval Special Warfare operators have sworn to defend.
Rendered in a subdued color palette that complements the uniform's stealth-inspired design, the flag represents the service, commitment and sacrifice of the men and women who stand ready to defend the United States.
One of the jersey's most meaningful design elements appears on the back neck, where a specially designed Naval Special Warfare Command locker tag honors the community's global mission and its fallen warriors.
The tag incorporates NSWC stencil typography and the SEAL/SWCC designation over a tonal global chart pattern symbolizing the command's worldwide reach.
Two gold stars complete the design, paying tribute to the fallen warriors of Naval Special Warfare and the families whose strength, sacrifice and resilience remain an enduring part of the community's legacy.
Inside the jersey's collar is one of the most recognizable mottos associated with Navy SEAL training: "The only easy day was yesterday."
The phrase reflects the relentless determination and commitment to continuous improvement that define Naval Special Warfare, where every new challenge demands greater resilience, capability and readiness.
Beneath the interior collar is a commemorative patch featuring the original Underwater Demolition Team insignia, Naval Special Warfare typography and an excerpt from the Navy SEAL Creed: "Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed."
The inscription honors the warriors who came before, recognizing the enduring traditions of courage, sacrifice and responsibility that each new generation of Naval Special Warfare operators is entrusted to uphold.
Pants
The pants incorporate a tonal sea spray graphic along the side panels, inspired by the wake created by high-speed Naval Special Warfare watercraft.
The design represents the speed, precision and maritime mobility of SWCC operations, recognizing the specialized crews and vessels responsible for transporting, inserting and extracting special operations forces in challenging environments.
The graphic also reinforces the uniform's central maritime theme, connecting the movement of water to the operational capabilities of Naval Special Warfare.
Located on the left hip is the United States Marine Corps emblem, honoring the shared heritage of the Marine Corps and Naval Special Warfare communities.
The emblem recognizes generations of amphibious and special operations forces whose innovation, adaptability and service helped shape modern maritime warfare.
Gloves
The gloves feature the original Underwater Demolition Team insignia and a tonal sea spray pattern, connecting the uniform to the pioneering Frogmen who established the foundation of modern Naval Special Warfare.
The combination of the historic insignia and maritime-inspired design recognizes the enduring influence of the Underwater Demolition Teams and the generations of warriors who followed in their footsteps.
Cleats
The cleats feature a tonal navy color palette with subtle water droplet detailing across the upper portion.
A Metallic Blue base plate draws inspiration from the dynamic maritime environment, reinforcing the importance of waterborne operations to the history and mission of Naval Special Warfare.
Together, the water droplet details and metallic finish complete the uniform's tribute to the maritime heritage shared by Navy SEALs, SWCC operators and their predecessors.
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
The 2026 Army-Navy uniform is more than a tribute to the capabilities and accomplishments of Naval Special Warfare. It is a recognition of the extraordinary commitment required of those who serve in its ranks and the generations of warriors who have carried forward its traditions.
From the original Frogmen of World War II to the establishment of the modern SEAL Teams in 1962 and the evolution of today's highly specialized maritime combat forces, Naval Special Warfare has built a legacy defined by courage, teamwork, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the mission.
The uniform also recognizes the families who support these warriors and the fallen service members whose sacrifices remain an inseparable part of Naval Special Warfare's history.
As the Midshipmen take the field against Army, they will carry with them the symbols, traditions and heritage of a community whose members have dedicated their lives to serving and defending the United States.