The annual Army-Navy football game is one full of tradition, a meeting of two military academies on a national stage. As of late, the game also serves as an opportunity to roll out impressive commemorative alternate uniforms.
The United States Military Academy and the Naval Academy released those uniforms this week ahead of the Dec. 12 matchup, which will take place at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York.
Both uniforms pay homage to those who came before, with Army’s uniforms honoring members of the 25th Infantry Division, who fought during the Korean War, while Navy focuses on the 175th anniversary of the academy.
The 25th Infantry Division earned the nickname “Tropic Lightning” because of the speed and “ferocious fighting nature” they exhibited in combat, according to Army’s website. The uniforms, designed by Nike, feature the “Electric Strawberry” patch the 25th Infantry Division wore as its insignia — a taro leaf with a lightning bolt through it.
We honor the past by re-telling the story of #TropicLightning, a story of valor, courage and sacrifice.
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) December 1, 2020
Inspired, humbled and motivated by the soldiers that came before us.
🔗 https://t.co/YRjoP37EqW#GoArmy | #BEATnavy pic.twitter.com/AIsTpBgNFF
On the shoulder of the jersey is a wolf patch, honoring the 27th Infantry Regiment. That regiment, which was part of the 25th Infantry Division, was the first American regiment to “defeat a full-scale NKPA attack,” Army’s website reads.
Navy’s uniforms were inspired by the architecture around the Annapolis institution. The shoulders and helmet reflect the marble stone pattern seen across campus, such as in the Naval Academy Chapel and Bancroft Hall.
“The 2020 Army-Navy helmet shells were hand painted to create the look of genuine marble – each with its own unique pattern highlighting the light and dark blue tones in the stone,” Navy’s website reads.
📸📸📸#BeatArmy | #BuiltDifferent pic.twitter.com/kdJcfNINGf
— Navy Football (@NavyFB) December 1, 2020
There are gold accents throughout the uniform, and the Naval Academy seal is prominently displayed on the shoulder.
Both uniforms are packed with history, as is the game itself. Navy won last season, 31-7, and the Midshipmen lead the series with 61 wins to Army’s 52. There have also been seven ties in the previous 120 matchups.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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