McDivitt Vs. Young: Military Uniform Dance-Off – Who Wins?

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VERSUS

NASA photos, 1968. Because this is an important blog about science.

U.S. Air Force Colonel James McDivitt (Gemini 4 and Apollo 9) is pictured up top.

U.S. Navy Commander John Young (Gemini 3, Gemini 10, Apollo 10, Apollo 16, STS 1, STS 9, hell, probably every damn spaceflight ever) is pictured at bottom.

So, who wins this military uniform dance-off? Some points to ponder: McDivitt rocks the Air Force blue uniform with his special brand of solemn swagger, while Young brings a subtler, “quiet storm” approach to his photo shoot, his hair expertly tousled and pomaded to a shine. Young has forgone his usual turtleneck for some sharp U.S. Navy dress blues. However, McDivitt remembered to bring his hat that day.

Who wore it better? Cast your votes in the comments section.


Emily Carney is a writer, space enthusiast, and creator of the This Space Available space blog, published since 2010. In January 2019, Emily’s This Space Available blog was incorporated into the National Space Society’s blog. The content of Emily’s blog can be accessed via the This Space Available blog category.

Note: The views expressed in This Space Available are those of the author and should not be considered as representing the positions or views of the National Space Society.

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Picture of By Emily Carney

By Emily Carney

2 thoughts on “McDivitt Vs. Young: Military Uniform Dance-Off – Who Wins?”

  1. I am torn. The Air Force officers' uniforms seem pretty sharp. I almost joined the USAF so I am kind of biased. (I went USN instead.)

    I always thought it was weird that naval dress uniforms were referred to as "dress blues" when they're…not blue. I am sure there's some historical explanation for this, alas, I am too lazy to find out…it's probably in the Bluejacket's Manual.

    Reply

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