The USA and Italian Navies frequently work together in exercises and operations around the world. They share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. In August 2024, the USA and Italian Navies held their first Multi Large Deck Event in the Indo-Pacific, recognizing the importance that the two navies play in preserving the peace and stability of the high seas. A subtle yet special part of this story is that Rear Admiral Giancarlo Ciappina, Commander of the Italian Carrier Strike Group on board the UTS Cavour is proudly wearing a Cockpit USA Navy G-1 Jacket - A joint force that we can truly get behind!
On a recent visit to Italy, our Chief of Digital Creative and Marketing, Rudy Gonzales met with our long-time partner and Italian merchant, Aviotech to discuss our collaborative history in supplying the Italian Navy and Air Force. Join us in a short Q & A with Aviotech’s Owner Giuseppe Abbate and his daughter, Chiara Abbate.
Cockpit USA : How did you find the Cockpit USA brand?
Aviotech : In 2012, after attending a course in the U.S. , a group of Navy Pilots said that they saw Cockpit USA jackets and asked Aviotech to supply them to military bases in Italy.
Cockpit USA : Why do your customers prefer Cockpit USA jackets?
Aviotech: Our customers prefer Cockpit USA jackets because they consider these jackets to be high quality compared to other jackets on the market. They do not deteriorate and are therefore more durable over time. Cockpit USA already supplies the US Air Force. The details like stitching, weight, lining, finish and design are not found in other jackets.
Cockpit USA : How do Cockpit USA jackets differ from other Italian leather jackets?
Aviotech : Jackets made from Italian leather are usually made of Italian calfskin. These jackets are less resistant and therefore more delicate and can tear easily, they are softer and lighter and usually used as luxury jackets. Cockpit USA jackets are made for military purposes and therefore more resistant.
Cockpit USA: How long have you supplied the Italian Navy with Cockpit USA jackets?
Aviotech: We started supplying Cockpit USA jackets to the Italian Navy in 2012 and subsequently also the Italian Air Force. Cockpit USA is the only brand that offers the Mil Spec. 7823 Navy G-1 Leather Jacket.
Featured below is Giuseppe de Giorgi, a former Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy from January 2012 to June 2016. De Giorgi is shown here wearing Cockpit USA’s Navy G-1 Leather Jacket. Among the different challenges de Giorgi faced during his tenure as Chief of The Italian Navy were the rescue of the MS Norman Atlantic, the rescue and the management of Operation Mare, a year long naval and air operation. Nostrum resulting in the rescue of thousands of lives across the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas. We’re honored to have been the jacket of choice for Giuseppe de Giorgi and we’re grateful to Aviotech for supplying our jackets.
Since its introduction in the late 1930s, the Mil Spec Type G-1 Bomber Jacket has remained the standard issue gear of the US Navy. Returning to the G-1’s roots, detailing the initial military spec pattern and the use of a mouton fur collar, this jacket remains true to the jackets original design. Modified versions of this timeless style are also available, including the iconic Movie Hero Top Gun Navy G-1 Jacket and the modernized G-1 Flight Jacket with Removable Fur Collar. As the name suggests, this jacket’s features a removable fur collar, two side entry pockets and additional inside liner pockets.