The wait is over: ABUs land at Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy R. Capling
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
After what has been a three-month wait for some, the Airman Battle Uniform is available for purchase at the Tyndall Air Force Base Military Clothing Sales store.

The uniform went on sale Tuesday for Tyndall AFB senior leaders to get fitted, and Wednesday for the rest of the base population, Ms. Kellett said.

"We got four palettes of the new uniform last week," said Candice Kellett, Military Clothing Sales and Class Six branch manager. "We got other pieces of the shipment before then," she said.

"We have very few sizes for the time being, so we're limiting each customer to one full set so everyone on base gets a chance to purchase them," Ms. Kellett said. "But now we can start ordering shipments, so more will be here in the future."

Ms. Kellet said she doesn't know exactly when they'll get more, but she's hoping to get the next shipment in February.

The high demand for the uniform brought a large volume of customers into the store for the debut.

"It's been a mad house here today," said Mary Lattal, senior associate. "We've been busy since we opened up this morning." 

Second Lieutenant David Yu, 325th Air Control Squadron student, decided to buy the ABU to cut costs.

"I bought the uniform to save time and money from starching, ironing and shining," the lieutenant said.

Senior Airman Dustin McCroskey, 325th Security Forces Squadron patrolman said he heard from a friend of a friend that the uniform was going to be available and wanted to get to the store on the first day to be able to get his size.

"I needed new uniforms anyway," the Airman said. "I wanted to hold off until the ABU got here so I wouldn't have to buy all new uniforms when they become mandatory."

Airman McCrosky also said he liked the style the ABU.

"They look really good," he said.