U.S.N. Regulation Petty Officer 'rate', Third Class Utilitiesman

Only one rate is worn on a sailor’s left sleeve, with the American Eagle facing forward. The navy-blue Melton wool rate was designed to be worn on the Melton wool jumper (or middy blouse) during the fall and winter months, whereas the white cotton twill rate would have been worn on the white cotton sailor uniform during the spring and summer.

Current Issue rates are embroidered on black wool gabardine or white polyester.