Navy Service aiguillettes worn by Navy personnel serving as aides to Vice Admirals (or to Lieutenant Generals in other branches of the military) consist of three loops of gold or gilt-covered cord, with dark blue threat woven in to form spiral bands. The bands are approximately three-sixteenths of an inch wide spaced one-sixteenth of an inch apart. As the name implies, the three-loop Service aiguillette is worn with the Service Uniform, as well as with the overcoat, the all-weather jacket, reefers, and pullover sweaters. Generally, the wearing of an aiguillette is restricted to when personnel are performing duties at aides during formal occasions, but a few billets call for wearing of aiguillettes at all times; these are delineated in Chapter 5, Section 4 of the United States Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665I).
The rank of Vice Admiral is associated with a specific billet or assignment and is therefore temporary. While the total number of Vice Admirals serving active duty serving at any one time is capped by statute—no more than 33 of the Navy’s allotted 162 General Officers may hold the rank of Admiral or Vice Admiral— “carve outs” and exceptions related to Joint Service assignments means the actual limit can vary. Also, the President has the authority to suspend statutory limits on General Officer appointments during war or national emergency.