U.S. NAVY ELASTIC MOUNTING BAND FOR OFFICER / CWO COMBINATION CAP

Precisely why the Navy began calling its peaked hat worn with by Officers and CPOs a “combination cap” or “combination cover” isn’t clear (although we do know the term was first used in the Navy’s uniform manual in 1922). But it might be because it employs a frame with swappable items—chin straps, buttons, and insignia—in different combinations for various degree in rank.

One of those swappable items is an elastic mounting band that encircles the cap frame, covering the bottom of the cap fabric and providing an area for attaching insignia without marring the fabric. The mounting band for Officer Combination Caps features a much larger area for attaching the Officer / CWO cap device than found on the mounting band for CPO caps because the device is nearly twice as large.

More Items for Officer / CWO Combination Cap
Cap Device
Hatband for Female Officer (obsolete)
Gold Chin Strap
U.S. Navy Cap Screw-Buttons
Replacement Crown
Plastic Cover

More Officer / CWO Insignia and Accouterments
Gold Star Sleeve Device
Line Officer Hard Shoulder Boards
Line Officer Soft Shoulder Boards (Epaulets)
Gold Belt Buckle
Gold Coat Buttons 
Cuff Links
Tie Tack / Clasp