HMAS SYDNEY FFG-03 baseball cap

Maker Royal Australian Navy (Printing)

Datec 2002

Object number00037020

NameCap

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 130 x 270 x 180 mm, 0.08 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Transfer from Royal Australian Navy, Directorate of Naval History

Terms

DescriptionThis navy blue corduroy cap has an adjustable strap at the rear secured with velcro. Embroidered at the center rear in yellow cotton is the text: 'Kev'. At the front center is a white embroidered ship and text in yellow reading: 'HMAS SYDNEY / ffg-03'. On the left side of the cap is a round badge embroidered in black and white cotton depicting a skull and crossed swords and a ship. This is encircled by the text: 'Bad to the bone / HMAS SYDNEY ffg-03'. Worn by CPOSN Bryson on HMAS SYDNEY while serving in the Persian Gulf November 2001 - February 2002.HistoryHMAS SYDNEY (IV) was commissioned in January 1983 and is one of four guided missile frigates in service with the Royal Australian Navy. SYDNEY is a long-range escort that has the ability to counter threats from the air, sea surface and under water. The vessel can provide area air defence, anti-submarine and anti-shipping warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. HMAS SYDNEY (IV) is the fourth ship to carry this name and inherits and contributes to a proud heritage of eight battle honours, more than any other RAN unit. In 1914 HMAS SYDNEY (I) sank the German light cruiser SMS EMDEN during an engagement off the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, marking a historic win for the newly formed Royal Australian Navy. During WWII HMAS SYDNEY (II) sank the Italian light cruiser BARTOLOMEO COLLEONI, however was lost with all hands in November 1941 in battle against the German raider KORMORAN. The loss of SYDNEY and her crew of 645 represented over a third of the RAN's casualties during WWII. HMAS SYDNEY (III), a light carrier, served with distinction in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Since 1990 the RAN has been involved in the operations of the multinational Maritime Interception Force (MIF) which enforced UN sanctions on Iraqi trade through the Persian Gulf (and at times the Red Sea) following the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. HMAS SYDNEY (IV) supported UN sanctions against Iraq in the early 1990s and altogether has been deployed to the Middle East four times. HMAS SYDNEY (IV) was involved in Operation Desert Storm against Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991, earning a Meritorius Unit Citation. In 1999 the unit supported INTERFET in East Timor and in 2000 HMAS SYDNEY (IV) assisted the efforts to bring peace to the Solomon Islands. During 2001 - 2002 SYDNEY worked in the Persian Gulf in support of allied forces in the war in Afghanistan and in 2003 was deployed to the Middle East during the height of the Iraq war. SignificanceFour ships have carried the name HMAS SYDNEY and between them have earned eight battle honours, more than any other unit of the Royal Australian Navy. HMAS SYDNEY (IV), to which this item is related, continues to contribute to this heritage and has served with distinction throughout the Middle East and the Solomon Islands.