USS UNDERWOOD's patch

Date2007

Object number00044931

NamePatch

MediumFabric

DimensionsOverall: 90 x 90 mm, 8.72 g

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Sea Power Centre Australia

Terms

DescriptionThis unofficial cloth patch is from the USS UNDERWOOD and depicts a woodpecker preparing to throw a missile. Unofficial badges are often humorous and depict cartoon characters. This badge was probably traded between American and Australian sailors in 2007, during shore leave or when the UNDERWOOD came into contact with HMAS TOOWOOMBA in the Persian Gulf.HistoryAfter six months of deployment Detachment Six of HSL-44 returned home on 2 July 2007 onboard the guided missile frigate USS UNDERWOOD (FFG-36) to Mayport, Florida. The Bataan ESG (Expeditionary Strike Group) had the capabilities to support maritime security operations, combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The USS UNDERWOOD was a part of the Bataan ESG which was led by USS BATAAN. USS UNDERWOOD, Frigate 36 is part of the United States' Navy Frigates Fleet. It was built at Bath Iron Works and has its home port at Mayport, Florida. The guided missile frigates (FFG) offer a short range anti-air warfare capability (provided by their Phalanx Close-In Weapon System) to the frigate mission. USS UNDERWOOD was deployed to the Persian Gulf at the same time as HMAS TOOWOOMBA, a Royal Australian Navy ANZAC class frigate. On 4 January 2007, HMAS TOOWOOMBA with a crew of 183 personnel departed its homeport of Fleet Base West, at Garden Island, Western Australia to commence passage to the Persian Gulf. TOOWOOMBA sailed to take over the duties of HMAS WARRAMUNGA, contributing to the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq, the mission agenda of Operation CATALYST. This was TOOWOOMBA’s first deployment to the North Persian Gulf and the 15th rotation of Navy ships since 2001 as part of a multi-national operation. HMAS TOOWOOMBA arrived home on 3 July 2007. Its main tasks had been protecting Iraqi oil platforms, ensuring security boarding of all vessels proceeding to the platforms and the training of the Iraqi Navy. During its time in the Gulf, TOOWOOMBA conducted 65 boarding and security patrols, over 300 boat evolutions, 16 replenishments at sea and vertical replenishments, 230 flying hours by its embarked Navy Seahawk helicopter and 470 investigative queries of merchant vessels.SignificanceThis badge is representative of swapping and bartering between allied servicemen during times of war and peace. It is representative of the unofficial logos designed by ship crew. The motto of UNDERWOOD being - Our planks are harder than yours.