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RAN Logistic Support Element Middle East baseball cap
RAN Logistic Support Element Middle East baseball cap

RAN Logistic Support Element Middle East baseball cap

Date2001-2002
Object number00044943
NameCap
MediumFabric, metal
DimensionsOverall: 300 x 210 mm, 60.16 g
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Sea Power Centre Australia
DescriptionThis Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Logistics Support baseball cap was worn by Lieutenant Commander Joe Straczek RANR when he was deployed for six months on Historical Duties during OPERATION SLIPPER, Australia's commitment to the international coalition against terrorism. LCDR Straczek's deployment aboard HMAS KANIMBLA (II) during November 2001 and April 2002 was part of his Continuous Full Time Service in the Navy Reserves.HistoryJoe Straczek joined the Royal Australian Navy as a junior recruit in January 1971. Following training at HMAS LEEUWIN he was selected to undertake technical training at HMAS NIRIMBA and subsequently selected as an Officer Candidate. After completing a course at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, he was commissioned as a Supply Midshipman in 1977. He received specialist training at HMAS CERBERUS and was posted to various supply positions. In late 1990 he transferred to the Naval Reserve to take up the position of Senior Naval Historian at the Sea Power Centre Australia. Straczek was deployed on Operation SLIPPER for historical duties as well as two months Continuous Full-Time Service (CFTS). Those on a CFTS contract are deployed if a ship is sent overseas or are posted on training days if the ship remains in Australia. Straczek was attached to RANLO Bahrain and Middle East Area of Operations in March 2007 and again in January 2008, deployed in HMAS KANIMBLA. The transport landing ship KANIMBLA is the second to carry the name, the first serving with distinction in World War II. HMAS KANIMBLA (formerly USS SAGINAW) is an amphibious landing platform commissioned on 29 August 1994 and refitted between 1995 and 1999. Based at Fleet Base East, Garden Island, Sydney the transport was used during OPERATION SLIPPER leaving Australia on 8 November 2001. It intercepted and boarded 16 Arab dhows, the largest single interception known to have occurred during MIF operations in the Gulf. KANIMBLA also completed a total of 27 compliant boardings and 23 non-compliant boardings during deployment. An RBS 70 surface-to-air weapon system detachment was embarked on HMAS KANIMBLA to provide the ship with protection against enemy aircraft. Operation SLIPPER is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) commitment to the international coalition against terrorism, known as Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). Currently, Australia's commitment to Operation SLIPPER involves the deployment of an Australian Major Fleet Unit under the joint Australian operations SLIPPER and CATALYST, as well as the deployment of AP-3C Orion aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force Maritime Patrol Group, to conduct maritime patrol tasks in the Persian Gulf. Operation CATALYST is the ADF's post-conflict contribution to the Australian Government mission to assist in the rehabilitation of Iraq and help their transition to self-government. The Operation came into effect on 16 July 2003.SignificanceThis baseball cap is representative of early 21st century Australian navy apparel.