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RAN Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU)
RAN Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU)

RAN Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU)

Date2001-2002
Object numberV00044953
NameCamouflage uniform
MediumFabric
DimensionsOverall: 760 x 450 mm, 192.2 g
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Sea Power Centre Australia
DescriptionThis Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (also known as Auscam) was worn by Lieutenant Commander Jozef Straczek RANR during his six-month deployment on Historical Duties in Operation SLIPPER, Australia's commitment to the international coalition against terrorism. Straczek's deployment aboard HMAS KANIMBLA (II) during November 2001 to April 2002 was part of his Continuous Full Time Service in the Navy Reserves.HistoryJozef (Joe) 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. From 1990 to 2004 he was Senior Naval Historian at the Sea Power Centre Australia. LCDR Straczek was deployed to 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 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, who 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. This uniform is designed as the camouflage uniform used by the Australian military. The lighter brown/sand shade is designed for desert use, the darker green/brown for areas of arid bushland through to tropical jungle, and in 2008 a blue/grey shade was introduced for naval use (Disruptive Pattern Naval Uniform).SignificanceThis camouflage uniform is representative of early 21st century Australian military apparel.