Meritorius Unit Citation Pennant awarded to HMAS SYDNEY (IV)

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Meritorius Unit Citation Pennant awarded to HMAS SYDNEY (IV)

Date1991

Object number00047309

NamePennant

MediumCloth, metal

DimensionsOverall: 34 x 701 x 312 mm, 97.14 g

ClassificationsCeremonial artefact

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Australian Navy HMAS Sydney IV Marine Engineering Department

Terms

DescriptionMeritorious Unit Citation Pennant awarded to HMAS SYDNEY for exemplary performance in the Middle East Area of Operations in the Persian Gulf in 1991.HistoryThe Meritorius Unit Citation (MUC) was introduced into the Australian Honours System in 1991. Traditionally group awards have not been awarded in the Australian Defence Force, as military awards have generally been given to individuals for acts of gallantry or bravery. The recent tradition of unit citations was introduced by the United States in 1942 and Australia waited until 1991 to introduce a similar award. In Australia the Governor-General awards the Meritorious Unit Citation on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence. The design of the award features a sterling silver federation star in the centre of a gold background. When the award is made, the ship receives a citation, the pennant and also displays a gold star on either side of the vessels bridge wing. Each member of the crew is entitled to wear the MUC ribbon under the medals on their uniform for the rest of their career. Copies of the presented pennant are flown from the mast and used pennants are often souvenired by crew members. This pennant is possibly one of the copies collected by a crew member,as the original is generally framed and placed in the Commanding Officers cabin. The Royal Australian Navy provided vessels for the multi-national naval force, which formed an interception force in the Persian Gulf to enforce UN sanctions against Iraq, following the invasion of Kuwait. HMAS SYDNEY IV was one of four Australian warships to serve tours of duty in the Persian Gulf. During the operational phase of the deployment the vessel formed part of the anti-aircraft screen for the battle groups of the US Navy.