Fremantle Anti-Nuclear Group (FANG) t-shirt

Date2003

Object number00047701

NameT-shirt

MediumCotton

DimensionsClothing size: Medium
Overall: 76 x 97 mm, 196 g

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Fremantle Anti-Nuclear Group

Terms

DescriptionThis light blue t-shirt has orange print on the front saying 'No Seaswap / no war / no bases / no bombs'. It was produced by the Fremantle Anti-Nuclear Group - FANG - to support their protests against US warships in Australian waters especially Western Australia's, and Australia's involvement in the war in Iraq.HistoryThe US Navy has regularly docked at Australian ports during overseas deployments and Fremantle, Western Australia is a regular R&R stop for the USN. This material was produced by FANG who organised the 'Stop the Sea Swap' campaign in about 2003. The Sea Swap program involves flying US naval personnel to Western Australia to replace the existing crew (who are flown home). The program involves an almost total changeover of a warship crew while the ship is in a foreign port. This system is cost efficient and designed to save fuel, money and time, keping the ships on station for longer and reducing the time in steaming back to the US. Australian advocates of the program argued that it stimulates the local WA economy with the sailors spending and local businesses involved in repairs and maintenance. The Fremantle Anti-Nuclear Group - FANG - was founded in 1999 to oppose the nuclear industry and promote safe energy alternatives for Fremantle. This opposition includes visiting nuclear warships. FANG was vocal in its opposition to the Sea Swap program arguing that by providing facilities for US warships, Australia was actively supporting preparations for war against Iraq and were more likely to be targetted by terrorists. FANG produced this material to attract attention, to provoke thought and to encourage attendance at peace rallies.SignificanceThis material documents the beliefs of those opposed to US naval visits and the war in Iraq and was produced to wear at peaceful protest marches.