HMAS TOOWOOMBA Ship's Patch

Date2007

Object number00044935

NamePatch

MediumFabric

DimensionsOverall: 110 x 95 mm, 5.93 g

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Sea Power Centre Australia

Terms

DescriptionThis cloth patch comes from HMAS TOOWOOMBA (II) (FFH156), the seventh ANZAC class guided missile frigate. It depicts the image of a purple horse rampant against a gold background, derived from the city of Toowoomba's coat of arms. HMAS TOOWOOMBA participated in operations in the north-west of Australia and the North Arabian Gulf as part of Operation CATALYST, whose aim is to assist in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.HistoryHMAS TOOWOOMBA (II) (FFH156) is the seventh ANZAC class guided missile frigate of MEKO 200 design to be built by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown, Victoria. It is the second ship to bear the name TOOWOOMBA in the Royal Australian Navy, carrying with it the proud history of TOOWOOMBA (I), a Bathurst class corvette which served with distinction in World War II. TOOWOOMBA and its company also enjoy an excellent relationship with its namesake, the city of TOOWOOMBA in Queensland. HMAS TOOWOOMBA is a long-range escort ship capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. The ship can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines. Since commissioning on 8 October 2005, TOOWOOMBA has participated in border protection operations in the north west of Australia and has completed a deployment to South-East Asia where it participated in regional naval exercises. TOOWOOMBA recently (2007) finished active service in the Northern Arabian Gulf as part of Operation CATALYST-the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. The ship returned home from the Northern Arabian Gulf on 16 July 2007 after a six month rotation with 170 days away from home port, 102 of which were stationed in the Persian Gulf. While away, TOOWOOMBA conducted 510 merchant vessel queries, 10 boardings, 62 security sweeps and eight interaction patrols among local fishing dhows.SignificanceThis cloth patch highlights the badge and motto of the ANZAC class frigate HMAS TOOWOOMBA.