Royal Australian Navy Aircraft Controller badge : Bessie Bardot

A black, white, yellow, grey and blue circular embroidered patch with 'Royal Australian Navy Aircraft Controller' on the top and lower edges of the patch. In the middle of the patch is a ship, submarine and helicopter - a small Southern Cross and Federation Star are in the background.

In September 2004 'Tour de Force II' was formed consisting of Australian performers, artists and celebrities. Their role was to entertain and raise morale amongst Australian Defence Force troops deployed to Iraq and the Northern Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst. Tour De Force II consisted of rock music group ‘The Choirboys’, comedian George Smilovich, singer/songwriter Drew McAlister and entertainer, model and author Bessie Bardot. While on tour, the entertainers were supported by a contingent of 18 members from the Royal Australian Air Force Central Band. The last 'leg' of the Tour De Force 2 Tour in September 2004 involved visiting HMAS Adelaide in the Northern Persian Gulf. Bessie notes '. . .this Navy patch was given by HMAS Adelaide. We flew to where they were guarding oil rigs in between Iran and Iraq'.