DPDU long sleeved shirt : Commodore S R Gilmore, Royal Australian Navy

Places
Accession Number REL37705
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Uniform
Physical description Embroidery cotton thread, Plastic, Polyester cotton, Velcro
Maker ADI Limited, Technology Group
Place made Australia
Date made 2002
Conflict Iraq, 2003-2013
Description

Australian Defence Force issued long sleeved size 90S shirt in Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) fabric. The shirt has a fold down collar and a five button closure with all but the topmost button being concealed. On both epaulettes are DPDU embroidered rank slides for the rank of Commodore. The shirt has two expanding breast pockets each with a two button closure. Attached with a Velcro strip above the right pocket is an embroidered name tag reading 'GILMORE' with 'NAVY' above the left pocket. An black embroidered Principle Warfare Officer qualification badge on a DPDU background is secured above the 'NAVY' badge. At the top of the both shoulders is a Velcro patch for attaching patches. Below each is an expanding pocket with a two button closure. The shoulder straps are secured at the shoulder by a single plastic button. The elbows are reinforced with a second layer of fabric and the cuffs can be adjusted using a fabric tab and three plastic buttons. On the rear of the manufacturers tag is written in black ink 'GILMORE'.

History / Summary

Uniform worn by Commodore S R Gilmore during his time in command of Task Force 58. Commodore Gilmore took command of Task Force 58 on 17 April 2005, becoming the first non-United States officer to command the Task Force. It was also one of the most senior operational sea commands exercised by a RAN officer since The Second World War. Stephen Richard 'Steve' Gilmore joined the Royal Australian in 1977. He served in HMA Ships Stalwart, Townsville, Derwent Hobart and Melbourne. He also served in HMS Active on exchange with the Royal Navy. From 1992 to 1994, with the rank of lieutenant commander, Gilmore served in Maritime Headquarters as the Fleet Gunnery Officer and as Principal Warfare Officer (A) in the Sea Training Group. Promoted to commander in 1996, he was appointed the RAN Liaison Officer to the US Navy Doctrine Command in Norfolk, Virginia. On return to Australia, Commander Gilmore was posted to Maritime Headquarters as Commander Plans. For this role, he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2000 Queens Birthday Honours list. Commander Gilmore assumed command of HMAS Arunta in 2000. He was promoted to captain in 2001 and was appointed as the Director of Maritime Combat Development in the Capability Systems Division of Australian Defence Headquarters in December 2002. He was promoted to commodore in January 2005 and appointed to the position of Director General Navy Strategic Policy and Futures in Navy Headquarters. As Commander of Task Force 58, Commodore Gilmore was responsible for all coalition maritime security operations across the Northern Persian Gulf. Specific tasks allocated to Task Force 58 included the protection of key oil infrastructure, maritime interception operations, anti piracy activity and regional engagement. Around ten coalition warships were allocated to the Task Force with up to 1,700 coalition personnel under Commodore Gilmore’s command. While focused on protection of the oil platforms, Task Force 58 was also responsible for integration of the Iraqi Navy and their subsequent self maintenance of security in Iraqi territorial waters. Commodore Gilmore’s time in command of Task Force 58 ceased on 12 August 2005. In 2006 Commodore Gilmore was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queens Birthday Honours list in recognition of his service in command of Task Force 58. He became the Commander of Navy Systems Command in September 2007.