| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL30738 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Cotton, Embroidery cotton thread |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c 2002 |
| Conflict |
Period 2000-2009 |
Woven Cloth Patch : 817 Squadron RAN, Operation Slipper
Description
Circular woven cloth patch in khaki cotton fabric with black, grey, brown and white embroidery. Within a black border, the badge shows a shark, holding a scimitar and wearing arab headgear, atop a camel. The words 'OPERATION SLIPPER' and '817 SQN' are repeated in English and Arabic.
History / Summary
A Westland Sea King Mk 50A helicopter, detached from 817 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, was embarked on HMAS Kanimbla to assist in Maritime Interception Operations as part of Operation 'Slipper', October 2001 - April 2002. This helicopter (call sign 'Shark 22') was the first Sea King operated by Australian forces in the Persian Gulf, and flew 101 missions during Kanimbla's tour, participating in boarding operations, surface searches and logistic/supply flights. The cloth patch worn by members of the 817 Squadron Flight shows a shark (symbol of the squadron, which appears on their crest) riding a camel.