TO:             All Commissioned Corps Officers
FROM:           Chief of Staff, OSG
SUBJECT:        Wearing Unit and Flag Patches on BDUs

As the Local Uniform Authority (LUA) for the Hurricane Katrina deployments, the Surgeon General has authorized the wearing of the subdued Public Health Service (PHS) Unit patch on the left shoulder and the American Flag patch on the right shoulder of the BDU.  Please note that the American Flag patch is worn with the field of stars toward the front of the garment. These items should be worn if available.

Thank you,

Robert C. Williams, P.E., DEE
RADM, USPHS

_______________________________________

ADDENDUM:

Q. Are these patches required?

A. No. These patches are not required components of the uniform, but should be worn if available.

Q. Which Flag patch is approved, the bright (colors) or the subdued?

A. The authorized Flag Patch is the bright (colors) patch which is available at most uniform shops.

Q. Where can I obtain the Flag Patch?

A. The Flag Patch should be available at most Navy Exchanges. The Flag patch is also available from private vendors including Marlow White, www.marlowwhite.com.

Q. Where can I find the PHS Patch?

A. Availability of the PHS patches is limited at this time. About 1000 were distributed in FY 2000 and those officers who have this patch should wear it. OCCFM is working to make the PHS Patch available and reports that the patch should be available within two weeks. We will post updated information on availability of the PHS Patch on the CCMIS Website as soon as we receive notice that they are available.

Q. Is the authorization to wear these patches limited to the Hurricane Katrina response?

A. At this time the Flag patch is authorized for HK only. Recent uniform policy issued by the Acting Assistant Secretary for Health authorizes the unit patch as a regular component of the uniform.