The patch shown above is the earliest patch related to the Tom Green County I have been able to find. It is believed to have been in existance since before 1959, but I do not have any facts from crew members that were aboard when the patch was introduced. I would be grateful for any information that can be provided to complete the history and origin of this patch.
The Captain of the Tom Green County officially replaced the 1959 patch with the patch shown in the photo below.
This patch was designed by Joseph H. Jarreau. Information for the design of the patch was obtained from the city of San Angelo which is in Tom Green County, Texas. The interior of the patch is based on the seal of Texas. The single star surrounded by a wreath that has a cotton bole at the juction of the two wreath elements. This is set on a field of blue that represents the sky over Texas. The red band represents courage( which the crew exhibited on many occasions) and contains the ships name and number. The gold crossed anchors with the blue backgrounds represents the Navy and the sea.
This patch seems to be quite appropriate for our ship because of the integration of the design elements obtained from Tom Green County, Texas and the direct connection to our ships namesake.