DUKE OF GLOUCESTER CUP

23 February 2007

This morning I had the pleasure of presenting the Gloucester Cup to HMAS Stuart at Fleet Base East, Garden Island, in Sydney

This is an achievement of the highest order for the ship’s company.

The Duke of Gloucester Cup is awarded annually to the Royal Australian Naval (RAN) Ship or Submarine judged as the most proficient in all aspects of: operations, safety, seamanship, reliability and unit level training. RAN ships and submarines have vied for the cup since it was first presented in 1947 by the Duke of Gloucester, when he was Governor-General of Australia.

HMAS Stuart is one of eight ANZAC Class Frigates which serve alongside 16 other RAN ships and submarines protecting Australia’s vital sea-lanes.

Besides the prestigious Gloucester Cup, Stuart was also recognised as Runner Up in two other Fleet Awards – the Voyager Trophy for Anti-Submarine Warfare Proficiency and the Otranto Shield for Surface Combatant Gunnery Proficiency.

I warmly congratulate everyone associated with HMAS Stuart – including, very importantly, the families who support the ship’s company.