HMAS Melbourne, which is currently serving in the Middle East, has been recognised as the best ship in the fleet, with the announcement of the 2010 Fleet Proficiency Awards.
Melbourne was awarded two of the top prizes, the Gloucester Cup and the Spada Shield, for excellence in capability generation, safety, seamanship, reliability and unit level training.
Melbourne, under the command of Commander Michael Harris, RAN, will be presented with her trophies when she returns from her Operation Slipper duties in the New Year.
Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Steven Gilmore, AM, CSC, RAN, who made the announcement, acknowledged the considerable effort made in training over the past 12 months.
“It is with great pride that I acknowledge the hard work and commitment demonstrated by the winning ships’ companies,” RADM Gilmore said.
“The competition for the 2010 awards was extremely strong and required every individual to be dedicated to their respective task.”
Melbourne wasn’t the only unit to be recognised, with establishment HMAS Cairns winning the Governors Cup identified as the foremost in shore operations.
Nowra-based 816 Squadron, which operate the S70B2 Seahawk helicopters, were awarded the McNichol trophy for being the leading aviation unit, while replenishment ship HMAS Success was acknowledged with the Amphibious Afloat Support Group Efficiency Shield.
Armidale Class Patrol Boat crew Attack Two took out the Kelly Shield, while former Mine Hunter Crew One was awarded the Rushcutter Shield.
HMAS Wewak was identified as the foremost in its class, taking out the LCH Proficiency Shield, while HMAS Mermaid won the Hydrographic Excellence Award and HMAS Dechaineux won the Submarine Fighting Proficiency Award.