Image Gallery: April 2008
HMAS Rankin wins Navy's top award
08 April 2008
Rockingham-based Collins Class submarine HMAS Rankin has been awarded the coveted Gloucester Cup by the Governor General of Australia His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC.
Commander Australian Fleet Rear, Admiral Nigel Coates, AM joined the Governor General in presenting the Commanding Officer of Rankin, Commander Phillip Stanford, with the award in recognition of excellence in teamwork, loyalty and dedication.
To mark the occasion, Ceremonial Divisions was held at HMAS Stirling with HMAS Rankin's ships company gathered on the parade ground in their ceremonial whites.
Commanding Officer of Rankin, Commander Phillip Stanford said: "This is a proud day for me but especially for my crew. This award recognises everything that we hold dear and strive for in the submarine squadron and the Navy.
"I would especially like to thank my crew and their families. The dedication and sacrifice of those associated with HMAS Rankin is something of which we can all be very proud".
The Gloucester Cup was instituted in 1947 by the then Governor-General, the Duke of Gloucester and acknowledges excellence against a range of performance criteria including: operational efficiency; seamanship; supply and administration; officer and sailor training; maintenance and resourcefulness.
The broad scope of criteria demands consistency from every department, with each individual playing a critical role in achieving the Gloucester Cup. Every RAN ship undergoes thorough evaluation and assessment in the selection process for this distinguished award.
The Cup has been won by many notable ships over the years, including Quadrant, Vampire, Sydney and Hobart. And in recent times, winners have included Arunta, ANZAC, Success and Adelaide, Kanimbla and last year HMAS Sheean.
Today, HMAS Rankin joins those prestigious names for a second time, as a result of outstanding performance during the past year.
| 20080408ran8109430_053037 The Guard Commander Lieutenant McHugh stands in front as HMAS Rankin's Guard while in formation during the ceremony. (Date taken: 08 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8109430_053058 The Governor General of Australia, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC inspects the Guard. The Governor General is escorted by the Guard Commander Lieutenant McHugh, the Commanding Officer of HMAS Rankin, Commander Stanford, Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates and Commander Australian Navy Submarine Group Commodore Richard Shalders. (Date taken: 08 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8109430_053136 The Governor General of Australia, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC (right) presents the Gloucester Cup to the Commanding Officer of HMAS Rankin, Commander Phillip Stanford during Ceremonial Divisions held on the Quarterdeck at HMAS Stirling. (Date taken: 08 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8109430_053149 The Guard perform a royal salute to the Governor General of Australia, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC at Ceremonial Divisions. (Date taken: 08 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8109430_053171 The Commanding Officer of HMAS Rankin Commander Stanford (holding the Gloucester Cup) stands in front of the ship's company of HMAS Rankin upon completion of Ceremonial Divisions. (Date taken: 08 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8109430_053184 Upon completion of the ceremony, the Governor General of Australia, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC (second from left) stands with the Commanding Officer of HMAS Rankin Commander Stanford (holding Gloucester Cup) and also with the Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN (left) and Commander Australian Navy Submarine Group Commodore Richard Shalders, CSC, ADC, RAN (right). (Date taken: 08 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080408ran8295986_054061 His Excellency Major General P.M Jeffery, AC, CVO. MC (Rtd), Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, inspects the Gaurd. (Date taken: 08 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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