Flying high…HMAS SUCCESS's flight crew with the Collins Trophy. Pictures; ABPH Phillip Hunt.

The achievements of the ship's company of HMAS SUCCESS (CAPT R. Crane) were warmly praised by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir William Deane, at the presentation of the Gloucester Cup at Fleet Base East this month.

Sir William made the presentation in the presence of the Maritime Commander, RADM John Lord, Commodore Flotillas, CDRE Jim Stapleton, and CAPT Crane.

The Gloucester Cup, instituted in 1947 by the late Duke of Gloucester when he was Governor-General of Australia, includes among its criteria the general and operational efficiency of the ship, seamanship and ship husbandry, supply and administration, training, morale and discipline, equipment and reliability, maintenance and resourcefulness.

In addition to the Cup the CDF Commendation for outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty as well as the Collins Trophy for the ship's flight crew displaying the greatest safety, efficiency and distinction were presented to LCDR David Moncrieff.

Sir William and HMAS SUCCESS CO, CAPT Crane, with the Governor's plaque and the coveted Gloucester Cup.

Bravery citations for their role in the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race rescue were made to LEUT David Hutchinson and LEUT Christopher Money.

"The Gloucester Cup honours a year of considerable achievement for HMAS SUCCESS," Sir William said.

"For you have, in addition to the Gloucester Cup, won the fleet award - the Collins Trophy - for aviation efficiency during a year which saw SUCCESS cover a wide spectrum of activities.

"In particular, let me make special mention of the contribution you made in providing logistic support for INTERFET operations in East Timor, including the Oecussi enclave, during September and October of last year.

"The standards you displayed then have been maintained throughout the year when working with an leading other naval units."

Sir William said SUCCESS has been an excellent ambassador for Australia while on deployments in South East Asia.

"And that role will continue. In the coming months when you sail for RIMPAC and during the latter half of the year when you participate in Exercise Flying Fish," he added.

"Those international exercises are very important for furthering regional development and stability and play an important part in maintaining our close relations with the countries involved."

This is the second time SUCCESS has been awarded the Cup. The ship's first award was in 1990.

By Jerzy Farynski