DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 036/10
Friday, 12 February 2010
HMAS Coonawarra is best establishment in Navy
HMAS Coonawarra personnel have been acknowledged for having the best Navy establishment
in the Nation in a presentation today by His Honour, Mr Tom Pauling AO QC, Administrator of
the Northern Territory.
His Honour awarded the historic solid-silver Governor’s Cup to the Commanding Officer of
Coonawarra, Commander Richard Donnelly, ADC, RAN during a traditional ceremony
involving the establishment’s Navy personnel. Commander Donnelly said on behalf of all in
Coonawarra, that they were honoured by the recognition.
Having recently assumed command, Commander Donnelly was quick to acknowledge the
exceptional efforts of his predecessor, Commander Ainsley Morthorpe, CSM, RAN and the ship’s
company of Coonawarra, in attaining the award. Commander Morthorpe was in attendance.
“Commander Morthorpe and his team worked tirelessly to maintain comprehensive support to
Navy’s fleet activities during a period of extremely high operational tempo for the Armidale
Class Patrol Boats,” Commander Donnelly said.
“Additionally, Coonawarra personnel have award winning occupational health and safety
achievements, making them worthy recipients of the Cup.”
Chair of Navy’s judging committee Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore,
AM, CSC, RAN praised all in Coonawarra, for being such positive representatives of Navy.
“The interaction between Coonawarra and the local community has been exceptional, with
Navy’s reputation all the better for the hard work and professional approach of Coonawarra’s
personnel,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.
His Honour, Mr Tom Pauling AO QC, took the opportunity of his visit to Coonawarra, to meet
many of the personnel whose teamwork underpinned the award.
The Governor’s Cup is a prestigious Navy award presented annually to the RAN Establishment or
Regional Headquarters judged the most proficient in administration, management, operation and
local stakeholder relationships.
The Cup itself was presented to the Navy's first Flagship, the battle cruiser HMAS Australia by
the Governor of Natal in 1913 when the ship visited South Africa on her delivery voyage to
Australia.
Media note: Imagery is available at:
Media Contact:
Defence Media Liaison:
(02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
Regional Manager Public Affairs – Ms Kelly Cooper:
(08) 8935 8491 or 0411 885 994
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