Small unit one of the big winners in Royal Navy surface fleet's annual awards
One of the smallest formations in the Royal Navy has emerged as one of its biggest winners after taking a team prize at the Surflot Excellence Awards.
Mission System Team 3 (MST3) came away with the Naval Capability Trophy.
As well as being one of the smallest units, MST3 also operates some of its smallest vessels, but has proved to be one of the most useful in paving the way for future operations.
More than 20 ships, units, teams and individuals were celebrated at the annual awards for their contributions to naval operations, security and effectiveness.
In addition to bragging rights with other ships and units, the title grants the winners permission to fly a blue and white pennant featuring two hippocampi, a type of mythical seahorse, and the symbol of the Surface Fleet.
MST3, which is known under the banner of Project Wilton, replaced existing minehunters with a combination of crewed, remotely operated and autonomous systems.
It has been in the vanguard of future mine warfare, demonstrating "unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and outstanding motivation" to not only enhance operational capability, but also reshape the Royal Navy's approach to this specialist branch of naval warfare.
The Royal Navy said: "Above all, the team have demonstrated not only that they can perform missions carried out by Sandown and Hunt-class mine countermeasures ships, but they can outperform their traditional counterparts."
Best capital ship
HMS Albion, known as the fleet's hardest working big ship, having spent nine months at sea out of the previous 12, was was awarded the "best capital ship" title – which was a fitting end to six years of intensive operations.
The assault ship's crew said they were delighted by the award.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, HMS Albion posted: "We're delighted to have been awarded the 'best capital ship’ title in this year's SURFLOT Excellence Awards.
"As the Fleet's 'hardest working' ship, it's recognition for the significant impact our sailors and Royal Marines have made in 2023."
HMS Duncan was hailed as the best destroyer for her work with allies in the Mediterranean which was especially notable with nearly half her ship's company on their first deployment.
The top frigate was HMS Portland, a vessel that was heavily in demand, but maintained a high rate of availability for operations in the North Atlantic and home waters, often for weeks at a time.
HMS Mersey shared the Jersey Trophy with HMS Tamar, the pair being named the best Batch 1 patrol ship and Batch 2 vessels respectively. HMS Tamar was singled out for having excelled during her Indo-Asia-Pacific mission, setting a benchmark for how navies operating in the region use similar patrol ships.
Commodore Paul Pitcher, Commander Surface Flotilla, said: "The Surflot Excellence Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the hard work and achievements of our people throughout the year."
Full list of winners:
Naval Capability Trophy: MST 3; Runner-up: HMS Prince of Wales Air and WE Depts.
Capital Ship Trophy: HMS Albion; Runners-up: HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales
Destroyer Trophy: HMS Duncan; Runner-up: HMS Dauntless
Frigate Trophy: HMS Portland; Runner-up: HMS Lancaster
Offshore Patrol Vessel Trophy (The Jersey Cup): Batch 1: HMS Mersey; Runner-up: HMS Severn; Batch 2: HMS Tamar; Runner-up: HMS Medway
Mine Countermeasures Trophy (The Jim Action Trophy): Winner: MTXG Crew 1; Runner-up: MCM2 Crew 6
Hydrographic and Meteorological Trophy: FHMU (Fleet Survey Team); Runner-up: HMS Protector
Inshore Patrol Vessel Trophy: HMS Raider; Runner-up: HMS Blazer
Above Water Warfare Trophy (Grytviken Cup): Dauntless; Runner-up: HMS Somerset
Under Water Warfare Trophy: HMS Northumberland; Runner-up: HMS Portland
Communications Trophy: HMS Northumberland; Runner-up: HMS Albion;
Electronic Warfare Trophy: HMS Kent; Runner-up: HMS Lancaster (both watches)
Fleet Diving Unit Trophy: Alpha Squadron; Runner-up: MCM2 Crew 5
Fleet Intelligence Trophy: Individual: Lance Corporal Frederick Jones RM (30 Cdo IX Gp) and LH Ryan Croxall of (MIXG); Unit: CSF N2; IX4OA (MIXG)
Maritime Signals Intelligence Trophy: Individual: Sgt Jack Norman RM (Fleet Information Operations Centre); Runner-up: CPO(CT) Lawrence Gibson (FIOC); Unit: Russia Maritime Team (FIOC); Runner-up: Maritime Information Exploitation Group (MIXG) Engineering Department
Seamanship Trophy: HMS Queen Elizabeth; Runner-up: HMS Prince of Wales
Engineering Trophy: HMS Northumberland; Runner-up: MCM2 Crew 6
Rulers of the Road Pennant: HMS Trent (98.1%); Runner-up: HMS Tyne (96.4%).
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