Aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal has emerged as the best of a strong field of candidates for the coveted 2003 Desmond Wettern Fleet Award.

The award is presented annually to the Royal Navy ship, squadron or Royal Marines unit that is judged to have done most to project a positive image of the Senior Service.

The year in question – up to June 30, 2003 – was a difficult one for the judges to decide on, as there was a “high operational tempo”, including the conflict in Iraq, which involved many ships, squadrons and units in a variety of tasks.

But the Ark was deemed to be a clear winner, for four main reasons:
• Staging substantial press conferences on board before her departure from Portsmouth and on her return from the Iraq conflict;
• Handling a broad range of media during operations in the Gulf;
• Providing the engineering support required at short notice to provide live satellite links for the various media organisations;
• The accommodating approach to a documentary crew from Shine TV who were filming on board the carrier during a very busy period.

45 Commando Royal Marines, landing ship logistic RFA Sir Galahad – the first ship to reach the port of Um Qasr with humanitarian supplies after the fighting had died down – Type 23 frigate HMS Grafton and Sandown-class minehunter HMS Grimsby were all highly-commended for their entries, which the judges felt had “clearly demonstrated their strong, proactive and very successful media management which made them close runners up.”

Desmond Wettern was a distinguished naval writer and the last Naval Correspondent in Fleet Street, and this annual award ensures the memory of a long-time Navy supporter is perpetuated.

The presentation of the award will be made on board the carrier later this month, with Desmond’s widow Gillian in attendance.