NORFOLK, Va. – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and her crew have been introduced the Battenberg Cup throughout a ceremony held aboard the ship at BAE Programs Ship Restore Norfolk, Aug. 5.
Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, introduced the award to Retail Specialist Second Class Petty Officer Jonathon Williams, the longest serving Sailor on Mitscher, who accepted on behalf of the crew.
The Battenberg Cup has been awarded yearly since 1977 to the ship or submarine chosen by the fleet commander as the most effective all-around within the Atlantic Fleet, primarily based on accumulation of crew achievements.
“I’m deeply honored and proud to current the Battenberg Cup to the crew of the USS Mitscher, who surely embody the spirit, tenacity, and toughness that this achievement calls for, “ Caudle mentioned. “At the moment is a tremendous day to be a Mitscherman and each crewmember can proudly declare that they have been integral in demonstrating the warfighting excellence this 115 yr outdated legacy calls for.”
In 2021 Mitscher accomplished a Board of Inspection and Survey evaluation following a 9 month deployment the place she served because the Built-in Air and Missile Protection Commander for the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Service Strike Teams. Whereas underway Mitscher supported Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Closing Countdown; and multi-service, multi-national workouts Neptune Phoenix and Nemesis Raptor.
“Your many accomplishments set your ship other than all of the others within the Atlantic Fleet,” mentioned Caudle. “If you find yourself a part of the best Navy on the planet, how does a ship distinguish itself? The USS Mitscher is aware of the key. Particularly, every crewmember commits to giving their finest every single day to their ship and the mission. It’s by way of a mix of steady enchancment, a drive for excellence, and unmatched esprit de corps that has led your ship to this celebration of greatness.”
Throughout the course of her deployment, Mitscher earned the International Conflict on Terrorism expeditionary and repair Medals and the Navy Unit Commendation Medal. Mitscher’s crew achievements, throughout all mission and warfare areas in 2021 embody; Battle “E”, Commander Naval Floor Forces “Inexperienced H” award, Golden Anchor award, Ship’s Retailer Retail and Service Excellence award, Commander Naval Floor Forces Atlantic Logistics Readiness Excellence Award, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 Unit Ways award, and was awarded 5 Command Excellence awards.
“I imply this with the utmost sincerity, it has been the spotlight of my profession to serve with the crew aboard the USS Mitscher. Each Mitscherman aboard wholly personifies our motto ’Seize the Day,’” mentioned Cmdr. Dominic Kramer, commanding officer, USS Mitscher. “Every member of this group comes able to seize every problem and alternative positioned in entrance of them and because of this we’re honored and humbled to be awarded the Battenberg Cup, a cup with a wealthy historical past similar to our ship and crew.”
Notably, Mitscher responded to 2 separate assaults on service provider vessels. Throughout the first, they supplied overwatch and facilitated the embarkation of an ordnance disposal group. The vessel concerned within the second incident was deserted by hostile forces upon Mitscher’s swift response stopping the seize of crew members.
Two different instructions have been nominated for the 2021 Battenberg Cup; USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).
The silver plated trophy was gifted to North Atlantic Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Robley D. Evans in 1905 by British Rear Adm. Prince Louis of Battenberg and requested that it function a problem cup between the boys of the North Atlantic Fleet in competitions of athletic stamina. Between 1905 and 1940 males within the North Atlantic Fleet competed in 52 rowing competitions for the cup.
USS West Virginia (BB 48) was the final ship to win the problem cup in a cutter race. The trophy sank in Pearl Harbor together with West Virginia through the bombings on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. After her resurrection West Virginia held the cup till her decommissioning in 1947 and was then housed at a number of totally different instructions and museums till 1978.
In 1978 the Battenberg Cup was reinstituted as a logo of extraordinary recognition inside the Atlantic Fleet.
