816 Squadron's Flight 4 and MH-60R helicopter 'Medusa' is embarked on the Anzac Class Frigate, HMAS Parramatta.

It proved to be a successful time for Parramatta, which was also awarded the coveted Duke of Gloucester's Cup for 2019, for her exemplary conduct in a year of deployments and the Spada Shield, which is presented to the surface unit that has excelled in all aspects of operations and warfare.

Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead presented the Cup to Parramatta's current and previous Commanding Officers, Commander Anita Nemarich and Captain Troy Van Tienhoven, on behalf of Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honourable David Hurley, AC, DSC.

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The Duke of Gloucester's Cup has been part of Royal Australian Navy tradition since 1946 and recognises the unit, squadron, clearance diving team or establishment that has displayed the highest overall level of skill in areas such as seamanship, training, administration, morale, maintenance and resourcefulness.

RADM Mead read a letter from the Governor-General to the ship's company, commending their achievement.

"By any measure HMAS Parramatta has had an outstanding year," the Governor-General's letter read.

"Throughout 2019, Parramatta demonstrated a consistently high level of proficiency in all activities. This is directly attributable to the expert seamanship of the ship's company.

"You are worthy recipients of the Royal Australian Navy's prestigious Duke of Gloucester's Cup."

RADM Mead commended the ship's company's efforts as in keeping with navy's highest order and in keeping with the highest traditions.

"Setting the benchmark for all fleet units, Parramatta's conduct in exercises and operations has been outstanding. Parramatta has demonstrated astute planning, superior reliability and proven operational excellence in every assigned task, both on the Australian station and across the Asia-Pacific," RADM Mead said.

"The RAN's reputation as a premier global partner and highly capable maritime force has been significantly enhanced through Parramatta's performance."

Commander Nemarich said being awarded the Gloucester Cup reflected the significant efforts of Parramatta's people over the past year.

"It's a lot easier to lead when you've got outstanding people. I could only do what I did during our most recent deployment because of the ship's company I had supporting our efforts and our mission," CMDR Nemarich said.

"I couldn't be more proud of them."

Parramatta recently returned to her home port in Sydney following a three month Asia deployment, sailing more than 24,000 nautical miles and working with partner navies in the region to strengthen interoperability.

The 118-metre long Anzac Class Frigate also deployed from January to May 2019 and again from September to December 2019 as part of a multi-ship Task Group.