Last week, the Submarine Force Element Group held its Annual Forum at which our President, RADM Peter Briggs, gave an update of the SIA's activities and made the inaugural presentation of the SIA Award for Engineering Excellence to Lieutenant Craig Johnstone RAN of HMAS RANKIN. This award, sponsored by MacTaggart Scott and Company Limited, is made to the submarine Engineer Officer judged by the SMFEG commander to have displayed outstanding leadership and engineering excellence whilst serving as the Head of Department in a seagoing submarine. A drawing of the medal is attached. In recognition of its long and enduring relationship with RAN submarines (dating back from the 'J' boats of the 1920's to today's Collins class), MacTaggart Scott has entered into a ten year agreement with the SIA to be recognised as the sponsor of this important award. The SIA congratulates Lieutenant Johnstone on his outstanding performance and thanks MacTaggart Scott for its sponsorship of this fine award. An Honour Board is being constructed and will be mounted in a suitable position in the New Year with Lieutenant Johnstone's name at the top of the list.
