 Fiske, in his speech of acceptance, referred in eloquent terms motive which prompted the giving of the Spokane Trophy cup and of the great benefit that would ultimately result in the future efficiency of naval gunnery, and said that was a standing cause for wonder and surprise to the entire Navy that the inland city of Spokane should be the first to do honor to the men behind the gun and thus create that pride in individual effort and in the efficiency of general service that must and would build a greater Navy…
The pomp and ceremony that followed the trophy through its first award presentation, resulted in some playful animosity from the officers and crew of the , of which the commanding officer, Austin M. Knight, was present