Singapore Navy

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
DPM Teo visits SAF task group in Gulf of Aden
- Operation Blue Sapphire II


On 31 Aug 2010, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean visited the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) task group deployed in the Gulf of Aden for international counter-piracy operations at sea (See Navy News for more details of Operation Blue Sapphire). He was accompanied by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Chew Men Leong and other senior SAF officers.



During the visit on board the Republic of Singapore Navy's Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Endurance, Mr Teo was briefed on the task group's operations and observed a drill by the task group when activated to respond to a pirate attack on a merchant vessel. Mr Teo also interacted with the men and women of the SAF task group, who shared with him their operational experiences during their two months of deployment. Speaking to the media after his visit, Mr Teo emphasised the important role that the SAF is playing as part of the multinational effort to safeguard shipping in the Gulf of Aden. Mr Teo said, "Our guys are out here contributing to an international mission, they are 3,000 miles away from home, it looks like it is far away but it actually has a direct relevance to our security in Singapore."



The 221-strong SAF task group, consisting of personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force, was deployed in June this year, and operates under the ambit of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a multinational task force established in 2009 to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Comprising an LST with two Super Puma helicopters on board, the SAF task group has been conducting daily helicopter surveillance flights and sector patrols to deter and disrupt piracy activities. The SAF first deployed a task group, consisting of LST RSS Persistence with two Super Puma helicopters on board, to the Gulf of Aden from April to July last year. The SAF was also in command of CTF 151 from January to April this year.



Following this visit, Mr Teo will visit the Sultanate of Oman where he will call on His Highness Sayyid Fahd Bin Mahmoud Al-Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, His Excellency Sayyid Badr Bin Saud Al-Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs and other Omani Ministers.
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #2
Operation Surya Bhaskara Jaya (jointly conducted with the TNI AL)

Members of the RSN surgical team performing a hernia surgery on an Ambon resident on board RSS Endeavour. LTC (DR) (NS) Lee Chun Yue, a Senior Consultant and the Chief of the Emergency Department at Alexandra Hospital played a key role in raising the bar of the SAF’s maritime surgical capability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, Operations Other than War, Peace Support Operations, wartime operations and socio-civic missions. He fondly recalled: “From providing medical and dental care, to performing care for chronic illnesses and emergency surgeries, to ferrying patients to and from the ship, I think we did almost everything. This is testament to the high standards of the RSN’s maritime surgical capability.”



From 26 July 2010 to 3 August 2010, RSS Endeavour visited to Ambon, Indonesia for a socio-civic programme. About 200 RSN personnel joined the TNI AL and provided social assistance, primary health and dental care for 2,000 Ambon residents (and conducting more than 100 surgeries both on-shore and on-board the ship). As part of the programme, a RSN surgical team also treated patients on board the RSN's Landing Ship Tank RSS Endeavour and on shore.

Indonesian Defence Minister Dr Purnomo Yusgiantoro being briefed by Major (Dr) (NS) Nelson Chua (left) and Chief Navy Medical Officer Colonel Kang Wee Lee (right) on how surgeries are performed on board RSS Endeavour.


The Endurance Class are flexible ships that have been tasked to deliver aid after a Tsunami, hunt pirates and as well as serving as floating surgical theaters on missions - making Singapore, as a country, look like a contributing member of the UN and ASEAN.
 
Last edited:

Chino

Defense Professional
Verified Defense Pro
Very interesting.

Gatling gun!

And M4a1 on as opposed to SAR21!
 

t68

Well-Known Member
nice video.
looking forward to us Aussies getting their hands on their LHD in a few years time.
found this about Wallaby 09

[nomedia]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNwjpIAoRco&feature=related[/nomedia]

not navy but still interesting,

PS
So is Khai Yan :D
 

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #6
NATO Warship, USS KAUFFMAN Disrupts Pirates in Gulf of Aden


18 September 2010 -- A helicopter from NATO warship USS KAUFFMAN located a suspicious skiff with five suspected pirates on board. USS KAUFFMAN is operating as part of NATO’s maritime counter-piracy task force in the Gulf of Aden. As USS KAUFFMAN closed to investigate the skiff, the nearby helicopter of coalition warship ENDURANCE from the Singapore Navy, operating with Combined Task Force 151, also closed to support.

“The level of cooperation between navies is exceptional,” said Commander Dale W. Maxey, Commanding Officer aboard USS KAUFFMAN. “We may represent different nations but we all have the same goal in mind - to deter piracy in the area.”

As both helicopters approached, the pirates threw a long ladder, which they use to scale innocent merchant ships, in to the sea, together with other pirate related items. As soon as she was close enough, USS KAUFFMAN sent her boarding team to search the skiff, and so ensure the suspected pirates could no longer pose a threat to shipping.

[h/t to Eaglespeak from blogging about this incident and drawing it to my attention]
RSAF's role in Operation Blue Sapphire

"It is important for the RSAF and SAF to continue to support these missions so that Singapore can make a meaningful contribution to the counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden. There were also operational benefits for our crew to conduct such joint task group operations. The deterrence impact was immediately felt, and there was no attacks in the TG’s assigned sector during its tour of duty."
LTC Lim Kok Kheng, CO 126 SQN​

"Operating at high sea state and low light illumination were some challenges that the detachment faced in theater which could not be replicated in our training back in Singapore. It was a great learning experience and it enriched me greatly, both professionally and personally."
MAJ Willy Lee, DY CO 125 SQN​

"The synergy between Services was good. Through the joint planning between pilot and our naval counterparts, we were able to streamline the operations. Given the challenging circumstances we operated in, the outstanding inter-Service working relations helped us overcome some of the challenges."
CPT Lum Kok Siong, Pilot, 126 SQN​


8 Oct 2010 -- RSS Endurance returns from counter-piracy patrol from the Gulf of Aden, following a three-and-a-half month stint there. Since the establishment of multinational naval operations to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden in early 2009, the number of successful attacks in the area has declined. However, the piracy situation there continues to be a cause for concern. According to the UN, there had been 139 piracy related incidents off the coast of Somalia, with 30 ships hijacked, and 17 ships and 450 seafarers held for ransom in the first seven months of 2010.


This is the 2nd SAF task group to be deployed to the region and the SAF task group operates under the ambit of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a multinational task force established in 2009 to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.


As the sailors and airmen disembark from the RSS Endurance, they know that a third task group, comprising a landing ship tank with two Super Puma helicopters, will be deployed to the region in the second half of 2011.


A RSN sailor holding his little girl before a Super Puma on the flight deck of RSS Endurance. Earlier, Mindef had announced it would deploy a Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft to the Gulf of Aden from December 2010 to February 2011.


The men and women of the 2nd SAF task group happy to be back home in Singapore with the knowledge that Singapore remains committed to the counter piracy efforts the Gulf of Aden.
Below, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, left, salutes Rear Adm. Bernard Miranda of Singapore, right, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the USS Hopper docked in Manama, Bahrain, as U.S. Vice. Adm. William Gortney, centre, watches. Miranda of Singapore, who took over from Sanders the rotating command of a multinational task force charged with maritime security in the volatile region, said disrupting piracy off the coast of Somalia would remain the task force's main focus.
Commending the SAF task group on its contributions, Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces, Commodore Tim Fraser said:
"I would like to convey my sincere thanks and admiration for the men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces Task Group for playing a significant role in the operations. In the conduct of their missions, they have demonstrated the professionalism and commitment that we have all come to expect and respect from the SAF."​

Below, RADM Bernard Miranda (right) witnessing the change of command between incoming Commanding Officer CDR William R. Daly (left) and outgoing Commanding Officer CDR Philip E. Sobeck (centre).


21 Apr 2010 -- Flagship of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, USS Farragut, conducted a change of command ceremony on 20th April, which saw the incoming commanding officer CDR William R. Daly taking over the helms from CDR Philip E. Sobeck. The short, but significant, ceremony was presided by RADM Bernard Miranda, Commander Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151).

The CTF 151 command team had been operating onboard the flagship USS Farragut since 25 Jan 10. Reflecting on the time spent onboard USS Farragut, RADM Miranda said, "CDR Philip, together with his officers and crew, had been most supportive and accommodating to the CTF 151 staff. I deeply appreciate his support, friendship and unwavering dedication.

April 17, 2010 - Singapore navy Rear Adm. Bernard Miranda, outgoing commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, talks to the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99). Farragut served as CTF-151 flagship during his tenure. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

From January to April 2010, Rear Adm. Bernard Miranda, Republic of Singapore Navy, served as commander of CTF-151.
Beyond the deployment of a 3rd task group and a Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft, later this year and in the next year, the SAF had also accepted an invitation to command CTF 151 for the second time from Mar to Jun 2011.
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #7
Overseas Service Medal Presentation Ceremony for Operation Blue Sapphire II


Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Teo Chee Hean presenting the Overseas Service Medal in recognition of the contributions of the men and women sent to participate in the international counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden (GoA). The recipients included 300 servicemen who were part of an SAF task group that had just returned from the GoA, and two officers who served as part of the CTF 151 command team, led by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), from Apr to Sep this year.









--> Below more picture taking with friends and family of members of the 2nd SAF task group that has just returned from the Gulf of Aden.















Mindef video providing an overview of the Endurance Class:
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noLgjADodfM"]Size Matters - The Navy's Landing Ship Tanks (Defence Watch Nov 09) - YouTube[/nomedia].
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #8
Singapore Navy Launches Second Archer-Class Submarine, RSS Swordsman.


20 October 2010 - Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, officiated at the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Archer-class submarine RSS Swordsman at the Kockums Shipyard in Karlskrona, Sweden, today. The submarine was launched by Mrs Ivy Ng, wife of Dr Ng. Below, Mrs Ng launching the RSS Swordsman together with (from left) Swedish Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors, Kockums AB chief executive Ola Alfredsson, Dr Ng and Chief of Staff (Naval Staff) Rear-Admiral Tan Wee Beng.


The launch of RSS Swordsman reflects the deep strong defence partnership cooperation and longstanding friendship between Singapore and Sweden. Both countries share a close defence relationship founded on many shared interests, which stretches back to the 1970s. Bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Sweden also extend to the realm of defence science and technology. Singapore's DSO National Laboratories and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have good working relationships with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, the Swedish Defence Research Agency and Kockums.

Kockums said:
Kockums launches submarine for Singapore Navy

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - RSS Swordsman was launched today with pomp and circumstance. The submarine is the second in the Northern Light project under which two Västergötland class submarines, previously owned by the Swedish Navy, have been rebuilt, life-extended and modernised. The Singapore Navy is therefore receiving the very latest in submarine technology, including world-class stealth technology. Training of the crew is co-ordinated with the Swedish Navy at the naval base in Karlskrona...


General characteristics*

Displacement:
Surfaced.......: 1,400 tons
Submerged...: 1,500 tons

Complement..: 28
Length...........: 60.5 m
Beam.............: 6.1 m
Draft..............: 5.6 m

Propulsion: 2× Hedemora diesel-electric engines
.................. 2× Kockums Sterling AIP units

Torpedo Tubes: 6× 533 mm and 3× 400 mm tubes

Note*: Mindef's released info on the class, can be found here.
RSS Swordsman (ex-HMS Västergötland) is the sister ship of RSS Archer (ex-HMS Hälsingland), which is undergoing sea trials at the moment. Below a pix of RSN submariners hard at work training with their experienced Swedish counterparts in the cold and windy Baltic region.



The Commanding Officer of RSS Swordsman, LTC Loh Mun Heng and his crew arrived in Sweden in 2008 and had successfully qualified for their appointments when they were awarded the Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN) 'Shark' Insignia on 3 December 2009. Speaking on the crew's graduation on December 2009, Commander 1st Submarine Flotilla RSwN CAPT(N) Jonas Haggren said to the crew:

"This is a very special insignia. It is worn by Submariners all over the world. It is a sign of qualities and experience showing that this individual is a qualified Submariner.​

LTC Loh Mun Heng said:

"Like RSS Archer, RSS Swordsman brings with it technology that improves and challenges the air-surface warfare capabilities, improving the RSN's fleet and providing better options in the field."​

Military Expert (ME)1 Nagarajan s/o Muthusamy, Underwater Weapons Operator, attributed it to his Swedish counterparts going the extra mile over the course of two years of training, resulting in a positive bond forged between the Singaporean and Swedish Navy. He said:

"The Swedes bring our working relations past office hours, if I need help with anything, I can call them at any time. They are also very patient, always willing to teach us again and again without getting irritated. Even away from work, we spend time together enjoying leisure activities such as fishing or floorball."​

With the launch of the RSS Swordsman, the submarine crew has come away not only prepared for the challenges ahead, but also with a healthy respect for, as well as a strong rapport with, their Swedish counterparts.
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #9
According to David Boey's blog, the Archer-class submarines follows the naming convention for the RSN's Challenger-Class submarines, which were also named after a class of 12 Swift-class Coastal Patrol Craft (CPC) launched in the 1980s.

By way of background, Singapore's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with Kockums for the supply of two Archer class (formerly Västergötland class) submarines to the Singapore Navy on 4 November 2005. More than 20 years old and previously in reserve with the RSwN. These two submarines have been rebuilt, life-extended and modernised.

As part of the modernisation, the two submarines have also been lengthened by inserting a a 12 m hull plug which contains a Stirling air-independent propulsion (AIP) system (with two Stirling-cycle units in the API system). The Archer-Class are powered by hybrid diesel-electric propulsion units, with the Stirling AIP system supplementing the conventional diesel-electric system. In each Archer-Class submarine, there are two adjunct, Stirling-cycle propulsion units (with approximately 75 kilowatts of power each) that burn liquid oxygen and diesel fuel to generate electricity for either propulsion or charging batteries.

According to Jane's each of two Archer-Class submarines received a Stirling Mk 3 AIP system, a pressurised diver's lock-out chamber in the sail, and a new climate control system. The combat and sensor systems have also been modernised, and France's DCNS is believed to have supplied weapon control and tactical data modules from its SUBTICS combat system. Other upgrades include new Thales flank array sonar equipment, new Kollmorgen periscopes and the integration of the WASS Black Shark heavyweight torpedo.

AIP is only a tool and is only a function of the 'indiscretion rate' of the sub, given it's mission profile. Keep in mind that an AIP is a secondary or auxillary system. Therefore AIP does not replace the sub's generators or batteries and carries inherent limitations. Traditionally, the need to run the diesel engines to recharge the batteries has historically been an Achilles heel of diesel-electric submarines, as is the case in the Singapore Navy's older Challenger-Class submarines. When these submarines run their diesel engines, they need to raise a 'snorkel' (or ‘snorting’) to allow the intake of air and the expulsion of exhaust. When diesel-electric submarines are snorting, they are more vulnerable to detection from a variety of sources. In fact, any protrusion above the surface, be it a periscope, snorkel or antenna, can make the submarine more vulnerable to detection. The proportion of the time that a submarine has a snorkel above the water is called the ‘indiscretion rate’. Since diesel-electric submarines have to recharge their batteries at intervals, they have a certain indiscretion rate forced upon them. When compared to the Challenger-Class, the submerged endurance of the Archer-Class is increased from days to weeks. Therefore the Stirling AIP system installed increases the tactical flexibility of the Archer-Class submarines by reducing their indiscretion rate.

For more information on types of AIP systems see Dr. Edward C. Whitman's 2001 article titled, 'AIR-INDEPENDENT PROPULSION: AIP Technology Creates a New Undersea Threat'.

Below pictures of AIP units from Kockums:

It is the AIP system that gives the Archer-Class improved submerged endurance as compared to the Challenger-Class (which are NOT AIP equipped). This means the Archer-Class submarines need a climate control system and air renewal system to ensure high overall performance of the submarine and its crew. A distributed climate control system with optimized ventilation rates that gives low hotel load, decreased noise, and smaller installed volume was installed. This systems also allows the crew to set different temperatures for individual compartments. Unique onboard measurements are designed to yield excellent air quality during extended submerged operation.

On 13 April 2009, Kockums and Singapore-based shipbuilder ST Marine signed a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture company to provide technical and maintenance support for Singapore Navy's submarine flotilla.

The Singapore navy currently operates 4 Challenger-Class submarines (ex-Sjöbjörnen Class), which were also acquired from the RSwN and shown in the above picture. The names of the 4 Challenger-Class submarines are as follows: RSS Challenger, RSS Conqueror, RSS Centurion and RSS Chieftain.

Open source information have suggested that even the older Challenger-Class submarines are amongst the most sophisticated in South East Asia. This is because these submarines are using an export version of Australian localised signature management suite developed for the Collins-Class and also fitted with some Israeli sensors. Some of the technology exported for the Challenger-Class had previously only been put on nuclear powered submarines and Singapore is the second conventional owner to get the export version of the technology.

General characteristics*

Displacement:
Submerged...: 1,200 tons

Complement..: 28
Length...........: 51 m
Beam.............: 6.1 m
Draft..............: 5.6 m

Propulsion: 1 shaft 2× Pielstick diesel
.................. 1× ASEA electric motor

Torpedo Tubes: 4× 533 mm and 2× 400 mm tubes

Note*: General Characteristics cited in wiki are different from Mindef's released info on the class.
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #10
(From left) CPT Yeo and LTC Song were part of the F-50 MPA detachment, while RADM Chan and ME4 Dhillon were part of the CTF 151 Command team. Master Sergeant Edmund Louis Nathan, an air crew specialist on board the F-50 MPA, also received the Overseas Service Medal.


Mindef: 19 Aug 2011 - 101 servicemen recognised for counter-piracy efforts overseas in Operation Blue Sapphire

MAJ Ian Lin, who was responsible for planning and allocating patrol sectors for the warships in the International Recognised Transit Corridor (IRTC), had this to share, “In the early morning, all the units [in CTF 151] will highlight their constraints for the next few days. I will then try to de-conflict these requests. It is a recurring process, and it can be a little challenging, especially when dealing with many different nations and cultures.” Commander CTF-151, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Harris Chan also visited some of the warships operating in the theatre – the Chinese warship PLAN WENZHOU, the Japanese warship JDS SAZANAMI and the Indonesian warship KRI ABDUL HALIM PERDANA-KUSUMA, all of which deployed under their own national taskings.


Led by Rear-Admiral (RADM) Harris Chan, Singaporean and international naval officers working together as part of the CTF 151 command team, in an operations brief on USS Mason. Mayor Laut (P) Dickry Rizanny N from the Indonesian Navy and Major (L) Mohammad Bahrin bin Md Yusof from the Royal Brunei Navy were two of seven International Officers (IOs) working with the SAF Command Team.

Q: What is your role in CTF 151?
Mayor Dickry: I worked within the Plans and Intelligence cells. I was responsible for force readiness in the Plans cell and I was an analyst compiling a Daily Press Summary (from open sources).

Major Bahrin: I am worked in the Plans cell as a Future Operations Officer.

Q: What do you do on a typical day?

Mayor Dickry: I actively interacted with the teams in the cells I work in. I was happy to work with the RSN and the other IOs, especially in the operation to combat piracy in Somalia – the biggest problem now for naval forces and shipping in the Gulf of Aden.

Major Bahrin: In a multi-national environment, I was fortunate to have experienced many different cultures and ways of life. Personally, I had a great time while staying on board and I was able to work with people from a myriad of cultural backgrounds. The food was good, which added to the experience.

Q: What have you learnt in your time with CTF 151?

Mayor Dickry: It was my first time working under CTF 151, so I had many new things to learn, especially on board the command ship [USS MASON]. For example, how to manage units, allocate sectors to them, and coordinate and communicate with others. Those were important skills for me. This deployment was, indeed, valuable and precious for me.

Major Bahrin: Actually I gained a lot of experience... especially since that was my first time working in a real operation and in theatre! What I could see was that many factors needed to be considered when making decisions at that level, and that can be only achieved by understanding the perspectives of different people and institutions at all levels of command.

The RSAF F-50 MPA detachment. As CPT Eugene Yeo, one of the tactical coordinators, noted there were new techniques that they had to pick up quickly, one of which was in-flight photo analysis. He said: “We need to be able to recognise... [and] search for these tripwires (tell-tale signs of piracy) on the contacts from the photos, and this was not what we were used to doing back in Singapore.”
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #11
Mindef: 22 Aug 2011 - Third SAF Task Group Sails for Gulf of Aden


RADM Ng presenting the Singapore flag to the commander of the SAF task group, SLTC Richard Lim.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFZuX7-Rd2c&feature=player_profilepage#t=4s"]MINDEF News Third SAF Task Group Sails for Gulf of Aden 22 Aug 11 - YouTube[/nomedia]


Typically, the 229-strong SAF task group on RSS Endeavour (a Endurance class vessel) will spend about 68 days on patrol and generate about 80 sorties in that time frame in one counter piracy deployment. The two Super Pumas provide a proven capability to disrupt pirate attacks and will generate about 1.18 sorties per day in their sector patrols. The Super Pumas are important to the counter-piracy efforts due to their speed of response and on 18 Sep 2010 a Super Puma deployed from the RSS Endurance was able to scramble and provide timely assistance to USS Kauffman in stopping a pirate attack.

CFT-151:- Counter-piracy website
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #12
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the United States Navy (USN) are participating in the 17th Singapore-US Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise from 15 to 29 August 2011. This year, the SAF is participating with four ships, a submarine and 16 aircraft. The USN is participating with three ships, two naval helicopters and two maritime patrol aircraft. A total of 1400 personnel from both countries are involved in this year's exercise.


USN Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force 5th/7th Fleet Rear-Admiral Sean Buck speaking at the opening ceremony of Exercise CARAT on 15 August 2011, along with RSN Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han.


SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 23, 2011) The Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Supreme (FFG 73), front, leads the guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), the Republic of Singapore Navy corvette RSS Vigour (FFG 92), and RSS Stalwart (FFG 72) in a formation. The ships are participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Ryan Smith/Released)


SINGAPORE (August 16, 2011) Lt. Adam Walker, with Commander, Task Group 73.1, and Republic of Singapore Navy Maj. Willie Ong discuss the exercise’s upcoming at-sea phase during a mission oriented exercise planning session. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Olay/Released)


SINGAPORE (Aug. 17, 2011) U.S. Navy helicopter pilots from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 37 Detachment 4 discuss landing equipment with Republic of Singapore sailor, Military Expert 5 Wee Tiong Teo while touring the flight deck of RSS Supreme during training for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2011. CARAT 2011 is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Lily Daniels/ Released)


SINGAPORE (Aug. 18, 2011) Tactical Coordinator for Squadron 121, Capt. Zix Toh, left, Squadron 121 Pilot Capt. Kleven Wong, middle and CTF-72 Task Group Watch Officer Lt. Mike Winters, right, share a laugh during an airspace coordination meeting for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2011. CARAT 2011 is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katerine Noll/Released)
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #13

SINGAPORE (August 24, 2011) Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Wellmon of Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific clears his weapon prior to the start of a visit, board, search and seizure exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Olay/Released)


SINGAPORE (August 19, 2011) A Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific Marine searches a Republic of Singapore Soldier who is playing the part of an armed militant during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Olay/Released)


SINGAPORE (August 23, 2011) A Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific Marine carries a Republic of Singapore Soldier posing as a casualty during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Olay/Released)


SINGAPORE (August 23, 2011) A boarding team composed of Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific Marines, Singapore Police Coast Guard members, and members of the Republic of Singapore Army and Navy prepare to enter a ship simulator at the beginning of a visit, board, search and seizure exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Olay/Released)


SINGAPORE (Aug. 19, 2011) Commander, Task Group 73.1 Capt. David Welch, left, receives a tour of a boarding and search trainer at the Singapore Police Coast Guard Brani Base. The training facility is being used by Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company Pacific and Republic of Singapore personnel from Accompanying Sea Security Team for Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2011. CARAT 2011 is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Lily Daniels/Released)


SINGAPORE (Aug. 19, 2011) Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Russell Short, 2nd from right, gives a tour of the medical department aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) to Sailors stationed at Commander Logistics Group Western Pacific, U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Fleet Surgical Team 7 and Republic of Singapore Navy sailors and Air Force members for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2011. CARAT 2011 is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katerine Noll/Released)
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #14
Upgraded RSN ship scores a hit in missile firing during Ex CARAT


The RSN upgraded missile corvette RSS Valiant firing the Barak anti-missile missile against an air drone target simulating a missile attack on the ship.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIoAX2hnndE&feature=player_profilepage#t=23s"]MINDEF News RSN Conducts Successful Missile Firing 23 Aug 11 - YouTube[/nomedia].


(L-R) Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Minister of State for Defence and Education Lawrence Wong and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Ng Chee Peng observing the successful live-firing.
 

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #15
First Archer-Class Submarine Returns to Singapore



Swedish video on the launch of RSS Archer.


[h/t to spiderweb6969]

The sister ship of RSS Swordsman, RSS Archer, which was launched on 16 Jun 2009, is expected to return to Singapore at the end of 2010.


Sonar operators act as the eyes and ears of the submarine in detecting and classifying contacts.


LTC Jack Nyeo, RSS Archer's commanding officer, checking the situation on the surface with the periscope while training in a Swedish submarine.


With nine torpedo tubes compared with four in the Challenger-class submarine, the Archer-class boats are better equipped to defend Singapore.


Torpedo Specialist SSG Victor Ong loading a torpedo into one of the torpedo tubes.


For more info, read the cyberpioneer story on the Archer Class.
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #16
RSS Endurance (207):- commissioned 18 March 2000, is the first Singapore navy ship to circumnavigate the globe and participated in the 6th US Navy International Naval Review in New York City. She is a lead ship of a class of four, for the Singapore Navy, that has a little story to tell. In October 2003, RSS Endurance deployed to the Northern Arabian Gulf under Operation Blue Orchid (in support of coalition efforts in Iraq). From 2003-2008, the Singapore Navy dispatched a total of five task groups to that area of operations to conduct a range of activities from oil platform protection at the sharp end, to training the Iraqi Navy and rendering medical aid to local communities (see link). A total of 998 SAF personnel served in these operations in support of the rebuilding of Iraq.

On 31 December 2004 and in a race against time, RSS Endurance sailed to Aceh in Indonesia to deliver emergency supplies and medical personnel to aid in the relief efforts under Operation Flying Eagle (see link). RSS Endurance set sail from Singapore with:-

(i) 470 people (including a field hospital);
(ii) 51 vehicles and heavy equipment; and
(iii) 350 pallets and crates of relief supplies.​



On 2 January 2005, she was the first ship to reach Meulaboh (150 km from the epicentre of the earthquake), to render aid to a coastal town of 40,000 that was devastated by the Tsunami, with 1 in 4 residents of the town killed. As Col Geerhan Lantara, TNI Commander in Meulaboh said:-

"When your people arrived, it lifted our spirits. We knew that we were no longer alone."​

On 6 January 2005, RSS Persistence, her sister-ship arrived with more aid supplies. And on the 16 January 2005, RSS Endeavour arrived carrying more supplies and NGO aid workers. At its peak, over 1,500 SAF personnel were deployed in Operation Flying Eagle. With RSS Resolution deployed in the Northern Arabian Gulf in support of coalition efforts in Iraq, at that moment, all four of Singapore's Endurance class vessels were deployed on active operations overseas.



On 12 February 2009, the then Minister of Defence Teo Chee Hean announced that RSS Persistence would join other naval forces off the coast of Somalia for three months in 2009. And thereafter, from June to October 2010, RSS Endurance deployed under command of the Combined Task Force 151 to protect shipping in the Gulf of Aden under Operation Blue Sapphire (see link). In the period that CTF 151 has stood-up, the Singapore navy's Rear Admiral Bernard Miranda and Rear Admiral Harris Chan have taken command of the task group at various times. On 30th June 2011, RADM Chan handed over command of CTF 151 to the Royal New Zealand Navy's Captain (CAPT) Jim Gilmour.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX3xCX11n-M"]MINDEF News Singapore Completes Second Command of Multinational Counter Piracy Task Force 30 Jun 11 - YouTube[/nomedia]


Beyond previously deploying martitime patrol aircraft to the region, on 22 August 2011, the Singapore Navy deployed a third task group (RSS Endevour) in support of CTF 151.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFZuX7-Rd2c"]MINDEF News Third SAF Task Group Sails for Gulf of Aden 22 Aug 11 - YouTube[/nomedia]




At the Overseas Service Medal Presentation Ceremony on the return of RSS Endurance from the counter-piracy mission, the then Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean said:

"I would like to commend all of you for your professionalism, dedication and hard work. Of the 310 SAF personnel who served on board RSS Endurance, 92 have served in multiple missions. Some such as ME2 Lui Jian Fong, a Naval Warfare Systems Engineer, have been on five deployments to Iraq and the Gulf of Aden. Thirteen full-time National Servicemen volunteered for this deployment. Three of them - CPL Leow Guo Long, CPL Jeremy Lim and CPL Awyong Wen Han - extended their national service to participate in the mission. Your deep personal commitment to duty reflects a strong ethos of service to the SAF and Singapore."​

 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #17
The RSS Formidable (68) is the lead ship of a class of 6 and are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy’s La Fayette class frigate.


The S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter is organic to the Formidable class.


[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8rrxjIjHlQ"]Go Beyond Horizons - YouTube[/nomedia]


Above is the Singapore Navy's latest TV ad, which showcases a spectrum of capabilities and the people who form the backbone of Singapore's Navy. Beyond defending Singapore's maritime security, our Navy contributes actively to the international community, in humanitarian disaster assistance relief operations as well as international counter-piracy operations.

 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #18

17 Oct 2011 - The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) was first invited by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) to join the Surya Bhaskara Jaya (SBJ), humanitarian assistance programme in 1997. From 11 Oct to 17 Oct 2011 in Pulau Belitung, Indonesia, the TNI AL and RSN took part in SBJ. About 200 RSN personnel joined the TNI AL to provide social assistance, primary health and dental care to the residents of the island.


Members of the RSN's surgical team performing a surgery on a Pulau Belitung resident on board RSS Endurance. As part of the programme, surgeries were performed on board the RSN's RSS Endurance and the TNI AL's hospital ship, KRI Suharso.
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #19
CTF-151 SHIP RSS ENDEAVOUR DISRUPTS MULTIPLE PIRACY ATTEMPTS

RSS Endeavour from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and two embarked Super Puma helicopters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), disrupted two separate attacks by suspected pirates on merchant vessels that were transiting through the Arabian Sea, south of Oman, on 1 Nov 2011. After the pirates have boarded the mothership dhow, the abandoned skiff is destroyed to prevent its use in further piracy-related activities.


RSS Endeavour was patrolling east of the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Arabian Sea, when it responded to a call which the CTF 151 flagship USS Anzio had received from merchant vessel MV BW Broker, that it was being chased by a suspicious skiff... Less than two hours later, RSS Endeavour was contacted by another merchant ship, MV Elka Athina, in the vicinity. The vessel was being approached at high speed by a skiff with five people carrying weapons. RSS Endeavour launched a helicopter again to investigate.

The helicopter later located the suspicious pirate skiff which was heading towards the dhow, Shu'ai 3. CTF 151 had previously identified Shu'ai 3 as a pirate mothership associated with other attempted piracy activities... The helicopter continued to shadow the skiff as RSS Endeavour closed in on both the skiff and the dhow. The suspected pirates aboard the skiff surrendered. As the helicopter approached the mothership dhow, a large bag, suspected of containing pirate paraphernalia, was thrown overboard from the pirate dhow... The suspected pirates complied with orders to board the dhow which was to return to Somalia, while their skiff would be destroyed so that it could not be used further for piracy activities. When the men were aboard the dhow, the RSAF helicopter was directed to fire at the abandoned skiff to sink it...
 
Last edited:

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #20


To congratulate the 229 men and women of the SAF Task Group serving aboard RSS Endeavour for a job well done, please go to www.seaofsupport.sg and post a message there for them.


Below, servicemen from the SAF task group showing Mr Lawrence Wong and Rear Admiral Ng Chee Peng (Chief of Navy) how they remotely operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle from the bridge of RSS Endeavour to conduct surveillance.


"Your actions will ultimately contribute to the safety, security and sovereignty of Singapore, and that's a high calling and a meaningful task... Be assured that all of us in Singapore recognise your efforts and contributions, and we'll continue to cheer you on and be proud of all that you do in the SAF."
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z0aXV_EC3Y&feature=related"]Integrated - RSN vignette - YouTube[/nomedia]




"I took my first steps on Pedra Branca yesterday, as part of a visit and update on the operational capabilities of our Navy. This island of Singapore, about 140m long and situated about 24 nautical miles away, commands the eastern-most approach to the Straits of Singapore.

...

How many before me have spent many lonely nights here to ensure the safety of others? This tradition still carries on and even today, Singaporeans do their duty on the island faithfully. But of course, we have updated the technology on Pedra Banca to better monitor the heavy maritime traffic that passes through our channels - nearly 1,000 ships everyday!"


Below, March 2010 News Reports on Warning Of Terror Attack
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVMOY08Wu0o&feature=related"]Singapore Navy Issue Warning Of Terror Attack - YouTube[/nomedia]
 
Last edited:
Top