Singapore Navy

[OPSSG]

30 September 2012 -- Newly appointed Commander Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) Rear Admiral Oguz Karaman from the Turkish Navy conducted a successful cross-deck evolution to RSS Intrepid from Turkish frigate F-492 TCG Gemlik (this is the 4th time the Turkish navy has taken command of CTF-151).

Commander CTF 151 Rear Admiral Oguz Karaman from the Turkish Navy receives a plaque from Colonel Frederick Chew, the Senior Officer onboard RSS Intrepid during a cross-deck on 23 September 2012.

Commander Hendrick Warnar (second from right) from Netherlands and the Future Plans Officer from CTF 151 staff discusses force flow movements with Commander CTF 151 Rear Admiral Oguz Karaman from the Turkish Navy (centre right), Colonel Frederick Chew (centre left) Senior Officer in the RSS Intrepid as Commanding Officer RSS Intrepid Lieutenant Colonel Vince Tan (left) whilst personnel from both staffs look on.

 

[OPSSG]

RSS Stalwart is mid-way through RSN’s longest naval deployment this year and will return to Singapore in November 2012, having taken part in Exercise Kakadu and Singaroo in Australia and it will take part in Exercise Lion Zeal (from 15 to 18 Oct 2012).

Prime Minster, Lee Hsien Loong visits RSS Stalwart in Wellington, New Zealand. On the last stop of his official visit to New Zealand, he hosted New Zealand's Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman on board the RSS Stalwart, docked at Queens wharf, Wellington ahead of Exercise Lion Zeal. Beyond FPDA exercises (Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand) and the long standing defence ties between the countries, New Zealand also signed a Defence Cooperation Arrangement with Singapore in May 2009.

ME2 Shabin Michael (far right) briefing New Zealand Minister of Defence Dr Jonathan Coleman (left), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (2nd from left) being briefed on the operations of RSS Stalwart, in the presence of Singapore Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Ng Chee Peng (3rd from left).

"I think the navy is a very important part of our security. We are a trading nation. We have a port and we depend on the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC)... The navy helps us to safeguard the immediate security of Singapore and the approaches to Singapore. [It also] works with other navies in the region for the broader security of Singapore and the safety of South East Asia."

Lee Hsien Loong
Prime Minister
9 October 2012​

Exercise Lion Zeal (from 15 to 18 Oct 2012)

15 Oct 2012 -- RSN Commander 1st Flotilla, Colonel Giam Hock Koon (left) interacting with Captain RNZN Fleet Operational Support, Captain James Gilmour (right) at the opening ceremony of Exercise Lion Zeal. Established in 1999, Exercise Lion Zeal aims to enhance the interoperability and professionalism of both navies. This year’s exercise is hosted by the RNZN and the participants include RSS Stalwart, an RSN Formidable-class frigate; HMNZS Te Kaha, an RNZN ANZAC-class frigate; and HMNZS Endeavour, an RNZN replenishment tanker.

 

[OPSSG]

Fifty ships and aircraft from Japan, Australia, the United States and Singapore participated in Japan's Fleet Review at Sagami Bay, 40 kilometres south-west of Tokyo. The Review included an impressive display of a vast range of maritime tactics including submarine manoeuvres surface ship movements, gun salutes and aircraft evolutions. Japan’s Fleet Review began in 1868 when the Imperial Navy welcomed His Majesty Emperor Meiji off Tempozan, Osaka. The review has been conducted every three years since 1957.

15 October 2012 -- RSS Persistence and USS Shiloh form up behind HMAS Sydney to make up the Celebratory Cruise Unit for the Japanese Self Defence Force International Fleet Review. Pix and story taken from the ADF website.

 

[OPSSG]

30 January 2013 – ST announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for the design and build of eight new vessels. Design of the vessels will commence immediately and the delivery of these vessels is expected to be from 2016 onwards. These 8 new vessels will replace the Republic of Singapore Navy’s existing 11 Fearless class 55 m patrol vessels. The new vessels for the Singapore Navy will be equipped with enhanced combat systems and integrated communications suite (see Mindef announcement, here) and will be operational to replace the existing 55m vessels by 2020. I note that Mindef conducted a life-extension programme and a capabilities upgrade the older 62m Victory Class (commissioned in 1990/1) but not the 55m hull form.

Singapore orders two additional S-70B helicopters

By: GREG WALDRON

20 Feb 2013 -- Singapore has signed a contract for two additional Sikorsky S-70B seaborne helicopters, with the rotocraft due for delivery in 2016. The new aircraft will have a "different weapons kit" to the Republic of Singapore Navy's existing fleet of six S-70Bs, says an industry source, who declines to provide exact details about how they will be equipped...

<snip>

Singapore inaugurated a Peace Triton detachment in the United States Navy (USN) Maritime Strike Weapons School in San Diego on 16 November 2010; originally acquiring 6 Seahawks, for the 6 Formidable Class frigates. It clear to Singaporean watchers that Singapore needed to acquire more Seahawks for fleet replacement training, so this additional purchase comes as no surprise.

 

[SteelTiger 177]

These photos are very nice especially the ones show the crew reuniting with their loved ones.I also like the ones with the RSN's newest submarine RSS Archer. The Endurance was built in Singapore or was a surplus vessel purchased from the U.S. or U.K.?

 

[OPSSG]

The Endurance was built in Singapore or was a surplus vessel purchased from the U.S. or U.K.?

Singapore has its own naval ship building industry. ST Marine built the 4 Endurance Class vessels operated by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). ST Marine has orders in hand to build four 75m patrol vessels (PVs) for the Royal Navy of Oman to be delivered between 2015 to 2016; and eight new patrol vessels for the RSN to be delivered after 2016. Recently, Thailand acquired an Endurance Class LPD. The 7,600 ton HTMS Angthong, two 23m landing craft and two 13m landing craft for S$200 million, to augment the Thai Navy's amphibious capabilities.

June 8, 2013 -- The Royal Thai Navy corvette HTMS Sukhothai (FSGM 442), left, maneuvers at the front of a ship formation while the Royal Thai Navy corvette HTMS Rattanakhosin (FSGM 441), center, and the Royal Thai Navy amphibious dock landing ship HTMS Angthong (LPD 791), right, follow during the at-sea phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2013. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Patrick Dille/Released)

Below, a Thai video tour of HTMS Angthong
HTMS Angthong Part 1 - YouTube
HTMS Angthong Part 2 - YouTube

On 8 Nov 2012, Chief of Navy (CNV) RADM Ng Chee Peng was presented the United States' Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander) Award by the United States Navy Chief of Naval Operations ADM Jonathan Greenert.

The RSN has close ties with the US and British Navies. Singapore is a contributing member of CTF-151. On 7 March 2013, Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon of RSN took command of CTF-151. Rear Admiral Giam and his battle staff are operating on board Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Victoria (A387).

On 31 March 2013, Commander of CTF-151 and his seven-nation battlestaff set sail from Bahrain, taking the fight against piracy out of their headquarters and on to the waters of the Indian Ocean on RFA Fort Victoria, a British Royal Fleet Auxilary tanker. RFA Fort Victoria plays host to Singapore’s Rear Admiral Giam and his command team for the next three months.

CTF 151’s Commander, Rear Admiral Giam, also took the opportunity to visit the Indonesian naval ship, KRI Diponegoro whilst she was alongside in Salalah, Oman; thereafter, ships from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the Indonesian Navy conducted their first joint exercise in the Gulf of Aden earlier this week. The Royal Navy frigate HMS Northumberland, currently on maritime security duties as part of CTF-151, and the Indonesian corvette KRI Diponegoro performed a series of anti-piracy drills during the sea phase of the exercise. This is the third time that Singapore has taken command of CTF-151.

 

[OPSSG]

Navy@VivoCity

Visit to Republic of Singapore Navy RSS Intrepid at Vivocity - YouTube

Ep 1: Sailing for a Cause (Sinking Piracy) - YouTube

Ep 2: Sustaining the Journey (Sinking Piracy) - YouTube

Ep 3: Flight (Sinking Piracy) - YouTube

Ep 4: Target Practice (Sinking Piracy) - YouTube

Ep 5: The Home Stretch (Sinking Piracy) - YouTube

15 March 2013 -- Popular shopping mall VivoCity welcomed a grey hulk of a guest on 14 March 2013. Recently back from a three-and-a-half-month counter-piracy deployment from the Gulf of Aden (GoA), RSS Intrepid docked at the VivoCity Promenade for the first time (below the bell and to the top left of the above picture, is a Typhoon gun in stealth cupola; and further behind is a EADS New Generation Dagaie System (NGDS) launcher, under a cover).

With the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter (NH) on display on its flight deck, the 114m-long RSS Intrepid opened its doors to members of the public for ship visits from 15 to 17 March 2013. The SAF Task Group spent 90 days, from September to December 2012, in the GoA as part of CTF-151, to fight piracy in shipping lanes off Somalia. Besides responding to the distress call, the NH was involved in more than 110 helicopter sorties to conduct air surveillance and deter pirate activity.

Judging from the positive responses from visitors, it was certainly well worth the effort. Fifteen-year-old Nuqman Al-Nahawand Bin Mustafa from Naval Base Secondary School was one happy customer after touring the "amazing" ship. His favourite exhibit was the Combat Information Centre, also known as the frigate's "brain", where he saw technology that he had never seen before. "As a guy who is going for National Service (NS), I understand my role in the military better (after the ship tour)."

According to CJ:

"The pair of Typhoon guns in stealth cupolas on the RAS deck port and starboard were also new. RAS stands for resupply-at-sea and is a procedure where thirsty ships are refuelled by sailing in company with a tanker - not an easy task as hydrodynamic forces can sometimes pull both ships uncomfortably close to one another. The RAS deck is so named because that's where the refuelling probe is plugged into the ship.

Outward appearances deceive because the two FMDs fitted for anti-piracy duties have the bulk of the structural chances hidden out of sight behind bulwarks in the Missile Deck amidships. This deck occupies about a fifth of the length of the ship.

Magic deck

The changes underline the versatility of the stealth warships as they were fitted with naval capabilities not seen when the warships were first built a decade ago. In a way, the Missile Deck should be renamed the Magic Deck because this part of the ship allows mission planners to plug and play new tools for new purposes with speed and ease of installation few other frigates can match... When fully kitted up for sea denial missions, a single Formidable-class warship can bring some 24 Harpoon missiles for anti-ship missions or a sizeable number of non-line of sight (NLOS) missiles into play.

Aboard Intrepid, the new 7,000-kg capacity crane for the Launch and Recovery System (LARS; does the SAF love acronyms or what??) was flanked by a pair of Harpoons on either side. The starboard half of the Missile Deck was occupied by two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) crewed by maritime security warfighters from the crack Naval Diving Unit (NDU). They were among the 145 SAF personnel who called the Intrepid home during her three-month patrol in the Gulf of Aden codenamed Operation Blue Sapphire (Maritime).

The additions and alterations to Intrepid and her sister ship, Tenacious, point to the creativity of the RSN's Naval Staff and 1st Flotilla in rapidly role changing the ship for a new call of duty. Operation Blue Sapphire (Maritime) 2012 marked the fourth year that the SAF has deployed to the GoA since April 2009 and it was also the inaugural deployment of the NH.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d32T9PlUoS0"]Tour of Singapore Navy's RSS Stalwart - YouTube[/nomedia]

 

[OPSSG]

Royal Navy of Oman and Omani Coast Guard Leadership Welcomes CTF 151

3 May 2013 -- The commander of Singapore-led Combined Task Force 151 has met with senior officers from both the Royal Navy of Oman and the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard during a recent engagement visit to Muscat. Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon of the Republic of Singapore Navy met with Commodore Mahfoodh bin Hamood bin Mohammed al Wahaibi, the Director General for Operations and Plans of the Royal Navy of Oman, and the Director General of the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, Col. Bader bin Khalfan al Zadgali. During the meetings, the leaders exchanged views on the current regional maritime security and piracy situation...

Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon of the Republic of Singapore Navy meets with Commodore Mahfoodh bin Hamood bin Mohammed al Wahaibi, the Director General for Operations and Plans of the Royal Navy of Oman.

“Oman is an important contributor in the counter-piracy fight and we greatly appreciate their support of Combined Maritime Forces in our counter-piracy efforts,” said Rear Admiral Giam. Oman’s support of CTF-151’s counter-piracy efforts includes providing coalition ships access to Omani ports such as Salalah and Muscat for replenishment, and maintaining communication channels with coalition forces...

CTF 151 recognizes Republic of Korea’s sustained commitment to counter-piracy operations

28 May 2013 -- The commander of the Singapore-led Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) visited the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) ship Munmu the Great in the Gulf of Aden recently. The ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Lim Jung Taek, hosted Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon and members of his multinational staff during their stay on board. The Commanders exchanged views on the counter-piracy situation and explored ways to improve cooperation between the counter-piracy forces.

Since 2009, South Korean warships have been independently deployed in the Gulf of Aden to conduct convoy escort operations. These operations aim to ensure the safe passage of all international merchant vessels, including a substantial number of Korean-flagged ships through the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). Whilst on their national tasking, ROKN ships readily lend support to CTF 151 counter-piracy efforts in the region. In addition to convoy escort, the ROKN commanded CTF 151 in 2012 and provided operational leadership to the counter-piracy efforts. In 2014, ROKN will assume command of CTF 151 for a third time.

Singapore CDF visits S'pore-led counter-piracy task force in Bahrain

Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Meng recently visited the headquarters of a Singapore-led counter-piracy task force in Bahrain. Known as Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, the multinational task force was formed in 2009 and conducts patrols in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor in the Gulf of Aden. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) took command of the task force for the third time on 7 March 2013. Rear-Admiral Giam Hock Koon from the Republic of Singapore Navy, who heads the command team, will hand over command of CTF 151 to the Pakistan Navy come 6 June 2013.

CTF 151 and Chinese Navy cooperate in counter-piracy operations in Gulf of Aden

27 May 2013 -- Members from Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 visited the Chinese Navy missile destroyer CNS Harbin. Rear Admiral Yuan Yubai, Commander of Escort Task Group (ETG) 112, welcomed Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon, Republic of Singapore Navy, Commander, CTF 151 and members of his multinational staff.

CNS Harbin, together with the frigate CNS Mianyang and the supply ship CNS Weishanhu constitute the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) [PLA(N)] ETG 112, currently deployed in the Gulf of Aden to conduct convoy escort operations and ensure safe passage of both Chinese and international merchant vessels through the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). During the visit, the team from CTF 151 received a brief on ETG 112 operations, toured the CNS Harbin and interacted with their counterparts over lunch.

‘Big 3’ Task Forces in Gulf of Aden meet to coordinate Counter-Piracy Operations

CTF 151’s Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon (L) meets the Commander of NATO’s Task Force 508, Italy’s Rear Admiral Antonio Natale, (Centre) and Portuguese Commodore Jorge Palma, head of the EU’s Task Force 465, aboard ITS San Marco.

27 April 2013 -- A delegation from the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) has met with other task forces from the EU and NATO to discuss counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden. CTF 151’s Singaporean Commander, Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon met with Portuguese Commodore Jorge Palma, head of the EU’s Task Force 465, and the Commander of NATO’s Task Force 508, Italy’s Rear Admiral Antonio Natale, aboard ITS San Marco to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between the three international task forces.

 

[OPSSG]

Singapore hands over Command of CTF 151 to Pakistan

Singapore has completed its third command of the multinational Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, which coordinates operations to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

The handing-over ceremony on 6 June at the Naval Support Activity Bahrain capped Singapore's three-month command stint, during which no successful hijacking incidents occurred in the CTF 151's area of responsibility in the Gulf.

Led by Rear-Admiral (RADM) Giam Hock Koon from the Singapore Navy, the command team comprised 49 Singaporeans and 12 personnel from the navies of Australia, Brunei, France, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, United States, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

With the handover, the Pakistani Navy is now at the helm of CTF 151.

 

[OPSSG]

Below, a snap shot of the Republic of Singapore Navy in 2012/13

Our Defining Moments - A year in review of the Republic of Singapore Navy 2012/13 - YouTube
The above video tells the stories of the men and women in the navy, their achievements, their defining moments in 2012/13.

Below, kids having fun at the May 2013 Navy Open House.

Below, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Giam Hock Koon and his CTF 151 command team back home, at Changi Airport, after spending the past 3 months in the Gulf of Aden.

Below, RSS Endurance's Fast Craft Utility (FCU) delivering Chinese, Japanese and Singaporean medical personnel in support of the June 2013 ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) / Military Medicine (MM) Exercise in Brunei (more pictures of the HADR/MM exercise, here).

 

[OPSSG]

New Republic of Singapore Navy Ad

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecbDdItsxM&feature=c4-overview&list=UU4BCUrNe2X5UJkvzeRG12gQ"]Defending our Everyday - YouTube[/nomedia]

Through the sharing of real life experiences of four of Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) servicemen and women, this television commercial captures the RSN's contributions towards Singapore's seaward defence, centred on four key roles:

• Ensuring Maritime Security
• Enhancing Diplomacy
• Protecting our Sea Lines of Communication
• Securing our Peace​

Above, RSS Daring, RSN's Fearless class patrol vessel, in a scene from the latest commercial.

The Fearless Class replacement for the RSN is going to be called Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs). It has been reported that the RSN will acquire eight 1,150-tonne LMVs to enter operational service from 2016. Each LMV will have an integrated mast, a helipad and a hanger. They are baselined for maritime security operations and be configurable to meet specific mission requirements, with a twin stern ramp capable of launch and recovery of two RHIBs or USVs at the same time. The LMV also has a boat hoisting and handling crane.

It has been speculated that the LMVs may be equipped with the Thales NS 100 naval surveillance radar (operating in the E/Fband). The NS 100 introduces active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology to enable 3D dual-axis multibeam operation and superior performance against difficult targets. The NS 100 combines an electronically stabilised mechanically rotating antenna (operating at 30rpm) with an AESA active array able to generate beams simultaneously in elevation and azimuth. This results in a significant increase in time on target, and thus improves radar detection performance against small targets, even in clutter. In addition, the NS 100 architecture promotes scalability, and allows for the implementation of new functionality through-life. Full-scale development of NS 100 is now underway at Thales Nederland’s Hengelo plant. An engineering demonstrator radar is planned to begin tests in 2014. Thales also offers options to integrate other sensors into the NS 100 antenna housing so as to save topside space and create a true multisensor platform. Options include: IFF, a frequency modulated continuous wave radar for close-in surface surveillance, AIS, ADS-B, and an infrared camera for local situational awareness.

In 2009, Singapore's Mindef paid close a million dollars to Navatek Ltd to develop better designs for the 9-m and 16-m Venus hull forms in use and testing today). Navatek Ltd, if you remember is the same US company that supplied the 11-m USV hull form to the USN for the LCS. This stern slip LRS must be designed to cater both to normal RHIBs and the Venus USV hull form.

On 4 June 2013, Norwegian Deck Machinery (NDM) announced that they have signed a contract with ST Marine in Singapore for the supply of equipment for eight 1,150 ton, 80 metre LMVs being built.

The vessels will be built at ST Marine’s Singapore Benoi Yard and are expected to be delivered from 2016 onwards. The equipment is a stern slip Launch and Recovery System (LRS) which will deploy and recover crafts from the ship. The system is tailor-made for these vessels and has been developed in close cooperation with ST Marine.

 

[OPSSG]

Naval Diving Unit (NDU)

The NDU's 39th Combat Diver Course Graduation Parade (39th CDC)

Below, LTC Sng Meng Wah (right), as National Day Parade 2013, Parade Commander at Nee Soon Camp for a combined rehearsal.

"It has been a tough 6 months for these trainees to transform from civilians to Naval Divers following their enlistment into Naval Diving Unit in March this year. They have learnt not just to dive with SCUBA and Closed Circuit Re-breathers, but in the process, have also grown physically stronger and mentally tougher in preparation for them to work in the harsh environment we divers work in.

This underwater parade signifies the start of their journey as a Naval Diver and showcases to their parents the diving abilities that each and every one of these divers have learnt over the course of their training in Dive school. I wish them all the best when they proceed to serve their National Service in the various operational units in NDU."

LTC Sng Meng Wah
Commanding Officer
Dive School, Naval Diving Unit​

Below, the proud seventy three of the 39th CDC.

Below, parade commander: ME1 Justin Ong, Best Trainee of the 39th CDC.

"For the course, team work really counts, like when one of our boat mates feel like they cannot move on any more, this is when the rest of us will come in to motivate him and encourage him to press on and break his perceived limits.

Teambuilding week is 120 hours of non-stop physical and mental training, within this period; you yourself alone definitely won’t be able to make it. There is only so much a body can take, but through the encouragement and motivation of your batch boys, you can do a lot more.

I remember, one of the most difficult parts of teambuilding week was the chow run, where we have to run around the parade square while carrying our boats before we go for meals. The thing is all our boats must touch from bow to stern, and if any of the boats lose contact, we’ll have to do it over and over again."​

ME1 Justin Ong
Recipient of the Best Trainee Award
39th Combat Diver Course​

3rd Dec MINDEF Internship Programme

Some 90 students got the chance to dive deep into the Navy and experience what divers in the elite Naval Diving Unit (NDU) do, hop on a Fast Craft ride all the way from Sembawang to Changi Naval Base, witness a hostage rescue demonstration and tour the RSS Formidable. As part of the MINDEF Internship Programme, this was a unique opportunity for these students to learn more about the Navy and gain first-hand insight into life as a sailor.

 

[OPSSG]

ADMM-Plus navies enhance cooperation in maritime security exercise

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNHoGalbOsc&feature=c4-overview&list=UU4BCUrNe2X5UJkvzeRG12gQ"]Making a Difference: Beyond Borders - YouTube[/nomedia]


This is first time that many ADMM-Plus nations have exercised alongside each other at sea and it is the flagship activity under Australia and Malaysia’s co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security.

Below, MAJ Ooi Loong of the RSN (third from left) with his counterparts from the ADMM-Plus countries attending an exercise briefing.

The ADMM-Plus exercise is jointly commanded by Co-Exercise directors Rear Admiral Dato Nasaruddin bin Othman from Malaysia and Commodore Peter Leavy from Australia. The 6th ADMM-Plus EWG on Maritime Security Meeting was held at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney, Australia. The 6th EWG Meeting was held to coincide with the Maritime Security Field Training Exercise (MS-FTX), held at Jervis Bay, Sydney, Australia.

Below, RSS Endeavour (left) during the Maritime Security exercise, along with Japan's JS MAKINAMI (centre) and China's PLA-N QIMADAO. MAJ Ooi Loong, Commanding Officer of RSS Endeavour, added that the exercise allowed the different navies to understand one another's operations and pave the way for interoperability.

The ADMM-Plus delegation also made site visits on 29th September 2013 to the HMAS Albatross in Nowra, New South Wales which is the largest operational Naval establishment and the Royal Australian Navy’s only Air Station.It is also the home to the Fleet Air Arm Museum which the delegation visited. The delegation then proceeded to the HMAS Creswell, which provides the initial entry training for the Royal Australian Navy officers. During the site visit to HMAS Creswell, the delegation had a brief tour to the FTX C2 Centre. Afterwards, the delegation proceeded to observe boarding demonstrations in Jervis Bay where the 11 ADMM-Plus ships, participated in the FTX, as well as the upcoming International Fleet Review which was held back-to-back to the Maritime Security EWG Meeting.

Below, a Royal Thai Navy team carrying out a boarding operation on RSS Endeavour. It was one of the main platforms for boarding operations in the exercise. Sailors from the Royal Australian Navy, Philippine Navy and Royal Thai Navy, boarded the RSS Endeavour.

Below, seamen from the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy conducting a boarding operation on RSS Endeavour. This took place at the inaugural ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Maritime Security Field Training Exercise.

Below, multi-national ships involved in Exercise Triton Centenary sail in formation in the Eastern Australian Exercise Area in the lead up to IFR 2013. RSS Endeavour is on the extreme right, at the bottom of the picture.

Below, as a lead up to the Royal Australian Navy's 100th Anniversary fly-past over Sydney harbour, three AP-3C Orion’s from RAAF base Edinburgh's No. 92 Wing conducted a practice formation over the multi-national Fleet in the Eastern Australian Exercise Area.

RSS Endeavour had also participated in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise conducted in Jervis Bay, Sydney, Australia, from 29 September to 1 October 2013, which was held back-to-back with the International Fleet Review.

 

[OPSSG]

International Fleet Review 2013 (3 to 11 October 2013)

Below, RSS Endeavour in the foreground, first ship on the left.

The International Fleet Review 2013 (IFR 2013) commemorates the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's fleet into Sydney.

Prince Harry boards HMAS Leeuwin - YouTube

Below, his Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN on the bridge wing of HMAS Leeuwin during Ceremonial Fleet Review in Sydney Harbour, New South Wales. Photo credit: Royal Australian Navy

Below, RSS Endeavour sailing into Sydney Harbour on 4 Oct 2013 as part of the Australian International Fleet Review. Photo credit: Royal Australian Navy

Below, RSN Midshipmen on board RSS Endeavour for their Midshipman Sea Training Deployment lining up on deck as she sails into Sydney Harbour on 4 Oct 2013.

Below, RSN Midshipmen lining up on the deck of RSS Endeavour as the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales, conducts the Ceremonial Fleet Review on board HMAS Leeuwin (left) on 5 Oct 2013.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF7-3_6yAFc#t=37"]Warships of the world invade Sydney Harbour - YouTube[/nomedia]

Prior to visiting Sydney, the Singaporean Midshipmen on board stopped over at Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia from 10 to 14 September 2013, to conduct the annual Surya Bhaskara Jaya (SBJ) socio-civic programme, with the Indonesian Navy. About 250 RSN personnel joined the Indonesian Navy to provide social assistance, primary health and dental care to residents of Labuan Bajo. Under SBJ surgeries were performed on board RSS Endeavour, as well as the TNI-AL's hospital ship, KRI Dr Suharso.

During their port call in Labuan Bajo, some of the Midshipmen had a chance to help the SAF medical team perform basic eye examinations for the children in Labuan Bajo, who were then prescribed spectacles by an ophthalmologist. For many of these children, it was the first time they were able to see so clearly in a long while.

Above, a child's smile is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. The Midshipmen's stay in Labuan Bajo is not merely about repainting schools and helping with medical services. What really warmed the hearts of the Midshipmen is putting smiles on the faces of these children. And knowing that simple acts of goodwill can make a big difference in the lives of others. Though the children in Labuan Bajo were not fluent in English, language is just but one way of connection.

Commissioned on 7 April 2001, RSS Endeavour has a proud history, having been deployed to:-

(i) render relief to Meulaboh, after a tsunami hit Indonesia on Boxing Day, December 2004;

(ii) protect the Khor al-Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) and al-Başrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) in the Persian Gulf, from February to April 2006, as part of Singapore’s contribution to coalition efforts in the reconstruction efforts in Iraq. From 2002 to 2008, the RSN's Endurance Class LPDs in multiple deployments spent 300-days protecting the KAAOT and the ABOT terminals, so as to keep the oil flowing for Iraq; and

(iii) conduct counter-piracy operations East of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor in the Gulf of Aden in November 2011 under CTF-151. In that counter piracy mission, her embarked helicopters were instrumental in stopping two separate attacks by pirates on merchant vessels, namely, the MV BW Broker and the MV Elka Athnina. RSS Endeavour’s embarked helicopter subsequently tracked and destroyed the attack skiff along with its associated pirate equipment.​

Above, the fireworks display during the International Fleet Review 2013 Pyrotechnics Display and Lightshow Spectacular.

Above, the Royal Australian Navy Crest is projected onto the Sydney Opera House during the International Fleet Review 2013 Pyrotechnics Display and Lightshow Spectacular.

 

[OPSSG]

RSS Endeavour in Sydney

Below, ME3 Kian Toh Chuan posing with the Aborigine dancers from the RAN.

A taste of home at Sydney harbour

Below, RSS Endeavour at Garden Island during the International Fleet Review 2013.

Singaporeans living in Sydney got a taste of home on 5 October, at a cocktail reception hosted by the RSS Endeavour.

For the over 100-strong Singaporean crowd, it was a chance to mingle with countrymen from back home. He Qiaodan, who is currently a student there, said: "It was quite refreshing to speak to someone with a Singaporean accent again." RSS Endeavour, is in Sydney Port, Australia to participate in a nine-day International Fleet Review hosted by the Royal Australian Navy. More than 56 ships from 19 other countries are participating in the review, which commemorates a century since the RAN’s fleet first entered Sydney.

Addressing the crowd at the start of the cocktail, LTC Neo Kim Hang, Deputy Commander, MIDS Wing said: "The event today is to remind Singaporeans abroad of their roots as well as recognise the efforts of our sailors," adding jokingly that "Today is the day that you put aside your diet plan." These were easy instructions to follow. Guests feasted on local cuisine such as satay, laksa and bee hoon - all favourites they had missed in their time abroad. And it wasn’t just the food that was familiar, with the midshipman band entertaining the crowd with classic local tunes and a lion dance performance by the ship's crew.

It was enough to impress Mr Eric Yeo, the President of the Temasek Club (Singapore Association based in Sydney). "This is something you don't see every day and I am especially impressed with the midshipmen, who had a never say die attitude and persevered through things where most people would give up," he said. When fireworks lit up the skies above Sydney Harbour for a full half-hour, it was the icing on the cake to an already memorable event, one that guests would not soon forget.

Below, visitors boarding RSS Endeavour for her open house.

Below, Open House Lion Dance by the crew of RSS Endeavour.

Below, ME1 Gabriel Chan helping a child wear the No.1 uniform at the photobooth.

Combined Navies Parade

On Wednesday 9 October 2013, the Royal Australian Navy hosted a combined navies parade through the City of Sydney. Below, the 70th Midshipmen on RSS Endeavour participated in the Combined Navies Parade, marching in unison as part of a 4,000 strong contingent including ship crews from Australia, India, Indonesia and the United States.

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, AM, CSC, RAN, led over 3,500 officers and sailors along George Street towards the Sydney Town Hall. Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce, AC, CVO, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia reviewed the parade.

Below, MID Ronald Ho mingling with visitors on RSS Endeavour.

Below, MID V.Santhosh giving out prizes to those that scored points during the games.

Singapore Day saw about 6,000 Singaporeans turn up in force at the Royal Botanic Gardens of The Domain on 12 October 2013

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) set up a showcase to update overseas Singaporeans on the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) latest technologies, such as the Multi-Mission Range Complex and Medical Simulation Training Centre. The showcase also provided the latest information on National Service related matters ranging from enlistment to post-NS issues. Other highlights include the Electronic Individual Physical Proficiency Test Scoring System, the computer simulation training programme Virtual Battlespace 2 as well as a combat rations booth.

Finale! Overseas Singaporeans moving to the tunes performed by renowned local artistes, such as Chua Enlai, Hossan Leong, Dick Lee, Olivia Ong, Gurmit Singh, Irene Ang, Mark Lee and Alaric Tay.

 

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MINDEF Signs Contract to Acquire Two Submarines

2 Dec 2013 -- ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems receives major submarine order from Singapore

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, a company of ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions, has signed a contract for the delivery of two submarines of HDW Class 218SG to Singapore.

HDW Class 218SG is a customised design from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The submarines, which will be fitted out with an air independent propulsion system, are going to be built at the Kiel premises of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

Compared to the present ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems submarines, the new design has been customised to house additional equipment for present and future operational requirements. Special attention has also been paid to the ultra-modern layout of the tailor-made Combat System of these submarines. ST Electronics, being part of the ST Engineering group, will co-develop such Combat System with Atlas Elektronik GmbH.

Dr. Hans Christoph Atzpodien, Chairman of the Management Board of Business Area Industrial Solutions of ThyssenKrupp AG, underlines the importance of the order: “We very much look forward to continue the co-operation with the Republic of Singapore Navy which has already been a customer of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The new order is an affirmation of our high-end products and services and will further strengthen our position as a world market leader in the sector of non-nuclear submarines. The contract does not only safeguard jobs at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, but also several hundred jobs at subcontractors.”

Defence Technology Prize 2013

Question: What does it take to convert a submarine designed for the freezing waters of the Baltic Sea into a modern underwater warship that is suited to the tropical waters off Singapore?

Answer: Years of hard work and with unyielding determination, the innovative minds behind the project, which saw two ex-Västergötland-class submarines adapted to the waters in the region and successfully upgraded with modern combat systems and an air-independent propulsion system, were finally rewarded for their efforts.

The Archer-class Submarine Team was presented with the prestigious Defence Technology Prize 2013 Team (Engineering) Award for their project by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

Below, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam disembarking from RSS Swordsman after a ceremony to mark its commissioning at Changi Naval Base on 30 April 2013. RSS Swordsman is the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) second Archer-class submarine.

For background:-

(i) RSS Archer (ex-HMS Hälsingland), was launched on 16 June 2009 and commissioned into Singapore service on 2 December 2011; and

(ii) RSS Swordsman (ex-HMS Västergötland) was launched on 20 October 2010 and commissioned into Singapore service on 30 April 2013.​

An industry source said the contract was likely to be worth more than 1 billion euros (US$1.36 billion). ThyssenKrupp also said Singapore Technologies Electronics, a unit of defence conglomerate Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd , would co-develop the submarines' tailor-made combat system with Atlas Elektronik GmbH, a joint venture of ThyssenKrupp and European aerospace group EADS.

 

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Graduation day for Sam Tan, who emerged top of the class at the United States Naval Academy (USNA). He received a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) sword that is awarded annually to the midshipman who stands highest in the Order of Merit of their graduating class. Besides being the first foreign cadet to top the USNA class and graduating from the USNA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Systems Engineering, CPT Sam Tan was the first foreigner to take on the role as brigade adjutant. As brigade adjutant he was in charge of the administrative duties of 4,400 cadets.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_VuNwrycyg"]Our Defining Moments - A year in review of the Republic of Singapore Navy 2012/13 - YouTube[/nomedia]


Sam Tan (second from left) receiving his certificate of completion of the Trident Project from Chief of Naval Research Rear-Admiral Matthew Klunder (far left) and Superintendent of USNA Vice-Admiral Michael Miller (far right). The Trident Project allows exceptional students to engage in independent study and research during their senior year.

New Year's Eve today, sea soldiers and personnel from the Maritime Security Task Force are still hard at work safeguarding our naval bases and watching over our waters. Chief of Navy RADM Ng Chee Peng visited the Changi Defence Squadron and MSTF Operation Centre to thank our personnel for their efforts and dedication in keeping us safe as our nation ushers in the new year.

Every ship needs a safe harbour. Day in and day out, sea soldiers from the Singapore Navy's Base Defence Squadrons maintain both land and seaward defence of Changi and Tuas Naval Bases. While the ships and crews of the navy safeguard Singapore's waters, the crews on these ships in turn rely on these sea soldiers who help keep the ships and bases safe.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amdp4AnEVmk"]Indy Vigil (Part 1): The RSN Patrol Vessel - YouTube[/nomedia]


[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za-R-o6ZklY"]Indy Vigil (Part 2): The RSN Patrol Vessel - YouTube[/nomedia]


Earlier this morning, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng visited these sailors from patrol vessel RSS Brave. They were preparing to set sail to patrol Singapore waters on New Year’s Eve on 31 December 2013.

Expressing his appreciation, LG Ng said:-

“Remember that you are here to safeguard your family, friends and loved ones. Thanks guys. Sail safe and keep our waters safe.”​

 

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Below, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 5 Assistant Operations Officer Lt. Nathaniel Young gives a brief on securing evidence and practicing safety before a disruption charge training with Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) members at the Navy Munitions Site in Guam on Dec. 4, 2013. The two nations participated in the bi-annual Miata Exercise which allowed them to share each other’s explosives-handling and response techniques, tactics and procedures, while also enhancing their interoperability. (US Navy photo by Jesse Leon Guerrero)

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCt1weahjTc"]EOD Mobile Unit 5 Partners with Singapore Navy in Miata Exercise 2013 - YouTube[/nomedia]


Below, EOD Mobile Unit 5, EOD 3rd Class Kevin Posten shows RSN members how to construct a mineral water bottle disruption device used for an explosives training at the Navy Munitions Site. The two nations participated in the bi-annual Miata Exercise which allowed them to share each other’s explosives-handling and response techniques, tactics and procedures, while also enhancing their interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Jesse Leon Guerrero)

Below, EOD Mobile Unit 5, EOD 3rd Class Kevin Posten giving directions to a Singapore Navy diver, as they practice driving on a HMMV, enhancing their interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Jesse Leon Guerrero)

US Navy in Singapore

Below, Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud relieved Rear Adm. Tom Carney during a US Navy change of command ceremony at Navy Region Center Singapore (NRCS) held at the Terror Club, in Singapore. This change of command occurred on 16 August 2013, and Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud, assumed command as Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOGWESTPAC), on that day. COMLOG WESTPAC provides logistics and maintenance support to US Navy's Seventh Fleet ships in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans area of responsibility. This includes administrative control and oversight of logistics ships assigned to the Seventh Fleet. For details, see this July 2013 Interview with Rear Adm. Tom Carney, COMLOG WESTPAC, and Capt. Jim Hruska, COMMSCFE.

NRCS coordinates shore support activities for US Department of the Navy (DoN) and other US Department of Defense (DoD) services in Singapore. Major US units located in Singapore supported by NRCS include: Commander, COMLOGWESTPAC; Military Sealift Command Far East (SEALOGFE); Military Sealift Fleet Support Command Ship Support Unit Singapore (MSFSC SSU); Naval Criminal Investigative Services; Fleet Industrial Support Center, Detachment Singapore (FISC); U.S. Coast Guard Detachment Singapore; Defense Contract Management Agency, and the U.S. Air Force's 497th Combat Training Squadron and Air Mobility Squadron Detachment 2.

USS Freedom completed her deployment to Singapore in 2013, and USS Fort Worth is scheduled to deploy in mid-2014.

Having just wound up the first overseas deployment of a littoral combat ship (LCS) at 10 months, the US Navy is planning for an even longer cruise the next time around. “It’s going to be about 16 months,” Vice Adm. Tom Copeman, commander of naval surface forces, said. The longer cruise, to be made starting in the late fall by the Freedom’s sister ship Fort Worth (LCS 3), will involve “significantly more crew turnovers other than the one we experienced with Freedom,” Copeman said. “That will give us longer-term flex in locations other than the forward operating base.

Below, US Army Pacific Commanding General Gen. Vincent K. Brooks visited the Logistics Group Western Pacific, center during his visit to Singapore, 7 January 2014. Brooks' trip to Singapore was part of a routine visit to Southeast Asia.

7 January 2014 - Rear Adm. Cindy Thebuad, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific, speaks to Gen. Vincent Brooks. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jay C. Pugh. (RELEASED)

Above, US Pacific Fleet (US PACFLT), Commander, Admiral (ADM) Harry Harris, called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence on 20 January 2014. ADM Harris, who is in Singapore on an introductory visit from 20 to 22 January 2014. As part of his visit, ADM Harris also visited the Changi Command and Control Centre at Changi Naval Base.

Above, ADM Harris (1st from right) receiving a brief by Head of Information Fusion Centre Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Lim (1st from left) during his visit to Changi Command and Control Centre. On 22 January 2014, ADM Harris wrote an opinion piece on the topic of 'Multilateral ties drive America's Pacific rebalance' for the Straits Times:-

HAVING visited Singapore often throughout my 35-year naval career, I am always impressed with this vibrant nation. As I complete my first visit this week as commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, it is worth noting that Singapore remains a leading partner with Washington on regional issues. Multilateral cooperation with partners is an important component of America's strategic rebalance to the Pacific. This whole-of-government effort is based on the wide range of shared issues with East Asia, including economics and trade, educational exchange, good governance, and security collaboration, which is my area. The rebalance recognises that US security and economic prosperity are intertwined with the peaceful development of East Asia. America has a national interest here: neither revanchist nor imperial, but rather in fostering security, stability and prosperity.

...

...Thanks to great support from Singapore, America's first littoral combat ship, USS Freedom, just completed an eight- month deployment to South- east Asia, conducting numerous exercises and exchanges with regional navies. Increased presence in this region will continue with a 16-month deployment by another littoral combat ship later this year. This is just one of many examples that demonstrate America's rebalance is real and being realised. Last month, the US deployed its new advanced P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft. It will be on display at the Singapore Airshow next month. Other new platforms will follow, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

...

This multilateral approach will be on full display in June as the US Navy hosts Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) 2014, the world's largest international maritime exercise. Rimpac expands cooperation, improves safety, builds trust and increases transparency. This year will be the largest in the exercise's 43-year history, with armed forces from 23 nations, including long-time participant Singapore, and for the first time, Brunei and China.

China's acceptance of our Rimpac invitation is an important milestone. Despite valid concern with recent assertive air and maritime actions by China, American leaders have been clear about a continued desire to build a positive and constructive relationship with Beijing... Part of the rebalance is defining a professional relationship with China's navy by our shared future and mutual responsibilities, and not by histories and differences. The US and China can manage friction and prevent misunderstanding at sea through sustained navy-to-navy communication and practical cooperation on maritime security issues...

...

<snip>​

 

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Formidable meals out at sea

They say necessity is the mother of invention. For Chief Chef of frigate RSS Formidable ME2-1 Xanda Chua, inventing new uses for everyday ingredients is all in a day's work.

He also claims to be able to turn the humble loaf of bread into a popular hawker dish! And naval chefs don't just cook - they double as Medical ICs to assist doctors and medics during long deployments. Read http://mindef.sg/1gD7lOy

Famous food critic, KF Seetoh of Makansutra fame, sails with the crew of RSS Formidable to get a taste of food onboard ship cooked by Singapore Navy Chef Xanda Chua.

Find out Seetoh's verdict on Singapore Navy's rendition of our favourite local dishes here: http://bit.ly/KQGSk6

Above, fish porridge served for breakfast.

Well worth your time to watch this 9 minute Makansutra video: The Life in a Day of the RSS Formidable - YouTube

Singapore Navy Chef Xanda Chua, adept at chopping chickens even when the seas are choppy.

Above, chicken rice (aka Singapore's national dish), served for lunch.

 

[OPSSG]

Forgive but NEVER Forget!

A primer on the MacDonald House bombing that shook Singapore in 1965

By Ong Sor Fern for The Straits Times

6 Feb 2014 -- The MacDonald House bombing was the worst of a string of attacks by Indonesian saboteurs during Konfrontasi, the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation that happened from 1963 to 1966. The incident has been making the headlines again because Indonesia named a navy ship after the two men responsible for the attack.

A 25lb (11.33kg) package of nitroglycerine, with a timing device, was planted on the mezzanine floor, near the lifts. At 3.07pm on March 10, 1965, the bomb exploded, tearing a hole in the floor, ripping out a lift door and reducing the correspondence room of the Hongkong And Shanghai Bank "into a shambles" according to a Straits Times report.

The blast was so powerful that all the windows in buildings within a 100m radius as well as the windscreens of vehicles in a carpark across the street were shattered.

Three people died, and 35 people were injured. Elizabeth Suzie Choo Kway Hoi, 36 and mother of six who was private secretary to the manager of the bank, and Juliet Goh Hwee Kuang, 23 and an only child, were killed in the blast. Mr Mohammed Yasin Kesit, 45, remained in a coma and died later in hospital, leaving a widow and eight children.

Two Indonesian marines, Osman Haji Mohammed Ali, 25, and Harun Said, 21, were charged in court on March 16 for the bombing and hung in Changi Jail on Oct 17, 1968. In protest over the hanging, 400 students in Jakarta stormed the Singapore embassy and attacked the consul's residence as well as the homes of two Singaporean diplomats.

Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited.