CHIEF OF ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY AWARDED MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (MILITARY)

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Meritorious Service Medal (Military), on the Chief of Navy of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Vice Admiral (VADM) Russell Shalders, at an investiture on 23 June.

The MSM (M) was awarded to VADM Shalders in recognition of his significant role in forging closer bilateral ties between the RAN and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Under VADM Shalders' leadership, professional interactions between the RAN and the RSN have increased in both scope and depth. Both navies engage in a broad range of bilateral and multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, which have enhanced the professionalism and strengthened the mutual understanding and camaraderie among the officers and personnel of the two navies.

VADM Shalders' support for the RSN's submarine escape and naval helicopter training in Australia has also contributed towards the RSN's operational readiness. He has been pivotal in ensuring that the long-standing friendship and professional engagements between the RAN and the RSN continue to strengthen and develop.

VADM Shalders, who visited Singapore from 22 to 23 June, had called on Mr Teo and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Chew Men Leong before the investiture.