COME SOAK UP THE FUN AT NAVY OPEN HOUSE 2010

Looking for something exciting and different to do during this coming weekend? Head down to the Changi Naval Base for the Navy Open House 2010 on 22 and 23 May to experience for yourself life in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) as you get up close to the warships and people behind the fleet.

This year's open house will feature the frigate guided tour for the first time. Start the day with this new attraction that allows you to step into the frigate and find out how operations are conducted by this stealth warship. There will also be a live demonstration in the frigate's Combat Information Centre (CIC), the nerve centre of the ship that coordinates combat operations.

To stand a chance to enjoy this rare opportunity to visit the frigate, just fill in the ballot ticket that can be found in the visitor's guide that will be handed to you at the entrance.

Next, spend the rest of your morning viewing the other ships docked at the West Wharf, West Pier and East Pier. They include the Missile Corvette (MCV), the Mine Countermeasure Vessel (MCMV) and the Patrol Vessel (PV).

For those who do not like basking in the sun, you can spend the afternoon in air-conditioned tents named "Navy People", "Navy Capabilities" and "Navy Operations". These tents feature the RSN's committed personnel, strong capabilities and the spectrum of operations it has undertaken.

At the "Navy People" tent, get a glimpse of what the Navy life is all about. You can interact with Navy ambassadors, attend workshops such as piping, knot tying and maritime signal flags recognition, as well as "drive" a ship along the Straits of Singapore using a simulator.

If you are more of a hardware person, the "Navy Capabilities" tent will be right up your alley as it contains a display of the Navy assets including torpedoes, harpoons and missiles. You can also try your hand at shooting down air targets using a Mistral Missile at the virtual gaming station.

Finally, pop into the "Navy Operations" tent to get a better understanding of how the RSN contributes to international peace support operations and other overseas deployments. There will also be naval divers present, fully decked out in their gear, for the perfect photo opportunity.

Remember to grab a seat at the spectator stand during stipulated showtimes to be wowed by the stunning performance brought to you by the elite naval divers. Feel the thrill and the urgency as you watch the divers jump into the sea from a hovering Chinook helicopter, rescue hostages on shore and speed off in Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats.

"By including assets like the submarine and the Chinook helicopter, the show highlights the integrated nature of operations now undertaken by the Navy," said the Organising Secretary of Navy Open House 2010, Military Expert 6 Liew Yeow Chiang.

Another must-do at the open house, are the ship cruises on board the MCV, the MCMV and the PV. To stand a chance to enjoy the ride out to sea on one of these platforms, fill in the remaining ballot ticket in the guide. Winners of the coveted tickets will be informed by mobile phone one hour prior to the cruise.

For those who miss out on the popular ship cruises, there are also rides on the Fast Craft Utility launched from the wedlocks of the Landing Ships Tank (LSTs), as well as the Navy's own version of the "Duck Tours". These 20-minute rides enable you to have a sea view of the naval base and anchored warships.

If you are still full of energy after all that and looking for more fun, drop by the "Family & Fun" zone which has over 30 naval themed carnival games. These include navigating a remote-controlled helicopter to land successfully on a miniature warship, giant inflatables and reverse bungee.

"The Navy Open House is an opportunity for the RSN to reach out to the larger public to let them know more about us and our contributions to ensure the sea defence of Singapore," said the Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Navy Open House 2010, Lieutenant Colonel Jerica Goh.

So be part of this wonderful experience and have an incredible weekend outing at the Navy Open House 2010 from 9am to 7pm. Admission is free and entry into the naval base is strictly by free shuttle buses from Singapore Expo Hall One, from 8.30am to 4.30pm.