COUNTER-TERRORISM DISPLAY, SPECIAL SALUTE TO NSMEN IN NDP

This year's National Day Parade (NDP) promises to be the most exciting showcase yet, with its return to the Marina Bay floating platform after two years.

Spectators can enjoy double the action as the high-intensity Dynamic Defence Display (D3) is back, but now in two parts for the first time.

Part 1 will highlight the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) role as guarantor of Singapore's sovereignty and independence, featuring technologically-advanced assets from the Army, the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

Part 2 will see the SAF working with the Home Team to combat multiple terrorist threats, including a simulated cyber-terrorist attack. The multi-agency counter-terrorism display will be a first for an NDP.

"First, we want (the show) to assure all Singaporeans that our security agencies remain ready to deal with any security threats, whether present or new and emerging," said Colonel (COL) Tan Tiong Keat, Chairman of NDP 2017 Show and D3 Committee.

"Second, we want to remind all Singaporeans that everybody plays a role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation."

Together, the D3 will be its biggest show in numbers with over 500 participants, 39 land platforms, seven air platforms and six sea platforms.

The Parade & Ceremony (P&C) will take place between the two D3 segments, featuring 2,000 participants from 31 marching contingents from both uniformed and civilian sectors.

It was feature the NDP's largest military tattoo performance, as well as traditional showcases such as the 21-gun salute on an M3G military raft, and the State Flag flypast flown by the RSAF's Chinook helicopter.

A signature bomb burst will be performed by an all-F-15SG fighter jet-line-up for the first time, with two of the five fighters flown by Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) pilots.

Commanding the parade this year is an NSman Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (NS) Lim Wee Tee who admits that it has been 20 years since he last participated in a parade, or even held a sword.

"Everything was rusty," he said. "But a group of very amazing parade trainers whipped me into shape, both in terms of drills and my Malay commands."

The full-time sales director has to juggle between his day job, his family and his NDP commitments. He credits his wife and employer for their support.

"The impact on family time is quite tough because of weekends (spent on rehearsals). The first person I called was my wife and she was extremely supportive we have planned our time around NDP," he said.

To commemorate 50 years of National Service, the marching contingents will salute all national servicemen, together with their families and employers. Spectators will also be invited to stand and join in the salute.

The salute is particularly meaningful to contingent participant, Mr Ramayaha Thirumoorthy, who will be marching in NDP for the fourth time, as part of the Sembcorp Marine Ltd contingent.

"This year is special because we have a salute to our NS guys for their contributions to our nation. Even I was an NSman and I feel proud of it," said the 66-year-old, who is one of the oldest participants.

When asked if he would take part again, he said: "I would still like to serve the country (as long as) my will power and my strength allow, I will do it."