DR NG VISITS RSS INTREPID IN GULF OF ADEN

About 7,400km from Singapore, a 145-strong task group from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is currently on duty in the Gulf of Aden under the ambit of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. Operating from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) frigate, RSS Intrepid, the task group has been deployed as part of the ongoing multinational efforts against pirate activity in the area.

On 27 Sep, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen visited the SAF task force and was briefed on the operations of the frigate and embarked Seahawk S-70B naval helicopter. He also witnessed surveillance, disruption and compliant boarding drills.

Speaking to the media after his visit, Dr Ng said that the task group was doing an important job and reaffirmed Singapore's continued commitment in ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Aden. Though a narrow waterway, the gulf carries a significant amount of the world's sea trade.

"We started being in the forefront of international efforts against piracy for obvious reasons - Singapore has one of the busiest ports in the world and understands fully the value and importance of global maritime commerce. It is imperative that sea lines of navigation continue to be free passage for commercial and other legitimate means." said Dr Ng.

To do that, the international forces operating in the Gulf of Aden have had to constantly adapt to changing tactics employed by pirates in the region. Explaining this point, Commander of the SAF task group, Colonel (COL) Frederick Chew, said: "The coalition navies have also evolved their tactics and procedures to clamp down (on piracy activities) at the source."

Apart from contributing to the multinational efforts against piracy, the task group also took the opportunity to fine-tune integrated operations between the frigate and the naval helicopter.

Though the seas were rougher than expected at times, the crew of RSS Intrepid never lost sight of the wider implications of the deployment. This was especially the case for Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman) Captain (CPT) (NS) David Lim. "When I was asked if I would like to join this deployment, I said yes because it would be a more meaningful way to do my annual In-Camp Training," he said.

As a full-time student at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, CPT (NS) Lim had to disrupt his school term for three weeks in order to join the task group on its deployment.

For Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) Corporal First Class (CFC) Jeremy Tseng, the opportunity to be deployed operationally led to his decision to extend his NS stint by a month.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which not many NSFs are given, and I now have a better understanding as to why the SAF needs to send its people to places such as the Gulf of Aden," said CFC Tseng. The 20-year-old intends to pursue further studies when he completes his NS stint in December this year.

Apart from visiting the SAF task group, Dr Ng also called on Omani officials during the trip which took him to the Sultanate of Oman. He called on the Omani Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers His Highness Sayyid Fahd Bin Mahmoud Al-Said and Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs His Excellency Sayyid Badr Bin Saud Al-Busaidi on 26 Sep. During the calls, he conveyed Singapore's appreciation for the Omani Government's support in facilitating port calls at Omani ports by the SAF task group deployed in the Gulf of Aden.

While in Oman, Dr Ng also met overseas Singaporeans based in there over an informal dinner. During the dinner held in Muscat, he spoke candidly on various issues in Singapore and emphasised the importance of defence.

Singapore and Oman enjoy cooperation in various sectors such as trade, info-communications, education and culture. The armed forces of the two countries also interact regularly at defence exhibitions and through official visits.