GAINING AN INSIGHT INTO THE NAVY

About 120 grassroots leaders had the opportunity to get to know the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) 3rd Flotilla better during a visit to Changi Naval Base on 15 May.

Hosted by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and the Environment and Water Resources, Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, the half-day visit gave the grassroots leaders a better insight into the operational capabilities and readiness of the RSN.

The visitors had a 10-minute ride on the Fast Craft Utility (FCU) to the Landing Ship Tank (LST), RSS Endeavour. While they toured the LST, the ship brought the visitors back into Changi Naval Base's harbour.

Commander of 3rd Flotilla, Colonel (COL) Siow Chee Khiang was also on hand to explain the roles of the RSN.

A first-time visitor to the base, Ms Denise Pek, was impressed by what she saw.

"The trip was very well organised and the I learnt how missions are planned and executed. The equipment shown was also very interesting and I picked up a lot of information," she said.

"Overall, it was a very good learning opportunity," said Ms Pek, who is the Chairperson of the Riverdale Community Centre Youth Executive Committee.

In addition to viewing equipment, the visitors were also briefed on some of the missions 3rd Flotilla has taken in the last few months, in particular the instrumental role of the LSTs and the FCUs during the humanitarian mission to Indonesia earlier this year.

Vice Chairman of Siglap Community Centre Management Committee and Siglap Constituency Sports Club, Mr Y G Sambandan (left), said with the information he gained, he is now in a better position to tell other grassroots members about how the Navy helped in the tsunami relief operations.

What other information will he share with grassroots members who were unable to make the visit?

"I will tell them that we have a very dedicated and professional Navy protecting Singapore! And that we should be confident of this professional organisation," Mr Sambandan said.