MARITIME SECURITY TASK FORCE GETS NEW COMMANDER

Having seen the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) through the early stages of its development, it was with a tinge of sadness that Rear-Admiral (RADM) Tan Wee Beng handed over the command to Colonel (COL) Jackson Chia on 3 Jul.

"Life will not be the same after this, this is for me a passing of a special moment," said RADM Tan during the change-of-command parade held at Tuas Naval Base.

"I will miss being a part of the team which has had to go through a lot in recent years, and which has risen far ahead and beyond the challenges which came our way."

With the evolving maritime security environment, a unified task force was deemed necessary to combat the widening spectrum of threats from the waterways. That resulted in the restructuring of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) Coastal Command (COSCOM) to form the MSTF early this year.

"As you move forward, keep in mind the reason why we made the move to change," reminded RADM Tan. "The only motivation is that together, we can better ensure maritime security for Singapore."

RADM Tan was confident that the incoming Commander, COL Jackson Chia would continue to steer MSTF towards excellence: "Jackson will make a fabulous commander for MSTF. He is young and energetic, [and] he commanded the Navy's first stealth frigate".

COL Chia enlisted in December 1987 and was awarded the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Training Award (Academic). Since then, he has held a variety of appointments first as a Gunnery Officer, and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, and later as a Principal Warfare Officer.

Prior to this new appointment, COL Chia served as Head Naval Plans and attended the International Executive Program in INSEAD, France.

In his parting advice, RADM Tan, who is now Head Naval Operations, issued a rallying cry to the servicemen: "Have no doubt that what we do is meaningful work. Don't let your guard down and let maritime terrorists have a go at Singapore."

"Don't let them even think about it - that is our job," he exhorted.