MILITARY HISTORY MADE FUN

The Army, Navy, and Air Force museums are not just custodians of the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) history and heritage, but also fun and educational hangouts for both you and your family!

Army Museum

Stories of our NSmen

A worn-out wooden cupboard stands beside a metal bed frame with a thin mattress. Peer into the cupboard, and you will find a neatly-folded Temasek green uniform, a set of physical training attire, a metal food tray, and a pair of black canvas shoes.

Older generations of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) will find this a familiar sight. This is a typical Basic Military Training (BMT) bunk found in Pulau Tekong back in the 1970s - recreated in the Army Museum of Singapore.

The three-storey museum, located near the Singapore Discovery Centre, was opened in 2007 to trace the Army's development from its early years. Besides nostalgia-evoking black-and-white photographs, there are memorabilia such as an Operationally Ready Date (ORD) calender, "dog" tags, compass and tae kwon do grading card. Many of these were contributed by former NSmen and Regulars, and they come complete with anecdotes of their previous owners' NS experiences.

One such account was on how SAF soldiers rescued 17 survivors from the collapse of the Hotel New World in 1986. Master Warrant Officer Ong Heng, who enlisted in 1969, wrote: "The way they (our soldiers) work and clear debris is from the heart. Our boys feel it. They are trying to save lives."

Through the pictorial narratives, visitors can see how Singapore built up its defence force - comprising only two infantry battalions in 1965 - into the modern Army of today.

One key historical moment was the Singapore Airlines Flight (SQ) 117 hijack incident of 1991. The successful rescue operation by the SAF showcased the readiness of the Army to defend Singapore. At the museum, visitors can board a mock-up of a section of SQ 117 and watch re-enactments of the rescue operation.

The guide speaks

Many of the Army museum's guides are former Army Regulars. Major (MAJ) (Ret) Shari Bin Ngaimin is not just a guide, but one of the 53 pioneer BMT instructors.

The 73-year-old, who enlisted in 1963, became a guide because he loves sharing inside stories such as this little-known fact: "When NS started in 1967, I was there to train the chaps. Back then, the first BMT was six months long because the recruits couldn't speak English... So they had English lessons by teachers from the Ministry of Education. Those who had military training in the morning would have their English lessons in the afternoon."

Highlights

Shooting practice

Get a taste of shooting training in the Army at the Individual Marksmanship Trainer. You can choose between the old M-16 rifle and the Singapore Assault Rifle 21.

Experience a battle

Immerse yourself in a 360-degree video showcase at the Object theatre. It showcases army fighting in the battlefield - complete with "sounds, smokes and smells".

Peace support

See a slice of the SAF operations in Afghanistan in a special exhibition on Supporting the Peace and Reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Visitor Information

Admission:
Free for all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents

Location:
520 Upper Jurong Road Singapore 638367

Operating Hours:
10am to 6pm daily except on Mondays.
Open on all Public Holidays including Mondays.

Website:
www.armymuseum.gov.sg

Navy Museum

Seafaring tales

The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) warships of today are colossal, formidable-looking vessels. But did you know that when the Navy was first formed in 1967 (as the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force), it had only two wooden ships - RSS Panglima and RSS Bedok?

This little-known fact reflects the humble beginnings of the RSN. And at the Navy Museum located at Changi Naval Base, you will find many more of such facts told through precious snapshots, miniature replicas of early ships and stories of the lives of the pioneer sailors.

Visitors can trace the RSN's development from the 19th century till today through these historical displays, which include details of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and peacekeeping operations that the Navy participated in.

History enthusiasts will be intrigued by details of missions such as Operation Thunderstorm in 1975. That was when Vietnamese "boat people" came over in 60 ships to escape the Vietnam War. The RSN prevented the ships from landing on our shore, but provided food and water for the refugees before they moved on to their next destination.

The guide speaks

2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) (Ret) Chan Chai Aun, 59, the Navy Museum guide and curator, has sailed in the RSN's first ship RSS Panglima and many other Navy ships.

The former chief engineer has experienced firsthand many of the RSN's early missions such as Operation Thunderstorm. "One ship thought that we didn't want to help them. So some threw grenades at us, some fired at us, and we could see tracer rounds. So we had no choice but to call in the Commandos."

Highlights

Steer the ship

Helm the ship in this simulator game and navigate your way out of a crowded port.

Naval Raider

Command a ship and fire away to destroy enemy planes in this interactive video game.

Submarine workings

Discover the insides of a submarine and watch how it fires a torpedo.

Visitor Information

Admission:
Free

Location:
112 Tanah Merah Coast Road 498794 (Next to SAF Yacht Club)

Operating Hours:
9am to 5pm (Monday to Friday)
9am to 3pm (Saturday)
Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays

Website:
www.mindef.gov.sg/navymuseum

Air Force Museum

History behind aircraft

Walking into the Air Force Museum, you will be greeted by many full-sized vintage aircraft in an outdoor gallery on the ground floor. These decommissioned aircraft are among the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) first and they include the Hawker Hunter - its first fighter aircraft - and the Aerospatiale Aloutte III - its first helicopter.

There is a story behind each of these aircraft, and together they describe how the RSAF overcame all obstacles to build up a credible air defence in the early days. Visitors can check out the eight indoor galleries, located on the second floor, to trace the RSAF's historical developments from the 50s to the 90s.

The Air Force Museum, first established in 1988 at Changi Air Base before it moved to its current home at Paya Lebar Air Base, aims to preserve the history of the RSAF and pay tribute to its servicemen.

The guide speaks

Mr Teng Geok Kim, the Air Force Museum's guide and curator, was a former technician with the RSAF.

The 61-year-old recalled how the Air Force continually improved its hardware to stay ahead: "When we purchased the Skyhawks from the Americans, it was just a basic model. So we enhanced the engines and weapon systems. But we had to strengthen all the wing and body structures. Because the aircraft now flew faster, the old frame might not be able to take it... This is very important - we improved it into a Super Skyhawk which could easily knock other Skyhawks out."

Highlights

Evolution of the RSAF

Catch a video on the development of the RSAF and how it has transformed from an air defence command in 1968 to a full-fledged air force in the mid-80s and to a modern, integrated air force today.

Mission brief

Take a sneak peek into what goes on behind the scenes when pilots go for their mission briefings.

History of planes

Learn about the world's first aircraft, the first military aircraft and the first supersonic jet at an aviation history gallery where you get to see replica models and other exhibits.

Visitor Information

Admission:
Free

Location:
400 Airport Road Singapore 534234

Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am to 5.00pm
Closed on Monday and Public Holidays

Website:
www.mindef.gov.sg/airforcemuseum