MR TEO VISITS SAF TASK GROUP IN GULF OF ADEN

Deployed in the Gulf of Aden as part of multinational anti-piracy efforts, the Singapore Armed Forces Task Group (SAF TG), which comprises a 221-strong tri-Service crew embarked on Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Endurance, received Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at sea on 31 Aug.

During his visit, Mr Teo was briefed on the TG's operations as part of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and shown how the crew reacts to pirate attacks on a merchant vessel. The TG crew also had the opportunity to share their operational experiences with him.

Speaking to the troops which were deployed to the Gulf of Aden in June, Mr Teo emphasised the important role they play as part of the larger multinational effort to safeguard shipping in the region. "The SAF deployment here has a direct relevance to our security in Singapore. The sea routes from Asia and Europe pass through the Gulf of Aden before coming to Singapore. Like an electric cable, if you cut the cable at one point it affects all of us," said Mr Teo.

As one of the major arterial sea lanes, the Gulf of Aden carries a significant amount of world trade, with approximately 11 percent of the world's seaborne petroleum passing through en route to the Suez Canal.

The SAF TG is working together with more than 20 countries to keep the busy shipping route safe from pirates. "By all of us contributing, it helps because each of us shoulders part of the burden in keeping this sea route safe in our own ways," added Mr Teo.

Commenting on operations so far was Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Lee Joan Hin, Commander SAF TG. While there have been numerous challenges, the crew has been able to deal with them due to the extensive training they received prior to deployment. "We have responded speedily to a number of distress calls so far...and have remained vigilant. The crew is prepared and ready. They have trained hard and worked tirelessly towards meeting all the demands which CTF 151 has placed on them," he said in praise of the crew.

Mr Teo was accompanied by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Chew Men Leong, Director Multinational Operations RADM Bernand Miranda and other senior SAF officers during his visit.

The current deployment, which comprises an LST with two Super Puma helicopters on board, conducts daily surveillance flights and sector patrols. It also includes a ship security unit comprising members from the Army and Navy, as well as a medical support team.

In 2009, the deployment of the LST RSS Persistence, with two Super Puma helicopters embarked, marked the first SAF contribution to CTF 151 operations. In addition, the SAF's RADM Miranda held command of CTF 151 from January to April 2010.