NEW FLEET COMMANDER TAKES OVER

Colonel (COL) Timothy Lo took over as Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) from Rear-Admiral (RADM) Lai Chung Han, at a change of command ceremony held at Changi Naval Base on 14 Aug.

In his farewell address, RADM Lai thanked the RSN sailors and naval staff for their unflinching support: "Indeed, as iron sharpens iron, it was your counsel and your robust comments that help me do my job better." He also thanked the Navy leadership for their guidance and entrusting him with such a responsibility. The ceremony was witnessed by Chief of Navy RADM Ng Chee Peng.

RADM Lai also noted the importance of forging a stronger sense of identity and character within the Fleet such that the naval staff can work together more effectively to achieve the Fleet's motto Defenders of Our Seas.

RADM Lai joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in January 1992 and was awarded the President's and SAF Overseas Scholarship.

He had held the appointment of Fleet Commander from April 2011 onwards. Prior to that, he held various command appointments in the RSN, including Commanding Officer of the Missile Corvette RSS Valiant and Commanding Officer 188 Squadron (SQN). He was also Director (Policy) in Ministry of Defence Headquarters (HQ).

Under his watch, the Fleet crossed many milestones, such as the successful deployment to the Gulf of Aden in 2011, the operationalisation of new capabilities such as the upgraded missile corvettes and RSS Archer, and the achievement of Full Operational Capability for the naval helicopters.

COL Lo acknowledged the heavy responsibilities that would come with the new appointment, but he fully expects it to be hugely satisfying for two reasons: "First, because a Commander can positively influence the outcome of a mission through his leadership. Second, because a Commander is well placed to value-add and mould the lives of those under his charge."

He added: "By growing our people in the Fleet, they will in turn be in a better position to make greater quality contributions to the Fleet and the wider RSN."

COL Lo joined the SAF in December 1989 and was awarded the SAF Merit Scholarship.

His previous appointment was Head Naval Plans in HQ RSN. Prior to that, he held various command appointments in the RSN, including Commanding Officer of Patrol Vessel RSS Justice, Commanding Officer of Missile Corvette RSS Vigour as well as Commanding Officer 188 SQN.