MILESTONES

NEW UNIFORMS DEBUT AT SAF DAY PARADE

01 Jul 2012

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STORY // Sheena Tan
PHOTO // Chai Sian Liang and Benjamin Lee

Air men and sailors of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) sported a new look at a parade to mark SAF Day on 1 Jul.


For the first time, marching contingents from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) donned the new pixelised combat uniforms in shades of blue and grey respectively.


Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officiated at the parade, which was held at the SAFTI Military Institute. More than 3,000 SAF regulars, Operationally Ready National Servicemen and full-time National Servicemen attended the parade.


At the parade, military personnel reaffirmed their commitment to defending Singapore as they recited the SAF Pledge, led by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong.


A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of those who had lost their lives in the line of duty.


A highlight of the parade was the presentation of awards to winners of this year's SAF Best Unit Competition. Mr Lee presented the State Colours to the 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn), which was crowned Best Combat Unit, while Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented awards for the Best Unit and Best National Service Unit to 23 units.


Also present at the parade were Minister of State for Defence and Education Lawrence Wong, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Service Chiefs and senior officers of the SAF.





Mr Lee inspecting the Guard-of-Honour contingents at the parade.
Navy personnel in their new uniforms at the parade.
LG Neo (extreme left) leading the parade in reciting the SAF Pledge. With him are (from left) Chief of Air Force Major-General Ng Chee Meng, Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng.
A contingent from the RSAF marches past in their new pixelised uniform.
Mr Lee speaking with Captain (CPT) Sam Tan at the post-parade reception. CPT Tan was the first foreigner to top the class in the US Naval Academy this year.
Mr Lee presenting the State Colours to Commanding Officer of 1 Cdo Bn, Major Iain Hoo.
Dr Ng presenting the Best Ship award to Commanding Officer of RSS Valiant, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Francis Goh.
Dr Ng presenting the Best Fighter Squadron to Commanding Officer of 145 Squadron, LTC Lim Kok Hong.
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