RECOGNISING 661 MINDEF, SAF PERSONNEL FOR DEDICATION TO DUTY

In March last year, Military Expert (ME) 4 David Mohan S/O Arumugam was deployed for a search-and-locate operation for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in the South China Sea.

His frigate RSS Steadfast had just returned to Singapore after completing a bilateral exercise with the Royal Malaysia Navy.

Despite this, he and his crew had no complaints. In fact, he was glad that their training was put to good use, and they were able to work seamlessly with their Malaysian naval counterparts.

"Our peace-time training over the years and through the various exercises with foreign navies were valuable in ensuring our preparedness for real operations," he explained.

ME4 David was among 661 personnel from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) who received the National Day Awards on 20 Nov.

The 48-year-old received the Efficiency Medal for his sterling contributions to the Navy. As Squadron Coxswain of 182/189 Squadron, he is the mentor to about 400 sailors.

A total of 79 Commendation Medals, 115 Efficiency Medals and 475 Long Service Medals were given out to both military and non-military personnel at the National Day Awards Investiture held at MINDEF. These awards recognise their outstanding performance and dedication to duty and service.

The ceremony was officiated by Senior Ministers of State for Defence Ong Ye Kung and Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman.

Shouldering heavy responsibilities

For Lieutenant Colonel (NS) Adrian Toh, who received the Long Service Medal, the most significant moment in his 25-year-long career came when he took on the role of a test pilot from 2003 to 2007.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force was then looking for replacements for its ageing A-4 fighter jets.

"It was thrilling to be flying these air craft (that the RSAF was looking at purchasing), but the biggest challenge was to objectively evaluate each aircraft," said the 44-year-old, an F-15 and F-16 fighter pilot by training.

"We are talking about a billion-dollar acquisition in which the security of the country is at the forefront of our decision-making process."

He just retired from the RSAF in May this year, and will be serving as an Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman) in the Air Operations Department.

"It has been a fulfilling career, and I have always enjoyed my work in the Air Force. I look forward to working with my colleagues again as an NSman," said the 44-year-old, now a commercial pilot.

Nurturing leaders

Another award winner was 1st Warrant Officer (1WO) Omar Bin Osman, a Sergeant Major in the Infantry Training Institute.

He derives great satisfaction in grooming junior specialists into capable warrant officers. His former trainees, who have since risen through the ranks, still go to him for advice.

"That (in) itself speaks volumes of how you can win people s hearts," said the Efficiency Medal recipient.

The 40-year-old recently completed the Sergeant Major course in the United States Army Sergeant Majors Academy in June.

He trained alongside soldiers from 30 military forces worldwide. One of his key takeaways was being able to learn from his counterparts and bring some of their best practices into his work in the SAF.

"I am committed to give my 110 percent. Whatever challenge that I might face along the way, I know the SAF has prepared me well," he added.

Also on the honour list

At an earlier National Day Awards Ceremony on 8 Nov, 14 MINDEF and SAF personnel received awards from President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam.

Former Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (NS) Ng Chee Meng received the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentara) [Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], and Assistant Chief of General Staff (Operations) Brigadier-General Siew Kum Wong received the Public Administration Medal (Silver) (Bar) (Military).

The award recipients also comprised nine senior SAF officers who received the Public Administration Medal (Silver) (Military), and three MINDEF personnel who received the Public Administration Medal (Silver).

In a separate awards ceremony officiated by Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong on 11 Nov, 28 senior SAF officers received the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) (Military), and eight MINDEF personnel received the Public Administration Medal (Bronze).