RSS PERSISTENCE TO AID IN MULTINATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION EFFORT

When Master Sergeant (MSG) G Yogesvari Mary Anne's mother first knew her ship, RSS Persistence, would be deployed to the Gulf to assist the multinational community in the reconstruction of Iraq, she was rather fearful.

"I was a bit scared when I heard, but I know it will also be a challenging task for her," Mdm Patricia Rammayah told cyberpioneer during the Landing Ship Tank's (LST) send-off ceremony at Changi Naval Base on 1 Sep.

"It will be a good chance for her to gain more experience...she has been doing a good job so far and I hope she will be able to do even better this time!"

MSG Yogesvari is responsible for the logistical stores onboard RSS Persistence, and even the pre-deployment preparations - the amount of stores and systems involved - was a eye-opener for her.

"I've heard stories from others about their Gulf trip, but I will be looking ahead to what I can learn for myself - my own experience and perspective," she said.

"Overall, I think it is a good gesture to participate in this multinational effort. It is good to support one another because you never know when you will be in time of need."

For her cousin, First Warrant Officer (1WO) Ravindran, who was also present to see her off, it is a privilege to be deployed to the Gulf.

"She's lucky to get to go because not everyone gets the chance," said the Institute Sergeant Major from Institute of Maritime Operations and Systems (IMOS), who added that he would "definitely go" if he is given the chance.

"I am sure the training she has undergone puts her in good stead for the deployment. It is good exposure since it is a real-time mission and when she returns, she can share her experiences with the rest and everyone would benefit."

Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Chew Men Leong officiated at the send-off ceremony for the LST and its crew of 180 personnel. He presented each of them with the state insignia and a letter of encouragement.

During its deployment, RSS Persistence will undertake tasks such as providing logistics support for coalition vessels and helicopters, protecting the waters around key oil terminals, conducting patrols and carrying out boarding operations.

Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Li Lit Siew, Commanding Officer 191 Squadron, is the commander for the task group. He is no stranger to the Gulf, having been there with the first LST deployment in Oct 2003 as Commanding Officer of RSS Endurance.
"I am familiar with the environment, but we cannot let complacency set in. People-to-people interaction will be different with new groups of people, and threats shift," LTC Li explained.

"We need to explore every detail, down to the last item on the agenda, so as to keep the flag flying high and do even better this time round."

Including RSS Persistence, the SAF has made in total four deployments of LSTs, four deployments of KC-135 tanker aircraft, and one deployment of a C-130 transport aircraft to the Gulf in support of the reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

RSS Persistence is scheduled to return on 22 Dec.