S'PORE, AUSTRALIAN NAVIES IN JOINT EXERCISE

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) concluded a bilateral maritime exercise, codenamed Singaroo, on 17 Nov.

The four-day exercise provided both navies with a good opportunity to deepen interoperability, said RSN Commander First Flotilla Colonel (COL) Giam Hock Koon.

He had co-officiated at the opening ceremony of the exercise with Commander (CMDR) David McDonald, the RAN Commanding Officer HMAS Sirius, at Changi Naval Base on 14 Nov.

"The exercise programme is designed with interesting shore and sea phases that will sharpen their war-fighting, gunnery, seamanship, firefighting, damage control as well as naval aviation skills," he added.

The 15th in its series, Exercise Singaroo comprised a shore phase with operations planning held at Changi Naval Base and a sea phase conducted in the South China Sea. The sea phase, which included helicopter operations and air defence serials, marked the maiden participation of the RSN's Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter in the Singaroo series.

Over 400 personnel and three vessels including Formidable-class frigate RSS Formidable from the RSN, as well as Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga and replenishment vessel HMAS Sirius from the RAN, took part in this year's exercise. In addition, four F-16 fighter aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force were deployed for the air defence serials.

Working alongside one another allowed participating personnel to strengthen both professional and personal ties.

Commending the RSN personnel on their competence, CMDR McDonald said: "They are extremely professional and are very easy to work with. We understand each other well and our tactics are similar... It was seamless when we operated together."

The RSN and the RAN have been participating in Exercise Singaroo since 1995. This long-running bilateral maritime exercise underscores the close defence ties between the two countries.

Besides conducting exercises, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force interact frequently in a wide range of activities, from visits to professional exchanges and military courses. Both armed forces also work together in close partnership in the multinational reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.