SINGAPORE CONTINGENT BACK FROM QUAKE RELIEF OPERATIONS IN CHRISTCHURCH

Lance Corporal (LCP) Norman Tan was one of the 116 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel from Headquarters Guards participating in a bilateral exercise codenamed Exercise Lion Walk, with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) when his commander broke the news that a 6.3 magnitude earthquake had hit Christchurch on 22 Feb.

The SAF soldiers were deployed to help the NZDF and the local authorities with rescue operations and providing humanitarian aid to victims of the earthquake.

The exercise had become the real deal for LCP Tan and the rest of the SAF troops.

"I did not expect to take part in any operations during my NSF (full-time national service) life with the Army, but here was an opportunity for me to do it," said LCP Tan.

On 13 Mar, LCP Tan returned to Singapore together with the command team and 70 members of the SAF after their 17-day deployment in Christchurch.

During their deployment, the SAF personnel worked closely with the NZDF in conducting cordon operations in the city centre to ensure the safety and security of the residents whose lives and homes were affected by the earthquake.

They were also deployed to remove debris in the suburbs, set up water purification units and tents, and provide primary healthcare at the welfare centres.

Besides the SAF team, two RSAF C-130s and one KC-135 military aircraft also evacuated civilians, and airlift humanitarian aid and supplies to victims of the earthquake.

Corporal (CPL) Guru was one of the five combat engineers deployed with NZDF engineers to the suburbs where they assisted the local authorities in removing debris and carrying repair works to affected buildings.

He said: "Our training has prepared us and enabled us to carry out the operations."

"The residents were very kind to us. They offered us food and also thanked us for our contribution," he added.

CPL Guru and the rest of the contingent's efforts were commended by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong who was at the Changi International Airport Terminal 3 to welcome the team home.

Speaking to the SAF team at the reception, LG Neo said: "You have demonstrated professionalism and commitment in the disaster relief effort to help the people of Christchurch." He also thanked the men and their families who had supported them throughout their deployment.

Also present at the reception were Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, New Zealand High Commissioner Peter Hamilton, senior officers from the SAF and Singapore Civil Defence Force as well as family members of the Singapore contingent.

LCP Tan's family was there to welcome him home as well. Mr Joseph Tan was initially very worried about the safety of his son when he heard about the earthquake from his relatives. He was relieved when the SAF called him later in the day to inform that LCP was safe.

Asked how he felt about LCP Tan helping with the disaster relief operations, Mr Tan said: "I am very proud of him for representing Singapore but was scared at that time when he was there!"

Even though LCP Tan did not expect to be involved in a real operation, he said the training he had received in the SAF "prepared us mentally so when they told us that there was a change from exercise to operations, we were not so shocked."

LCP Muhammad Hasif bin Haron, an NSF supply assistant, was also involved in the cordon operations. The biggest takeaways from the deployment for him were the opportunity to work with the NZDF personnel and learning to deal with civilians during a disaster relief operation.

The remaining personnel of the SAF team will return to Singapore on 14 Mar.