STEADY COURSE AHEAD

In its 3rd Generation transformation, every milestone steers the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) towards becoming a more hi-tech, well-balanced and potent naval force.

In the RSS Archer, the air is thick with anticipation. From sonar operator to torpedo firer, everyone in the submarine exudes intense concentration as they prepare the cigar-shaped underwater projectile for firing.

On command, the torpedo leaves the submarine and slices through the water, destroying the enemy warship. Moments later, the torpedo officer's announcement puts a smile on everyone's faces: "Torpedo hits target."

The crew is jubilant. Their clockwork execution of the torpedo-firing procedure has culminated in a successful mission.

While it may sound effortless to some, launching a torpedo from the submarine is no easy task. Said Military Expert (ME) 2 Winston Liew, the Underwater System Senior Supervisor of RSS Archer: "It requires precise coordination among everyone on board the vessel. We have to respond fast, and at the same time, observe silence where possible to remain stealthy."

Added Communication System Cluster Chief ME2 Tan Kim Song: "We are glad to see how our training and teamwork are put to good use."

Right on target

This scenario took place in local waters last year, where RSS Archer conducted its maiden heavyweight torpedo firing exercise since it returned to Singapore.

The successful completion of the exercise marked an important milestone for the boat, which is the first of two Archer-class submarines of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Acquired in 2005, the former Royal Swedish Navy Vaastergotland-class submarine has since been upgraded and refurbished for optimal performance in the waters around Singapore.

Said Colonel (COL) Ngong Boon Kheng, the Commanding Officer of 171 Squadron (SQN), the Navy's submarine squadron: "The whole process of being able to detect, locate, ascertain the position of and ultimately fire and guide the torpedo to the enemy target proves that RSS Archer is now operational and capable of carrying out its missions."

Besides the torpedo firing, RSS Archer has conducted various system verifications and sea trials in local conditions as part of its operationalisation process. To enhance its safety procedures, the 60.5m-long boat also conducted an exercise with the Deep Search and Rescue Six, a submersible rescue vessel last year.

These events also highlight the boat's ability to become operational in a short period of time following her return from Sweden.

On 2 Dec 2011, the RSS Archer was commissioned by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at Changi Naval Base.

On the significance of its commissioning to the submarine capabilities of the RSN, COL Ngong said: "It is definitely a remarkable boost to the Navy's submarine force. The Archer-class submarines are stealthier and have longer submerged endurance, extended reach and greater firepower, compared to their Challenger-class predecessors."

These enhanced capabilities are made possible by the Air Independent Propulsion system which provides the Archer-class submarine with better endurance in staying submerged and a lower noise signature; the advanced sonar system that enhances its detection range; as well as the combat system that allows it to acquire, track and engage targets twice as far.

With such an edge in underwater capabilities, the RSN has broadened the range of operations that the 3rd Generation SAF can undertake. In places where land vehicles, surface vessels and aircraft cannot be deployed, the submarines can be sent to conduct a variety of operations ranging from surveillance to underwater warfare, while remaining undetected.

Currently, 171 SQN operates five underwater platforms, four of which are Challenger-class submarines. The sixth boat, the Archer-class RSS Swordsman, is currently undergoing sea trials overseas.

There are plans in the pipeline to groom the pioneer batch of Archer-class boat crew into instructors to build up the RSN's own submarine training capabilities, said COL Ngong. He added: "We are also looking to cross-train the crews operating in the different classes of submarines, as this will result in greater flexibility in the deployment of our people."

Better sea-air integration

The RSN's submarines are part of an integrated warfighting system in the fleet which comprises platforms such as the stealth frigates, naval helicopters, missile corvettes and the Landing Ships Tank.

Other than the continuing operationalisation of RSS Archer, the recent hardware developments as part of the Navy's 3rd Generation transformation include the integration of Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters with the Formidable-class frigates, as well as the upgrading of the Victory-class missile corvettes.

Inaugurated into 123 SQN at the beginning of last year, the naval helicopters have made good progress in integrating with the frigates as a fighting system. In the same year, the helicopters successfully conducted torpedo launches in an exercise.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Chris Chia, Deputy Commanding Officer of 123 SQN, which operates the S-70Bs, elaborated: "The naval helicopter is an extension of the RSN frigate's fighting capacity. It realises the full potential of the frigate by allowing it to see further and take out enemies faster."

Later this year, a naval helicopter and a frigate will be deployed to the Gulf of Aden for the first time. They will form the fourth SAF Task Group operating under the ambit of Command Task Force 151, a multinational task force established in 2009 to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

Warship upgrade

The missile corvettes were commissioned into service in 1990 and 1991. After many years of sterling service, they are being upgraded to retain the platforms' capability and flexibility to meet new and evolving operational demands.

The key upgrades to the corvettes include enhanced combat management systems, improved sensors and capability to launch and operate an unmanned aerial vehicle.

As of early April, three of the six missile corvettes have completed their upgrading.

During the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) bilateral exercise between the SAF and the United States Navy in August last year, the newly-upgraded missile corvette RSS Valiant validated the capabilities of its enhanced systems with the successful firing of a Barak anti-missile missile against a sea-skimming target drone.

Develop & nurture

While the RSN progresses steadily in the operationalisation and upgrading of its hardware, it recognises that it is the people who maximise its warfighting capabilities.

"To meet our people's aspirations, we will nurture each individual and provide our people with opportunities to achieve their highest potential in professional, personal and team goals," said Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Ng Chee Peng.

ME2 Ed Ng was offered a study award to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Naval Architecture at Newcastle University, an overseas university partner of Singapore Institute of Technology.

The 27-year-old was a Marine Systems Operator on board the Landing Ship Tank RSS Endurance before he slipped back into the role of a full-time student.

He said: "I always had a deep desire to pursue undergraduate studies after I graduated from polytechnic. The course I am reading has sharpened my ability to think critically and strategically to solve problems. It also inspires me to ponder how best I can value-add to the organisation with the expertise I've acquired."

Currently a final year student, ME2 Ng is working on his graduation project thesis, where his research project is centred on the lean and effective manning of marine systems.

"Coupled with my previous shipboard experience gained from operating in the warship, I hope to design future ship systems that are powerful and require less manpower," he said.

Adapting to the increasing operational complexity and expanded range of warfare capabilities, the RSN has redesigned many of its jobs to build expertise in new operational areas. The initiative, for instance, saw naval personnel completing the Royal Navy Helicopter Control Officer Course and becoming qualified aircraft controllers on board the frigate.

Said RADM Ng: "This has enabled our people to step beyond their previous boundaries, to contribute in new roles and undertake new responsibilities. This has also allowed more avenues for career progression."

As the Navy continues to nurture its people into a competent team, it will use technology as leverage to refresh its training pedagogies and enhance the learning experience of its trainees. At present, the trainees make use of a navigation application on the iPad to familiarise themselves with the geographical features and navigation marks in local waters.

There are plans in place for the Naval Training Command to develop an application that teaches trainee Officers-of-the-Watch and radar specialists about safe navigation.

Keeping waters safe

For any defence force, teamwork is crucial. Likewise, ensuring maritime security requires a concerted effort among the RSN and various national maritime agencies, including the Police Coast Guard and the Maritime and Port Authority.

Last year's anti-terror drill, codenamed Northstar, validated the workings of the RSN-led National Maritime Security System (NMSS). The NMSS is a framework that brings together maritime agencies to combat sea threats in a coordinated manner. Held from 10 to 25 Nov 2011, the exercise saw participants launching an integrated response to a simulated hijacking at sea.

Through collaboration, the NMSS "aims to promote information-sharing, situation awareness, decision-making and operational coordination among our maritime security agencies", said RADM Tan Wee Beng, Chief of Staff - Naval Staff.

Another key component in the RSN's collaborative and information-sharing efforts is the Information Fusion Centre (IFC). Set up in 2009, it enables the international maritime community to tackle transnational sea threats by exchanging information of the maritime situation in the region and beyond.

Over the years, the IFC's information-sharing network has grown in size. At present, the centre works with 46 operation centres from 29 countries.

To date, 35 International Liaison Officers (ILO) from 13 countries, including France, India and Indonesia, have served attachments with the IFC. They are tasked to facilitate the synthesis and sharing of information among all partners. Said French ILO, Lieutenant-Commander Jean-Michel Kergoat, about his working experience at the IFC: "I noticed that there is better collaboration among us as we streamline our work processes and come together as one. I have also built a confident relationship with my counterparts."

On the latest achievement of the centre, LTC Nicholas Lim, Head IFC, cited an incident where the centre worked closely with the Indonesian Navy in December 2011 to recover the hijacked Indonesian-flagged tugboat Sin Hin 5.

"After learning from the boat owners that the vessel had deviated from its planned path in the waters off the southern part of Malaysia, we informed our Indonesian ILO and he updated the operation centre based back home," he recalled. The Indonesian Navy then deployed an aircraft and three ships to search for the boat. Upon locating it, they gave chase, arrested the perpetrators and returned the boat to its owners.

The IFC also regularly engages the commercial shipping community and enforcement agencies through a bi-monthly Shared Awareness Meeting (SAM). At the meeting, participants receive updates on the situation in the Gulf of Aden, and exchange perspectives on the conduct of security operations to protect merchant vessels travelling through the vital sea lines of communication.

Mr Benny Low, a group security manager from Thome Ship Management Private Limited, has attended six SAMs since the meetings began in May 2010. He said: "The meetings are very useful as we can share our views more openly in this closed-door, non-commercial discussion. I make use of the knowledge obtained from the meeting to enhance my company s security measures to better protect our fleet."

Noting that the operating environment is becoming increasingly complex, RADM Ng emphasised that the RSN must remain fully capable of securing Singapore's seaward defence and its continued access to its sea lines of communication.

"We must continue to hone our maritime warfighting capabilities to prevent any disruption to our sea lines of communication...

"Critically, we will focus on building the 3rd Generation RSN for enduring success," he said.

Feel the Navy spirit!

The Navy Museum, known as Spirit of the Navy, opens officially on 3 May as part of activities commemorating the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) 45th anniversary. Furnished to look and feel like a warship, it has three "decks" and 11 galleries that trace the Navy's history.

Catch a glimpse of the Navy's heritage, culture, spirit and capabilities through exhibits ranging from the weaponry of old warships to interactive role-playing games! Here are some highlights:

The Maritime Hub

Singapore's roots as a maritime nation go back a long way. Find out why the strategic location of the country requires a strong seaward defence.

Navy Today

What makes up the RSN? Learn about the squadrons and ships of today's Navy, as well as the meanings behind their logos and mottos. Also, try your hand at tying different knots - a skill required in the day-to-day work of a seaman - in this interactive section.

The Early Days

Take a trip down memory lane with displays comprising the main gun and the helm of RSS Panglima, as well as old navy uniforms and precious snapshots of the fledgling navy.

Naval Warfare and Technology
Get on board and take on the role of a gunner or a frigate commander! Try your hand at firing at a simulated enemy target with a real anti-aircraft gun (sorry, no real missile though), or play an interactive game where you get to decide what to do when your frigate detects a suspicious vessel.

Through exhibits about the RSN's anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities, learn how the formidable maritime force keeps Singapore's waters safe.

Our Sailors

Take a look at the different gear worn by the sailors during firefighting and submarine escape operations and more.

Operations Other Than War

Discover what goes into the RSN's missions ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to counter-piracy and peace support.

VISITORS' INFO

• Location: Blk 112 Tanah Merah Coast Road, Singapore 498794 (Outside Changi Naval Base)
• Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays; Closed on Mondays, Sundays and Public Holidays
• Free admission
• Free guided tours by RSN personnel for groups comprising 10 to 15 participants. E-mail rsnmuseum@starnet.gov.sg to make arrangements.

For general enquiries, call 6544-5150