THREE THINGS FOR VISITORS TO SEE AT NAVY OPEN HOUSE

It was, literally, a hair-raising experience for many of the visitors who had gone on a Fast Craft Utility (FCU) ride at the Navy Open House (NOH), wind blowing through their hair as they sped along on the waters.

Messy hair aside, those whom cyberpioneer spoke to after the mini-cruise around the Changi Naval Base (CNB) basin, where this year's NOH is held, said they enjoyed the ride very much. For many of them, it was their first time on board a military vessel.

Ship rides, visits to the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) warships and the chance to get up close and personal with the men and women of the Navy are some of the highlights that Senior Minister of State for Defence Chan Chun Sing said visitors could look forward to at this year s NOH.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on 18 May, Mr Chan said that this year's event was an invitation from the RSN to the public to find out more about what the Navy does to safeguard Singapore's waters.

He encouraged visitors to see three things at NOH 2013. First, it was to see how the RSN worked together with the Home Team to safeguard Singapore's waters and provide Singaporeans with the peace of mind to do all that they enjoy.

Second, it was to see how the RSN worked together with foreign navies to safeguard Singapore's sea lines of communications in order to provide safe passage for food and energy supplies.

Third, it was to see how the RSN worked together with the rest of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) as one team to protect Singapore's sovereignty.

"This year's NOH offers you an invaluable opportunity to experience the state-of-the-art naval platforms which the Navy uses," added Mr Chan.

Second-time NOH visitor Uma Mageshwari visited the open house as a show of support for friend Military Expert (ME) 1-1 Prem Nath, who is a marine engineer in 191 Squadron.

Ms Mageshwari, who rated the high-octane dynamic display 10 out of 10 said: "We don't get to see this often, so it's exciting."

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman also hosted women's groups on the opening day of NOH. They included grassroots leaders from the People's Association Women Integration Network (PA WIN), the Singapore Council of Women Organisations and the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA).

One of them was first-time NOH visitor Alicia Lim. The NYAA member had gone on an FCU ride, which she described as exhilarating. "The boat swirled and turned and there were sprays of water. I was afraid I'd be seasick but it turned out okay."

"I have friends in the Navy and I wanted to see how the Navy works. Now when I talk to my Navy friends, I can tell them 'I know what you do in the Navy!'" laughed the 20-year-old Ngee Ann Polytechnic student.

Another first-time visitor was Ms Diana Pang, chairman of the PA's Feng Shan Women Executive Committee. Her husband, Operationally-Ready NSman 3rd Sergeant Ong Han Chong, parents and 17-month-old daughter Taylor were also at the open house.

"I saw how the Navy servicemen manoeuvred the boat and it was a 'wow' factor. I feel very proud to be a Singaporean!" she said.

NOH 2013 is open to the public from 18 to 19 May. For details, go to the event's website at www.navyopenhouse.sg or visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SingaporeNavy for updates.

Entry to CNB is by shuttle bus only. Free shuttle services to the CNB fairground are available from Singapore Expo Hall 3. The first bus to the CNB fairground is at 8.30am and the last bus is at 4.30pm.

Mr Chiang leading MINDEF and SAF staff in the recitation of the Public Service Pledge.

MINDEF and SAF staff renew pledge at NOH

Some 300 Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and SAF staff had earlier visited NOH 2013, as part of an observance ceremony held by MINDEF at CNB, to mark Public Service Week.

In a video shown during the ceremony on 16 May, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean reminded the staff of the important roles they played in shaping Singapore's Public Service.

The ceremony closed with Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chiang Chie Foo, who was the guest-of-honour, leading the staff in reciting the Public Service Pledge.