A TASTE OF THE SUN AND THE SEA

Despite the sweltering heat, over 100,000 people thronged through the gates of Changi Naval Base from 25 to 27 May for the rare opportunity to get up close to the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s warships and service personnel.

The Navy Open House 2007 was held in conjunction with the RSN's 40th anniversary and aimed to give members of the public an insight to the roles and responsibilities of the RSN in the defence of Singapore.

One of the event's top attractions was the chance to go onboard the stealth frigates, the latest addition to the RSN fleet. It was the first time so many warships were involved in an Open House - 11 in total - and some visitors even went on short sea cruises on selected ships.

Colonel Sng Yeow Liang, the Executive Committee Chairman for the Open House, said the idea behind the event was to bring four "E"s to the visitors: Education, Experience, Entertainment and Enjoyment.

The educational aspect was found in the exhibits that showcased the development of the RSN and the capabilities that it has developed through the last 40 years, towards becoming a Third-Generation Navy.

Visitors also balloted for the experience of sailing out to sea on the Anti-Submarine Patrol Vessel (APV), Missile Corvette (MCV), Mine Counter-measure Vessel (MCMV), or to navigate a ship in the Full Mission Ship Handling Simulator.

In addition, there were also performances by the Naval Diving Unit, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Military Police Command, the SAF Band, the SAF Music & Drama Company and various school bands.

The carnival atmosphere was further enlivened with fun rides on jet-skis and banana boats, games stalls and food kiosks that lined the wharf space, which spanned 1.2 kilometres.

Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee hosted members of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD), representatives from the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) in a preview of the event on 25 May.

"Because I am an ex-Navy man, for me, the visit brings back a lot of memories," said Mr David Wee, managing director of Lee Hecht Harrison Pte Ltd.

"I am very impressed with the transformation of the Navy, not only in hardware and ships, but also the people. Now, they are more knowledgeable, more educated and very willing to learn."

Ms Tan (right) listening intently as the Commanding Officer of RSS Intrepid, one of the stealth frigates on display, explains the workings of the ship.

Banana boat rides were a hit with the visitors.

Associate Professor Koo also hosted members of the Women's Executive Committee and various grassroots leaders at the Open House on 26 and 27 May respectively.

Ms Jessica Tan, Member of Parliament for East Coast Group Representation Constituency, who was on her first visit to the naval base, told PIONEER: "The sophistication of the force itself was something that I expected as we are aware of the investments that have been made, but being able to actually see it all as well as to be taken through how the operations are run was important. It gives us a sense of perspective of how it all comes together; of how it is not just an investment of technology."

The community leaders were briefed on the key roles and responsibilities of the RSN and viewed a short film commemorating the RSN's 40th anniversary. They also toured the exhibits, and some went onboard the new frigates.

"Before I came, I was not very sure, but now, I am very impressed with the Navy's capabilities. As a citizen, I feel very secure to have our Navy personnel looking after our sea lanes and protecting our interests," summed up Mr Ng Cher Pheng, PBM, Chairman of Pasir Ris West Citizens Consultative Committee.