DR NG COMMENDS NAVAL PERSONNEL ON MARITIME SECURITY EFFORTS

As the guardian of the seas surrounding Singapore, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has made significant advances over the years in keeping the country's waters safe and ensuring freedom of navigation, said Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen after his visit to the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) on 10 Nov.

Commending the RSN on its contributions in dealing with the increasingly complex task of safeguarding Singapore's sea lines of communication and shipping lines, he said: "Our Navy has done a tremendous job... (Their efforts have) kept our economy going and our country safe."

This was Dr Ng's first visit to the MSTF since taking over the defence portfolio in May 2011. As part of the tour, he was briefed by Commander MSTF, Rear Admiral (RADM) Harris Chan, on how the task force strengthens Singapore's ability to counter the increasing range of maritime security challenges today.

While on board patrol vessel RSS Independence, Dr Ng witnessed an Accompanying Sea Security Team (ASSeT) boarding operation, where RSN personnel and personnel from the Police Coast Guard entered a merchant vessel to conduct security checks. He then boarded mine countermeasure vessel RSS Kallang to observe a naval mine countermeasure survey operation.

Dr Ng also visited Pedra Branca, where he viewed the facilities and interacted with the personnel there. He concluded his visit with a tour of the MSTF's facilities at the Changi Command and Control Centre (C2) at Changi Naval Base.

A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)-level task force formed on 19 Jan 2009, the MSTF brings together the SAF and other national maritime agencies to better coordinate and respond to maritime challenges.

Speaking to the media at Changi C2 Centre, Dr Ng noted that the task of safeguarding the maritime security of Singapore is a "very complex and difficult one".

"Our port is one of the busiest in the world... There are many vessels, and physically it is very demanding so we have to use technology, but at the same time we have to really depend on the commitment of our soldiers," he said.

Asked about his thoughts on the SAF Task Group's successful disruption of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden recently, Dr Ng said: "I am proud of the Navy for being able to disrupt pirate attacks. And as part of the international efforts there, I think we've played our part and others have noticed. Well done to them!"

The SAF Task Group - comprising Landing Ship Tank RSS Endurance with two Super Puma helicopters on board - was operating under the multinational Combined Task Force 151 when it foiled two separate attacks by suspected pirates on merchant vessels that were transiting through the Arabian Sea on 1 Nov.

Dr Ng and senior SAF officers witnessing a mine disposal vehicle being lowered into the waters as part of a mine countermeasure survey operation.