FITTING CLIMAX TO CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MARITIME FORCE

More than 110,000 members of public visited RSN50@Vivo, which capped the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s year-long golden jubilee celebrations. The exhibition was held from 9 to 12 Nov.

"It has been a very busy year and finally, towards the year-end, it's a fitting finale for us to be back in VivoCity," said RSN50@Vivo Organising Chairman Military Expert 7 (ME7) Keith Lim.

"(It) allows us to celebrate this significant milestone with the public, with all Singaporeans and friends," he added.

A key takeaway for RSN50@Vivo visitors is Singapore's dependence on the sea and the Navy's role in safeguarding it, said ME7 Lim, who is also Commander Naval Logistics Command (NALCOM).

This sentiment was shared by Mr Gunashekaran s/o Supramaniam, who visited the event with his wife and two children.

"Looking through the gallery it was interesting and useful to find out about how the Navy developed stage by stage, and what they've been doing for the past 50 years in contributing to Singapore's growth," he said.

The "Maritime Nation, Maritime Force" gallery at the VivoCity atrium charted the RSN's transformation - from a Navy with only two wooden boats to a modern and capable force.

Out on the promenade, visitors could take a 20-minute Fast Craft Utility (FCU) ride along Singapore's Southern coastline.

Mrs Sunny Lim, a first-time visitor, found the boat ride an eye-opening experience as it took her along key maritime landmarks.

"It was also quite fast, like a speed boat, so that was very interesting," she added.

Other highlights included the submarine and warship simulator stations and physical training performance by the Navy's elite Naval Diving Unit; while the star of the event was RSS Intrepid, the RSN's Formidable-class frigate.

Said another first-time visitor Mdm Nora Md Aris: "I always see the men in green. So this time, I see the men in grey and I see that they really work hard.

"I'm proud to know that we are safe on land and at sea."

RSN50@Vivo was officially launched on 8 Nov by Second Minister for Defence Ong Ye Kung, who toured the exhibition with members of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence or ACCORD.

ACCORD (Educational Institutions) member, Mr Yeo Li Pheow, noted that the event showcased what Navy personnel were doing to ensure Singapore's safety.

Said the Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Republic Polytechnic: "People ask, In times of crises, are our defence forces able to stand up to it'?

"I think, by visiting this event, they can understand that we have the means and capability. At the same time, we have very disciplined and trained manpower to handle challenges."