NEW MAN AT THE HELM OF NAVAL TRAINING COMMAND

"No-nonsense", "high expectations" and "a team player".

These were terms used by some Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) personnel to describe Colonel (COL) Tan Wei Ming at a Naval Training Command (TRACOM) change of command ceremony.

Held at Changi Naval Base on 25 Oct, the ceremony concluded COL Tan's command of TRACOM as he handed over the reins to COL Gerald Heng.

In a video presentation, RSN personnel who worked with COL Tan paid tribute to him for his contributions. While some remembered him as a leader whose high expectations for his men had helped them to excel in the Navy, others commented on how his commitment to nurturing young naval staff had inspired them.

As Commander TRACOM, COL Tan conceptualised the RSN Nurturing Framework, which was "To Care, To Lead, To Inspire, To Nurture and To Learn". With this, he redefined the role of TRACOM from just training the vocational competencies of sailors to that of nurturing the next generation of sailors.

He was also credited for establishing Navigation School, setting up a new Damage Control trainer and helping to develop the Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES) training roadmap.

In his parting speech, he cited numerous examples of how he had seen Navy personnel overcome personal challenges to excel in their careers.

"As instructors in the training institute, gratification comes from seeing our trainees develop and grow in terms of their competencies, maturity and character. And these success stories form the source of our energy," said COL Tan.

He also encouraged young sailors: "If you know what you want, if you're self motivated and willing to work hard, you will be able to achieve your goals."

After a career in the RSN that has spanned almost 27 years since enlisting in 1984, COL Tan will retire from the Singapore Armed Forces on 31 Oct.

Incoming commander COL Heng has held various appointments in the RSN, including Commanding Officer of RSS Vigilance and RSS Victory, Head Naval Personnel and Head Naval Intelligence.

In his maiden speech as the new Commander, COL Heng gave due recognition to COL Tan for his work in TRACOM, and said: "I intend to build upon the strong foundations laid down by Wei Ming and previous Commanders of TRACOM."

He concluded: "We will train and nurture the right people with the right competencies and right capabilities, committed to the right purpose and right values, at the right time and right place for the Navy today and tomorrow."