RSN OFFICER TOPS INTERNATIONAL COHORT AT BRITISH NAVAL COLLEGE

"The epitome of a high calibre naval officer and a credit to his nation," so read the illustrious award citation depicting Lieutenant (LTA) Chew Chun Cheong and his achievements.

LTA Chew has certainly done Singapore proud by distinguishing himself from a cohort of 93 international officers during his training stint at Britannia Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, Britain.

In recognition of his sterling performance, he was ranked the top International Young Officer of 2005 and awarded the prestigious Admiralty Binoculars.

The High Commissioner for the British Embassy, His Excellency Sir Alan Collins, presented the award to LTA Chew at the HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales memorial in Sembawang Wharves on 18 May.

"For LTA Chew to come out on top of this is a tremendous tribute to him, his family, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and to Singapore," said Sir Collins.

"We have recently accepted the invitation from Rear-Admiral (RADM) Ronnie Tay (Chief of Navy) for a young officer from the Royal Navy (RN) to join 2006 RSN annual Midshipman's training course," he added.

"If our young officer acquits himself half as well as this young Lieutenant, we will be very proud."

LTA Chew, who is currently training on board the missile corvette, RSS Vengeance, was overwhelmed and very happy to receive the award because his initial aim, when selected for the year-long course, was simply to train and to learn from other cadets.

"I just wanted to interact with the UK and international cadets and make friends; to do my best during the course," he said.

One of the high points of his time at BTNC was during the sea training phase on board a Type 22 frigate, HMS Chatham, where he saw first-hand how RN ships functioned and worked together.

Overall, LTA Chew felt the course allowed him to further hone essential life skills such as the way he interacts with others.

This will put him in good stead for future interactions since the RSN conducts a number of operations overseas, he said.

"Maybe one day, I might find my friends on board other ships and say hi to them!" he quipped.

The Admiralty Binoculars is awarded each year to the international officer who achieves the highest marks in all aspects of naval training and displays academic excellence, together with outstanding leadership.

Only one award is given out every year and the successful nominee is chosen personally by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.

This is the second consecutive year that a Singaporean naval officer has been awarded this accolade.

Past award winners include Head of Naval Operations, RADM Chew Men Leong, who received the award in 1987.