Finding their bearings amid choppy seas

https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/articles/ont/2023/1-may-2023/01may23_news1_photo1.jpg?sfvrsn=95565343_1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/singapore--china-conduct-second-bilateral-maritime-exercise
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/singapore--china-conduct-second-bilateral-maritime-exercise
SINGAPORE, CHINA CONDUCT SECOND BILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE
01 May 2023 | OPS & TRAINING

SINGAPORE, CHINA CONDUCT SECOND BILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE

Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2023 is the second in its series since its inauguration in 2015.
STORY BY TEO JING TING // PHOTOS BY KENNETH LIN AND CHAI SIAN LIANG

Emergency repairs to stop flooding into the damaged hull of a ship, helicopter cross-deck landing with the PLA(N) helicopter landing on the RSS Intrepid, gunnery firing as well as search and rescue operations.

These were some of the scenarios that naval personnel from both the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA[N]) has conducted together over the past few days.

Building rapport

Held from 28 April to 1 May, the bilateral Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2023 comprised both a shore and sea phase.

It is the second exercise in the series since its inauguration in 2015.

Conducted in the South China Sea, the sea phase saw the RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS IntrepidBedok-class Mine Countermeasure Vessel RSS Punggol, and the PLA(N)'s Jiangkai II-class frigate Yulin and Wozang-class Minesweeper Chibi going through a series of maritime drills.

On 28 Apr, the RSN's Commander First Flotilla Colonel (COL) Daniel Ng and PLA(N)'s Chief of Staff of Destroyer Flotilla, Southern Theatre Command, Senior Captain Mei Leyang co-officiated the Exercise Maritime Cooperation opening ceremony at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base.

Also present were RSN Fleet Commander COL Kwan Hon Chuong and Senior Captain Cheng Guochun, Deputy Director of Political Work, Department of Naval Base, PLA(N).

Speaking at the ceremony on 28 Apr, COL Ng said that the exercise was an opportunity for both navies to learn from one another and enhance mutual trust, understanding and cooperation.

"We are doing many activities both on shore and at sea… This will allow our people to learn from each other on a professional scale and more importantly, to interact and know each other better," said COL Ng in a media interview.

"We look forward to continue this momentum and to conduct useful exchanges to enhance friendship and cooperation between both forces."

Senior Captain Mei Leyang said that this exercise aimed to "further deepen friendship, expand consensus and promote the continuous forward development of the two navies."

Professional Sharing: Personnel from PLA(N) (standing, in dark blue overalls) observing the A-gun firing from the RSS Intrepid's bridge.

Strengthening trust and respect

Taking on the role of flight deck marshal, Military Expert (ME) 2 Vaishasthagan was involved in the helicopter cross-deck landing.

He had to marshal the PLA(N) helicopter to ensure its smooth landing on RSS Intrepid.

"It was not an easy operation… we had to ensure that both sides understood each other's requirements. Through cooperation and communication, we successfully conducted the helicopter cross-deck landing," said ME2 Vaishasthagan, who is also a weapons systems supervisor.

"This helped to build a stronger bond and mutual trust with the PLA(N)."

ME2 Vaishasthagan saying that the exercise has helped both sides build stronger bonds and mutual trust.
CPT Wang saying that the exercise gave her an opportunity to put her navigational and operational skills to the test.

For first time participant Captain (CPT) Wang Peixuan, the exercise was a great chance to build knowledge and expertise. It was also an opportunity to put her navigational and operational skills to the test.

"Executing this exercise demanded a high level of cooperation, collaboration and communication, and I'm proud to say that we successfully pulled it off. It was a fantastic opportunity to build mutual trust and respect as well," said CPT Wang, a navigation officer.

"We've (also) had the chance to swop stories, customs and traditions…it was a successful and rewarding experience."

Suggested Reading
Feature
SAF lingo – 2025 version
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

She used to serve on the We lied. There is no 2025 version, there is just ONE version. The same one that your father used when he served in the SAF.

Feature
Down the line
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

She used to serve on the It was built to train soldiers in tower and helicopter rappelling insertions as well as fast roping. Join us as we check out the Rappelling Training Facility!

Cover story
FIRST ENLISTEES OF 2025
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

Welcome to BMT: Join the new year’s first batch of enlistees as they begin their NS journey at Pulau Tekong!

Cover story
UNOFFICIAL LIST: WHAT TO PACK FOR ENLISTMENT
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

We all know the essentials to pack for BMT – NRIC, basic toiletries and extra underwear. But what other items help ease you into your confinement period? We’ve compiled an unofficial list here.

CREATING BONDS THROUGH MILITARY MEMORABILIA
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

Some collectors collect stamps, others, stickers. But ME2 (NS) Lim Geng Qi boasts a unique military memorabilia collection of over 1,200 items!

Lawyer by day, military artist by night
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

Photograph or painting? At this year’s Military Hobby Fest, we met 1SG (NS) Samuel Ling Ying Hong, a self-taught aviation oil painter who spends up to 50 hours on each realistic artwork.

Cover story
AIRBORNE!
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

Marking 10 years this December: The Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) one-of-a-kind training facility prepares trainees to become competent and confident airborne troopers.

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

The fourth child in Singapore’s first set of quintuplets, LTA Annabelle Chin Li En made a mid-career switch to follow in her parents’ footsteps and serve the country.

Flying High with Defence Innovation
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

A hybrid UAV with enhanced flight capabilities and software systems that analyse data from the Internet to detect online terrorism threats – these were some of the projects featured at this year’s Defence Technology Prize award ceremony. 

Cover story
NAVY RETIRES LAST OF ITS CHALLENGER-CLASS SUBMARINES
OPS & TRAINING
01 May 2023

RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain were decommissioned today at Changi Naval Base, closing the chapter on more than two decades of service of Singapore’s first submarines.