SINGAPORE AND BRUNEI COMMEMORATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE

Marking the long-standing bilateral ties between the navies of Singapore and Brunei, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RSN) commenced the annual Exercise Pelican on 21 Jun at Changi Naval Base.

Officiating at the opening ceremony of the exercise was Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Chew Men Leong and Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, Yang Mulia Colonel (COL) Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Mohd Hanifah.

Exercise Pelican was first conducted in 1979 and since then, personnel from both navies have been working together through the development of joint operational doctrines and naval tactics.

This year's exercise involves personnel from two RSN ships, RSS Formidable and RSS Vigour, and two RBN ships, KDB Waspada and KDB Seteria.

Deputy Commander Task Group from the RBN, Major (MAJ) Norsharinizam Talib, has been a participant in Exercise Pelican for more than ten years. He said: "Over the years, Exercise Pelican has improved both the professionalism and friendship of the two navies. We have forged stronger bonds and learnt alot from each other."

From the command team of RSS Vigour, is first-time participant Captain Desmond Ong from the RSN.

"To build on the mutual understanding, I would like to learn how the Bruneians work with regards to their warfare tactics and also to develop strong friendships between us junior officers and our counterparts from the RBN." He added that the exercise provides an opportunity and a platform for mutual understanding and co-operation between the two navies.

Personnel from the two navies will conduct a series of discussions and training exercises in naval warfare such as anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air and maritime-air operations.

Speaking at a dinner to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Exercise Pelican, RADM Chew noted that, "The RSN values the excellent defence ties it shares with the RBN. This year not only marks the 30th anniversary of Exercise Pelican, but also signifies a milestone in the defence ties, friendship and camaraderie between the two navies."

Commenting on the RBN's ties with the RSN, COL Haji Abdul Halim said, "The warm and friendly defence relations between the two navies reaffirm the commitment of both nations towards strengthening defence cooperation for peace and stability in the region."

He added, "We highly value the long-standing and excellent cooperation between the two navies, and look forward to maintaining and expanding traditions of trusted and mutually advantageous cooperation between the Republic of Singapore and Brunei Darussalam."

As part of his introductory visit to Singapore from 21 to 23 Jun, COL Haji Abdul Halim, will call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, Chief of Defence Force Major-General Neo Kian Hong and meet RADM Chew at the Ministry of Defence on 22 Jun.