BY KENNY CHEE & JAMIE KOH

WORKING in the warm engine room of a frigate can be tough, but that does not deter naval- engineering specialist Ng Xue Feng from carrying out her duties.

'No matter how grimy (it gets), it's still my job. I signed up for it to protect my country and family,' said the 27-year-old staff sergeant.

She is one of the five young and dedicated women among the crew of more than 60 sailors on board the frigate RSS Steadfast.

The warship and its five sister frigates were out in the South China Sea from Wednesday to yesterday, as part of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) first fleet exercise of the year.

The women are on par with their male counterparts, Staff Sergeant Ng told my paper.

Major Lim Huay Wen, 28, a combat officer, agreed. She is responsible for defending the RSS Steadfast against air attacks. Being at sea allows her to be outdoors, which she enjoys greatly. And even though she is happy to serve on board a seafaring vessel, she knows there are land-based positions available should she get married and settle down one day.

'Both male and female sailors can rotate between shore-based and seafaring appointments, depending on their aspirations and family commitments. This gives sailors a holistic naval experience,' said Maj Lim.

For more my paper stories click here.