Singapore and Australian navies take part in maritime exercise

SINGAPORE - The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducted a bilateral maritime exercise, Exercise Singaroo, from Sep 29 to Oct 3, 2014. Hosted by Singapore, this year's exercise was the 17th in the series held since 1995.

The five-day exercise was conducted in the South China Sea and comprised three-dimensional warfare serials such as an air defence exercise, a combined helicopter anti-submarine warfare exercise and gunnery firing, said a Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) media statement.

The RSN participated with RSS Tenacious, a Formidable-class stealth frigate, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, while the RAN deployed HMAS Stuart, an ANZAC-class frigate, with an embarked S-70B-2 multirole naval helicopter.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft also participated in the exercise.

Commanding Officer of RSS Tenacious, Lieutenant Colonel Ho Jee Kien, said, "Exercise Singaroo has been an avenue for the RSN and RAN to deepen professional sharing and strengthen friendships. The success of the exercise is a testament to the high level of interoperability that we have built up over the years."

"Exercise Singaroo is one of many bilateral interactions between the Singapore and Australia defence establishments. Both countries enjoy a close and long-standing defence relationship. Apart from exercises, both armed forces also interact frequently through visits, professional exchanges and military courses", said the MINDEF statement.

spanaech@sph.com.sg