Singapore and US navies conduct successful combined torpedo firing

SINGAPORE - The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the United States Navy (USN) successfully conducted a combined torpedo firing earlier today, as part of the 20th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise.

The firing was conducted by RSN Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter and a USN MH-60R Naval Helicopter against an underwater transponder target, said MINDEF in a statement on Wednesday.

Commanding Officer RSS Stalwart Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Desmond Low noted that the successful conduct of the combined torpedo firing reflected both navies' high levels of operational competence and mutual interoperability. SLTC Low said, "The successful conduct of the combined torpedo firing underscores the high level of interoperability between both navies in complex maritime operations. The close interaction between our personnel has deepened our friendship and mutual understanding."

The firing was witnessed by Fleet Commander RADM Timothy Lo and USN Commander Logistics Group Western Pacific Rear Admiral (RDML) Charles Williams. RDML Williams said, "Sailing on board the formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart and observing today's successful torpedo exercise has been the highlight of CARAT Singapore. Combined anti-submarine warfare is one of the most complex forms of cooperation at sea, and with 20 years of practice during CARAT, it's no surprise that our navies work together easily during very difficult evolutions."

Exercise CARAT 2014 is presently ongoing and will conclude on August 8.

natlim@sph.com.sg