CDF THANKS UNITS ON DUTY OVER THE NEW YEAR
PHOTO // Chai Sian Liang
As Singaporeans welcomed 2015, a group of soldiers were diligently carrying out standby duties over the New Year's holiday.
Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng, too, made his rounds and visited the units who were placed on standby on 31 Dec.
He visited the crew of Patrol Vessel RSS Independence at Tuas Naval Base, the troopers from 4th Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (4 SIR) protecting Jurong Island, and the Air Force's 143 Squadron (SQN) at Tengah Air Base.
During his visits, LG Ng thanked the servicemen and women for their service and dedication to duty. He also presented the units with festive hampers.
While on board RSS Independence, he asked the crew to take a moment to look north as they sailed through Singapore's southern waters.
I hope that, as you go on your patrols, you reflect on what our forefathers have done to build Singapore to what it is today... Perhaps then you can find another layer of meaning to what you are doing over New Year's Eve."
Not that they needed reminding. Said Military Expert (ME) 2-1 Choo Beng Yao: "Being on standby over the holiday means that I won't be able to spend the time with my family and loved ones.
"However, it's our duty to ensure that sea lines are safe and secure. It's an important job."
The crew left for a 24-hour patrol in Singapore's waters on 31 Dec, and the ship celebrated the coming of the New Year out at sea with simple local fare. Full-time National Serviceman Corporal Dennis Teo said: "It's a great experience to celebrate New Year out at sea as this is my first and last time on New Year's Eve."
For the airmen and women of 143 SQN at Tengah Air Base, it was "another day at the office".
"We all knew about the duties way beforehand, so we were able to plan our schedules," said pilot Lieutenant Lionel Choo. "As first-line responders, we are ready for activation regardless of the occasion."
At Jurong Island, the troopers from 4 SIR shared similar sentiments. Said 1st Sergeant (1SG) Shivam Gupta: "I believe in doing this. It might seem like another duty but if not us, then who is going to do it? It's our job."
His platoon volunteered to do this duty spanning the New Year's period. He added: "They will finish their National Service in another three months and as their Platoon Sergeant, I'm very happy to see the strength of the bonds we have. Everyone wanted to do this together.
"It's a good thing that nothing is happening; it's because we actively take up these duties to make sure the country is safe."
