DEFENCE COMMITTEE SEES NAVAL DIVERS IN ACTION

The Naval Diving Unit (NDU) showcased its operational readiness and capabilities to visitors from the Government Parliamentary Committee-Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) at Sembawang Camp on 11 Nov.

During the visit hosted by Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee, members of the GPC-DFA saw newly-minted divers graduating from 31st naval diving course display their mental and physical agility in a Boat Physical Training Display and an Underwater Display.

Accompanied by members of the GPC-DFA Resource Panel, the visitors also rode out to sea in a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and watched naval divers perform a mock storming of a "hostile" house.

Mr Michael Palmer, Chairman of the GPC-DFA, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, said: "Today's visit showed us that we have a lethal fighting force; (the naval divers) are professional, standards-oriented and very precise in their execution. For example, during the Underwater Display, you could tell that they are a very coordinated and professional outfit."

Another member of the GPC-DFA, Dr Fatimah Lateef, added: "The graduation ceremony was most interesting as we got to see the level of fitness the trainees have, how stringent the selection criteria are, and the emphasis that the NDU instructors place on safety."

"We also learnt more about the Navy's training capabilities and its transformation into the 3rd Generation navy," said the MP for Marine-Parade GRC.

This was the first visit to a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) unit for the GPC-DFA since the new Chairman and members were announced in June.

The Ministry of Defence regularly organises such visits to familiarise and update the Committee members on the SAF and its operations.

Naval divers demonstrating their aquatic prowess in the Underwater Display segment.