HONOURING COUNTER-PIRACY EFFORTS IN THE GULF OF ADEN

It was a joyous reunion as loved ones and friends gathered at the wharf of Changi Naval Base on 8 Oct to welcome the return of 300 servicemen after three-and-a-half months of deployment in the Gulf of Aden.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean was also present to award the 302 servicemen with the Overseas Service Medal (OSM) in recognition of their contributions to the international counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden.

In addition to the 300 personnel who were part of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) task group that just returned, the medal recipients included two officers who were deployed from April to September as part of the multinational Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 command team, led by the Republic of Korea Navy.

At the OSM ceremony, Mr Teo announced that the SAF will be deploying a Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to provide maritime air surveillance operations from December to February next year. He added that the SAF had also accepted an invitation to head CTF 151 for the second time from March to June next year, and that another SAF task group comprising a Landing Ship Tank (LST) with two Super Pumas (SPs) would be deployed to the Gulf of Aden in the second half of 2011.

The returning SAF task group, which comprised RSS Endurance, an LST with two SPs on board, was deployed in June this year.

Besides conducting deterrence and surveillance operations, the task group served as the central communications control ship for CTF 151, and the controller for multinational maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft flights, said Lieutenant-colonel (LTC) Lee Joan Hin, commander of the task group.

Explaining the typical proceedings after receiving a distress call, LTC Lee said: "First, we try to get as much information from the merchant ship about the situation as possible. We also have to ensure that the captain of that ship remains calm."

"The watch-keepers communicate with coalition partners through online chats, and inform the CTF 151 about our recommendations on the piracy attack. We will also get the standby aircraft and boarding team ready," he added.

For Captain (CPT) Lum Kok Siong, the experience has helped to further strengthen the integration between the Air Force and Navy.

"In the Gulf of Aden, there were a lot of opportunities to work with my navy counterparts, especially in carrying out our surveillance operations. We need to work closely with them to get crucial flight information in order to carry out our missions successfully," he explained. As an SP pilot, CPT Lum's day-to-day operations involved performing surveillance flights to look out for suspicious activities.

During their stint in the Gulf of Aden, the RSS Endurance responded to six calls for assistance and launched 96 helicopter sorties to provide air surveillance and warn off suspicious boats.

Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces, Commodore Tim Fraser commended the SAF task Group "for playing a significant role in the operations".

"In the conduct of their missions, [these men and women of the task group] have demonstrated the professionalism and commitment that we have all come to expect and respect from the SAF."

According to Corporal (CPL) Leow Guo Long, it was an eye-opening experience. The 22-year-old was one of three full-time National Servicemen who extended their national service to participate in the mission.

"I like challenges and this operation was a good opportunity to get some hands-on operational experience. Everyone on board was like a family to me and they guided me along," said CPL Leow, who carried out deck operations such as helping to secure a helicopter landing on the flight deck.

Despite having served on several missions - five deployments in total to Iraq and the Gulf of Aden - Naval Warfare Systems Engineer Military Expert (ME2) Lui Jian Fong feels that every mission is exciting, with different challenges and objectives. "This time, it's to deter piracy. It is very meaningful to take part in these operations knowing that the SAF is always ready to respond, but ultimately, the greatest satisfaction is coming home safely to my loved ones."