NAVY GETS A NEW CHIEF AT THE HELM

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) welcomed its new Chief of Navy at a Change of Command Parade held at Changi Naval Base on 1 Aug.

Witnessed by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Lai Chung Han took over the Navy's symbol of command from the outgoing Chief of Navy RADM Ng Chee Peng.

During the parade, RADM Ng reviewed a Guard-of-Honour contingent along with six supporting contingents formed by the various RSN formations. Also featured in the parade was a display of RSN ships along with a sail past.

RADM Ng joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 1988 and was awarded the President's Scholarship and SAF Overseas Scholarship in 1989. Among the several senior command and staff appointments he held in the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the SAF are: Chief of Staff - Joint Staff, Chief of Staff - Naval Staff, Fleet Commander, Director (Policy), Commander First Flotilla, Commanding Officer (CO) of the Missile Corvette (MCV) Squadron and CO of the MCV RSS Victory.

During his tenure as Chief of Navy, RADM Ng laid the foundations for the RSN's future capabilities by operationalising platforms such as the Archer-class submarines. He also introduced public outreach efforts such as Navy@Vivo.

In his farewell speech, RADM Ng expressed confidence in the leadership of RADM Lai: "He (RADM Lai) brings with him a strength of character."

Incoming Chief of Navy, RADM Lai, joined the SAF in 1992 and was awarded the SAF Overseas Scholarship and the President's Scholarship. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) degree from the University of Cambridge and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University.

Prior to his appointment as Chief of Navy, RADM Lai held the posting of Deputy Secretary (Policy). He has also served as CO of the MCV RSS Valiant and 188 Squadron, as well as Fleet Commander.

This change is part of the continuing process of leadership renewal in the SAF.