RSN TAKES PART IN MULTILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE
PHOTO // Courtesy of Republic of Singapore Navy
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class frigate, RSS Steadfast, is taking part in the multilateral Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise from 27 Jun to 31 Jul.
Hosted by the United States Navy (USN), Exercise RIMPAC consists of two phases: an onshore planning phase and a 22-day sea phase held off the coast of Hawaii.
RSS Steadfast took part in combined anti-submarine and air defence exercises with maritime forces from nine other nations. It also successfully carried out a Harpoon anti-ship missile live-firing off the coast of Hawaii.
The exercise has validated RSS Steadfast's ability to conduct sustained sea operations.
LTC Seah Poh Yeen, Commanding Officer of RSS Steadfast, said: "This large and complex exercise, conducted thousands of miles from Singapore, is a true test of the endurance and sustainability of the ship and its crew to perform under demanding operational conditions over a prolonged period."
Thirty-four ships, six submarines, 150 aircraft and 20,000 personnel from the maritime forces of Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Peru, the United Kingdom and the United States, are involved in this exercise, together with RSS Steadfast.
Exercise RIMPAC aims to enhance the interoperability among the participating nations through high intensity and complex maritime operations.
RIMPAC Sea Combat Commander, Commodore Nigel Green, commended the RSN on its maiden participation in the exercise. He said: "Exercise RIMPAC has been widely welcomed as showcasing the superb professional and technical competence of a key partner in South East Asia."
"RSS Steadfast has shown herself to be a ship which very ably inspires pride at home and admiration abroad."
