SAF PERSONNEL, MINDEF STAFF HONOURED FOR REACHING OUT

A first batch of 252 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) staff were presented with medals or certificates to thank them for participating in what has been described as a "defining moment" for the SAF - Operation Flying Eagle 2004.

This was the largest humanitarian assistance disaster relief operation ever mounted by the SAF and it was carried out over a two-month long period in response to the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster that ravaged regional coasts on 26 Dec 2004.

About 1,500 SAF servicemen, eight Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, four Super Pumas and three Landing Ships Tank, were deployed speedily to various disaster areas to provide assistance and relief to the local communities and survivors of the disaster.

"Our servicemen carried out their duties with commitment, compassion and professional competence," said Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Yat Chung, at the presentation ceremony at Nee Soon Camp on 5 Jul.

"We believe that our assistance has been most helpful to the survivors and the victims of the disaster, in the hour of their most dire need."

LG Ng added that the operation had helped to achieve three important objectives: strengthened Singapore's relationship with Indonesia, advanced the stature of Singapore and the SAF among the international community, and enhanced Singaporeans' confidence in the SAF.

To mark the significance of the mission and to recognise the contributions of SAF personnel and MINDEF staff, President S R Nathan instituted a new medal, 'The SAF Tsunami Relief Operation 2004 Medal'.

It is awarded to personnel who engaged in, participated or provided direct support to the Tsunami Relief Operation between 26 Dec 2004 and 25 Feb 2005.

Personnel who received the medal, like Major (MAJ) Mohd Noor (below left), who served as a translator during the operation, were happy that their efforts were recognised, but many felt what was more important was that they had made a difference to neighbours in need.

The people, especially in Meulaboh, I think they appreciate us being there, he said.

They were people in need, regardless of boundary, nationality, race or religion. In a situation like this, time is a factor. Whoever can help should go in first and offer as much as possible, said Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (Dr) Fan Swee Weng, who led an SAF medical team to Banda Aceh.

We are always ready. We will go whenever we are needed, said LTC (Dr) Fan.

Three more medal presentation ceremonies will be held in the month of July.

A total of 1493 medals will be awarded.