SAF WELCOMES NEW CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) welcomes its new Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Major-General (MG) Perry Lim, in a change of command parade held at SAFTI Military Institute on 18 Aug.

MG Lim, the former Chief of Army (COA), took over the reins of command from outgoing CDF Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng, who retired from the SAF on the same day.

MG Lim joined the SAF in 1990, and has held key appointments, including Commander 7^th Singapore Infantry Brigade, Head Joint Plans and Transformation Department, Commander 3^rd Singapore Division, and Chief of Staff-General Staff.

As COA, he oversaw the operationalisation of the Murai Urban Live Firing Facility (MULFAC), and Airborne-Trooper Training Facility. These facilities have helped to strengthen the Army's training and safety.

He also guided the implementation of initiatives recommended by the Committee to Strengthen National Service, such as formation of the SAF Volunteer Corps, hiring of more regular trainers to enhance training, and formulation of the new Individual Physical Proficiency Test format.

Distinguished service

The change of command is part of the SAF's leadership renewal process. The parade was witnessed by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

During the parade, LG Ng reviewed a Guard-of-Honour and 13 marching contingents formed by servicemen from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

He joined the Republic of Singapore Air Force in 1986 as an F-5 fighter pilot, and served with distinction for 29 years.

Under his command as CDF, the SAF maintained a high level of operational readiness, contributing to the country's peace as well as to the international community.

"Today, the SAF is in a position of strength," said LG Ng in his farewell speech. "I am confident that the SAF will deliver whenever we are called into action. Our track record speaks for itself."

He cited the SAF's successes in peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, counter-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in the region.

LG Ng also paid tribute to all regulars, full-time national servicemen, and operationally-ready national servicemen, whom he described as "the main source of my confidence, the strength of our SAF."

He said: "For the past 50 years, the SAF has brought peace and security to Singaporeans and Singapore. I am confident that you will continue to keep SAF strong and forward-looking."

Also in attendance at the parade were Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, senior MINDEF officials and SAF officers, as well as the military diplomatic corps and other guests.