Issue 4 | 2010 02

Advisor
SLTC Alan Goh
Editor
LTC Terence Ho
Executive Staff
Ms Serena Lim
ME3 Neo Quee Chye
ME2 James Chan
CPL Jesse Leow
CPL Gabriel Ong
PTE Justin Tan
PTE Ben Chester Cheong
Members
LTC Eugene Chng
LTC Spencer Ngui
LTC Paul Teo
MAJ Chionh Boon Soo
MAJ Stanley Lim
ME5 Jan Puah
ME5 Leong Chee Wah
Ms Jessica Teo
A Word from CNV

QuickRep
Catch up with the latest news in the Navy.
Where Weve Been
Onwards and Upwards
Experts in Controlling the Maritime Skies
Surgical Excellence at Sea
Serving NS with Pride
Beyond the Call of Duty

Exercise Pacic Reach
Going to Depths for Submarine Safety
Port Brief
Be amazed as ME1 Kaye Ong who went to Hawaii for Exercise
RIMPAC shares his story.

Know Your Naval Staff
How much do you really know about the members of Naval Staff?
In this issue, we speak to the Chief Naval Medical Offcer, COL
(DR) Kang Wee Lee.
Know Your Navy Family
Find out more about what others do in the Navy. We catch up
with someone who had a chance to be part of this years marching
contingent at the NDP.
Dog Watch
Some of our personnel who had the chance to be part of the
inaugural Youth Olympic Games share their experiences.
Free Gangway
An NDU NSman shares how his diver training helped him win
Mr Vasantham 2010.

Liberty
Below 16? Take part in the Navy News Quiz!
BACK PAGE
Picture taken at the
National Day Parade
2010 by ME4 Janiel S
Toh, Chairman CWG
NAVWOC.
Text by CPL Jesse Leow
COVER PAGE
Photo by
PTE Justin Tan.
NAVY NEWS is a bi-monthly publication of the Republic of Singapore Navy. The views expressed
by its writers do not necessarily refect the offcial views of the Navy or the Ministry of Defence.
NAVY NEWS is not to be reproduced in whole or in parts without the written consent of the
RSN. Articles of interest are invited from readers, who may send them to NAVY NEWS, Naval
Operations Department, HQ RSN, 303 Gombak Drive, #03-22, Singapore 669645. For enquiries
and comments, please call 6768 3367 or email us at navynews@starnet.gov.sg or Navy News,
IOB, NOD (OA email).
Issue Brief
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Issue Brief Navy News
Dangers arise fromany and every dimension -
But swiftly eliminating themis our pride and passion.
Our training is tough and the hours are long,
But only then can a special breed of men be born.
Rising fromthe depths where we operate,
One swift strike seals our enemies fate.
Always ready to keep threats at bay,
We are Naval Divers; Nothing stands in our way.
Erratum
In our last issue, we reported that RSS STALWART participated in EX BERSAMA SHIELD.
The correct ship involved should be RSS STEADFAST. We sincerely apologise for the error.
03 Issue 4 | 2010
RADM Chew Men Leong
Chief of Navy
As part of our daily work in the Navy family, we have all picked up some very
important life skills.
One of these key skills is that of a diplomat. The high-level of negotiating and
other interpersonal skills is needed not only at the bargaining table of the
United Nations, but just as much when you live, work and play with others in
the close quarters of a ship or submarine.
For many of us, these skills have been further honed through formal and
informal occasions when we have interacted with our fellow shipmates from
partner navies. Exercises, operations and shipboard interactions have made
us better diplomats, not only learning how others operate as a navy, but also
what makes them who they are.
This ability to seamlessly work with almost any navy is not something to be
taken lightly. Learning another navys operational procedures will come in
time. But learning about the nuances of another navys culture and how they
work requires commitment on our part as individuals. We must desire to be
more than just colleagues or merely a voice on the other end of the radio
wave. We must aim to be friends. Misunderstandings can easily disrupt the
best laid plans, and having a clear understanding of each others background
will go far in helping to ensure mission success.
The many foreign exercises and exchanges that we conduct each year is not
merely about benchmarking our skills, but just as importantly provides us
with the opportunity to build ties. Operation SURYA BHASKARA JAYA is just
one clear example of how having good relationships across different tiers
and ranks with our foreign counterparts have ensured mission success.
Conducted from 26 Jul to 3 Aug in Ambon, Indonesia, we worked closely
alongside the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) as long-standing partners in their
national socio-civic efforts and provide additional aid to the residents of the
region.
Another win-win example of our commitment to be more than just colleagues
is the on-going counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden. Our professional
skills and ability to build and strengthen partnerships helped us to contribute
effectively as the command of Combined Task Force 151 earlier this year.
We will continue to build on our existing partnerships as well as look out
for new ones. One key way to do this has been our initiative to include
observer programmes in some of the exercises we conduct. For example,
the Submarine Rescue and Medicine programme developed for EX PACIFIC
REACH will help extend our reach to like-minded nations.
As a Navy, we are more than just sailors. We are also ambassadors of our
country, charged with the task to bring diplomacy in our dealings with our
partner navies. It is this duty that makes the Navy a challenging, unique and
yet satisfying place to work.
A Word from CNV
Issue 4 | 2010 04
Courtesy Calls / Quick Rep
Courtesy
Calls
VADM Nguyen Van Hien
Commander-in-Chief
Vietnam Peoples Navy
His Excellency Fernando Danus
Ambassador
Chile
ADM Khamthorn Pumhiran
Commander-in-Chief
Royal Thai Navy
CAPT Pierre Landiech
Defence Attache
Embassy of the Republic of France
Quick Rep
1. 2nd Malacca Straits Patrols
Information Sharing Exercise
About 50 participants from Singapore,
Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand gathered at
the Changi C2 Centre for the 2nd Malacca
Straits Patrols Information Sharing Exercise
held from 29 Jun to 1 Jul. The exercise
participants discussed response plans for
scenarios based on the possible threat
situations facing mariners in the region.
2. STET POLARIS
The RSNs Own Training Ship
The RSN took delivery of STET POLARIS
on 30 Jun. Operated by the RSNs training
partner, ST Education and Training, the vessel
was custom built and specially ftted for her
role as a dedicated navigation training ship.
3. SAF Day Parade 2010
More than 1500 military personnel attended
the SAF day parade on 1 Jul at SAFTI-MI.
SLTC Ken Cheong, Commanding Offcer RSS
STALWART, received the RSNs
Best Ship Award from President S
R Nathan.
4. Gombak Uphill Run 2010
Personnel from the Navy
joined the other residents of
Gombak Base in the annual
Gombak Uphill Run on 2 Jul.
The RSN team came in ffth in
the competitive team event.
5. RSN Bowling Team Scores
Three bowlers from the
RSN came in frst in one of
the qualifying rounds for the
Canon Super Series Bowling
Competition held at SAFRA
Yishun on 2 Jul. Team Sea Rider,
comprising ME3 Roger Koh, ME3
Daniel Soh and ME2 Alvin Sim,
came in ffth in the fnals held at
Orchid Country Club on 4 Jul.
6. 13th Command
Preparation Programme
13 naval offcers attended the
13th Command Preparation
01 - 2nd Malacca Straits Patrols Information Sharing Exercise
02 - STET POLARIS The RSNs Own Training Ship 05 - RSN Bowling Team Scores
07 - 18th TSWC Learners Graduate
CAPT John Wood
Defense Attache
Embassy of the United States
05 Issue 4 | 2010
Programme conducted at the
Naval Offcers Advanced School
from 5 to 21 Jul. This course
aims to better prepare designated
offcers to take up their roles as
ship Commanding Offcers.
7. 18th TSWC
Learners Graduate
MAJ Ian Lin emerged as the Top
Graduate of the 18th Tri-Service
Warfghting Course conducted at
the SAF Advanced Schools from
5 to 30 Jul. The 67 participants
gleaned a better understanding
of Joint Operations within the
SAF, particularly in the area of
Operations Other than War.
8. Change of Deputy
Commander OCS (Navy)
On 9 Jul, outgoing Commander
LTC Choon Soon Onn handed
over command to incoming
commander LTC Foong Kok Pun
in a ceremony held at SAFTI MI.
CNV RADM Chew Men Leong
was the witnessing offcer.
9. DS(T)s visit to NLO
Deputy Secretary (Technology)
BG (NS) Ravinder Singh, visited
Naval Logistics Organisation
(NLO) at Tuas Maintenance Base
(TMB) on 15 Jul. During the visit,
he was given an overview of the
recent developments in NLO
and was briefed on NLOs role in
supporting key naval operations,
such as RSS SUPREMEs successful
Aster missile fring during EX
RIMPAC 2010.
10. SAFSA Awards
Presentation Ceremony
Team Navy came in second this
year in the Inter-Formation
Award. This year, they emerged
champions in swimming while
bagging second place in
track and feld and table tennis.
11. TRACOMs
16th Anniversary
Training Command (TRACOM)
celebrated its 16th birthday on
16 Jul. In addition to National
Education tours to refect
the importance of military
and economic defence, some
personnel commemorated
the occasion by taking part in
community service activities like
helping to spruce up Sunbeam
Place or the East Coast Park, and
helping to paint several one-room
fats at Chai Chee Estate.
12. Racial Harmony Day at
TRACOM
More than 400 personnel from
TRACOM celebrated Racial
Harmony Day on 21 Jul with a
free-media design competition
focusing on the cultural diversity
of immigrants to Singapore. At
the same time, they pledged to
the Orange Ribbon Project to
live as one gracious society.
13. NPD GLOBE
Certication
Having previously been certifed
ISO 9001:2000 and Singapore
Quality Class, Naval Personnel
Department (NPD) attained
the GLOBE certifcation on
23 Jul. The award recognises
NPDs continued pursuit of
organisational excellence,
while implementing the new
SAF HR schemes.
14. NLO Appreciation
Function
The Naval Logistics Organisation
Appreciation Function was held
at the Changi Wardroom on 23
Jul to celebrate her receipt of the
MINDEF Excellence Award (MEA)
for the second consecutive year.
NLO has also been inducted into
the MEA Hall of Fame.
15. Inaugural RSN
Commanders Safety
Conference
On 26 Jul, RSN commanders,
ranging from CNV to ships
commanding offcers, spent the
afternoon discussing safety issues
that were foremost on their
minds as well as those of their
08 - Deputy Commander OCS (Navy) COC Ceremony 09 - DS(T)s visit to NLO
10 - SAFSA Awards Presentation Ceremony
11 - TRACOMs 16th Anniversary 13 - NPD GLOBE Certication
14 - NLO Appreciation Function
Issue 4 | 2010 06
Quick Rep
subordinates. Best safety practices
were shared and the RSN
Commanders Safety Conference
will now be a standard feature of
the work year, giving commanders
a dedicated opportunity to
get together and learn from
one another.
16. CCWC Macau 2010
2LT Teo Shern Whey from Naval
Diving Unit (NDU) participated
in the 7th Club Crew World
Championship race in Macau
from 28 Jul to 1 Aug as part of
the SAFSA Dragon Boat Team.
They managed to win gold in the
200m, 500m and 2000m races.
17. RSN Inter-Group
Basketball Tournament 2010
FLEET came in champion in the
RSN Inter-Group Basketball
Tournament 2010 following the
fnal matches held at the Changi
Naval Base Sports Complex on
29 Jul. NDU/HQ RSN and the
Maritime Security Task Force
(MSTF) were frst and second
runners-up respectively.
18. MSTF Sports Day
MSTF held its inaugural sports
day on 30 Jul at the Changi Naval
Base Sports Complex. Games
included Captains Ball, 5-a-side
Soccer, Human Foosball, Human
Sphere and the Ultimate Race.
The overall winner went
to 182/189 SQN.
19. 1st Professional
Leadership Programme
On 30 Jul, 132 newly promoted
3WO successfully completed the
inaugural Professional Leadership
Programme. This included 15
personnel from the RSN, who
received their certifcates from
Chief of Army, MG Chan Chun Sing.
20. NDUs 3-in-1 Programme
Instead of an inspection of the
gunnery, communications and
navigation departments, NDU
conducted a 3-in-1 programme
on 6 Aug. A National Day
observance ceremony was
followed with an NDU Safety
Day video screening and a
celebration for NDU members
who had been promoted.
21. Celebrating
Singapores 45th Birthday in
Karlskrona, Sweden
Members of the Submarine Project
Offce in Karlskrona, Sweden
joined millions of Singaporeans
in reciting the national pledge at
8.10pm (Singapore Time) on 9 Aug,
despite being six time zones away.
Though it is a working day in
Sweden, the crew have celebrated
National Day every year with a
myriad of activities to keep the
Singaporean spirit and fag fying high.
22. Naval Participation in the
45th National Day Parade
Many personnel from the RSN
played key roles in the 45th
National Day celebrations on 9
Aug. They included 1WO Eric Tay,
who was a jumper with the Red
Lions; the marching contingents
from NDU and IMOS; and the
personnel forming the mobile
military column.
23. Initial launch of SURPIC II
The capabilities of SURPIC II
were demonstrated at the initial
launch of the enhanced system
in the Indonesian Navy (TNI
AL) headquarters in Jakarta on
10 Aug. A system for real-time
maritime information sharing
between the RSN and TNI AL
to combat piracy and sea
robberies in the Singapore
Strait, SURPIC II builds upon
the capabilities of SURPIC.
24. Naval participation
in the YOG
10 servicemen from NDU joined
other Singaporeans in the Youth
Olympic Torch Relay on
11 Aug Day 4 of the Singapore
Leg. Led by Commanding Offcer
of Clearance Diving Unit, LTC
Nick Neo, the team of torch
bearers conducted the run as
a whole. During the opening
ceremony on 14 Aug, crew and
craft from the Fast Craft Training
Unit brought the fnal torch
bearer to the Marina Bay
Floating Platform. More details
in pages 20-21.
25. FLEET Security
Seminar 2010
The FLEET Security Seminar
2010 was held on 17 Aug at the
FLEET Auditorium. Speakers from
the Naval Security Offce, FLEET
Intelligence Branch and Military
Security Department spoke on
the security status in the FLEET
before presenting an insight into
terrorism and vulnerabilities
brought about by new media.
26. SAF Overseas Scholarship
Award Ceremony
MID Soh Kah Loke received
the prestigious SAF Overseas
Scholarship from Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister for Defence
Mr Teo Chee Hean at a ceremony
held at the Istana on 17 Aug. The
Hwa Chong Alumnus was one of
four recipients this year and will
be reading Chemical Engineering
at University College London.
27. SAF Merit Scholarship
Award Ceremony
2LT Soh Guo Zhong received
his SAF Merit Scholarship from
Minister for Education and
Second Minister for Defence Dr
Ng Eng Hen at a ceremony held
at the Temasek Club on 20 Aug.
26 - SAF Overseas Scholarship Award Ceremony 27 - SAF Merit Scholarship Award Ceremony
16 - CCWC Macau 2010
18 - MSTF Sports Day
19 - 1st Professional Leadership Programme
EXERCISE CARAT
The RSN together with the
United States Navy and the United
States Coast Guard conducted the
Cooperation Afoat Readiness and
Training (CARAT) exercise 2010
in Singapore from 5 to 19 Jul. 16th
in the series, this years exercise
included serials like submarine-
tracking missions, maritime
warfare manoeuvres, and
maritime security drills.
OPERATION SURYA BHASKARA JAYA
The RSN and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) conducted
a socio-civic programme to provide social assistance,
primary health and dental care to residents in Ambon,
Indonesia, from 26 Jul to 3 Aug. The RSN medical team
treated more than 2,000 patients and performed more
than 100 surgeries both on shore and on board RSS
ENDEAVOUR. Besides distributing essential food items to
the residents, the RSN personnel worked together with
the TNI AL to carry out repair and restoration works in
four villages.
EXERCISE RIMPAC
The RSN participated in the
biennial multilateral Rim of Pacifc
Exercise for the second time in
Hawaii. Conducted from 23 Jun
to 1 Aug, RSS SUPREME took
part in maritime operations such
as combined anti-submarine
and air defence missions. She
also successfully fred an Aster
Surface-to-Air Missile on 14 Jul.
OPERATION BLUE SAPPHIRE II
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Defence Mr. Teo Chee Hean visited the
SAF Task Force deployed in the Gulf of
Aden on 31 Aug. Together with CNV
and other senior SAF offcers, he was
given an appreciation of the abilities of
RSS ENDURANCE. He also observed
the task groups drill in response to a
pirate attack on
a merchant vessel.
EXERCISE EAGLE
The RSN and TNI AL
conducted a bilateral exercise
from 28 Jul to 5 Aug in
Singapore and Surabaya,
Indonesia. RSS TENACIOUS
and RSS VIGOUR participated
in a series of training
exercises such as anti-surface
warfare, maritime interdiction
as well as search and rescue
operations with TNI AL.
Where Weve Been
OPERATION SURYA
BHASKARA JAYA (SBJ)
EXERCISE
CARAT
EXERCISE
PACIFIC REACH
07
EXERCISE
EAGLE
EX RIMPAC
EXERCISE PACIFIC REACH
The RSN and navies from Australia, Japan,
the Republic of Korea and the United States
conducted a Submarine Escape and Rescue
exercise, codenamed PACIFIC REACH,
from 17 to 25 Aug. This year saw the
participation of the RSNs RSS ENDEAVOUR,
RSS CHIEFTAIN, MV SWIFT RESCUE and
the submersible submarine rescue vehicle
(Deep Search and Rescue 6) to develop and
strengthen interoperability in submarine
rescue operations with the other participating
navies. More details on pages 12-15.
EXERCISE KAKADU
RSS TENACIOUS and RSS
VIGOUR took part in a
multilateral exercise off the
coast of Darwin, Australia
from 13 Aug to 3 Sep. Hosted
by the Royal Australian Navy,
the exercise also saw the
participation of navies from
Japan, New Zealand
and Thailand.
EXERCISE
KAKADU
Issue 4 | 2010
OPERATION BLUE
SAPPHIRE II
(Photo courtesy of Pioneer)
Issue 4 | 2010 08
To be sure, the Military Domain Expert
Scheme (MDES) has provided new
opportunities for growth for its members.
The RSN has moved a big step forward
on the initiative and military experts
are slowly but surely taking up the tasks
in areas which used to be traditionally
viewed as strictly the domain of a
commissioned offcer.
ME3 Ng Cheng Boon and ME3 Hoo
Hui Seng from 185 SQN were selected
to attend the Royal Navys Helicopter
Control Course from March to June. This
qualifed them to hold the appointment
of a Helicopter Control Offcer, or better
known in the RSN as an Anti-Submarine
Tactical Air Controller (ASTAC). This is
a new role on board the frigates as the
integration programme of the Naval
Helicopter continues.
Tapping on their previous experience as
Combat Information Centre supervisors,
where they were in charge of compiling
the tactical maritime situation for the
Command, ME3 Ng and ME3 Hoo
quickly picked up the necessary skills and
knowledge. With their great enthusiasm
and commitment, it is not surprising
that they fnished in the top half of their
course, going ahead of their coursemates
who were more qualifed offcers.
With their tactical appreciation and
quick understanding of various subjects,
both were given commendations by their
instructors. In the coming months, they
will be working alongside the Air Control
Offcers aboard the frigates.
Refecting, ME3 Hoo said: As ASTACs,
we are expected to control the naval
Experts in
Controlling
the Maritime
Skies
Onwards & Upwards
Story by Jesse Leow
Photos courtesy of Pioneer and 185 SQN
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Military Experts with the right skill sets are now
able to operate these helicopters
Graduates of the RSNs 2nd ASTAC Course
ME3 Hoo Hui Seng (second from left) and ME3
Ng Cheng Boon (second from right) with their
coursemates at the Royal Navys Helicopter
Control Course
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helicopters to make use of her speed and
reach, so as to better aid the required
mission objectives of the frigates. With
our past experience as a CIC Supervisor,
we are able to better see the picture
as a whole and deploy the aircraft in a
more tactical and advantageous manner.
Adding on to this was ME3 Ng, who
shared: I am very excited about being
able to further develop and contribute
to the RSN. Participating in this course is
certainly an eye-opener for me as I can
now work in a new area of expertise.
At the same time, eight military experts
and fve offcers completed the RSNs
second ASTAC course in June. ME2
Daniel Loy remarked: Having a mix of
military experts and offcers in the course
brought in people with complementary
skills and knowledge; that helped bridge
the different functions and domain
areas. The military experts were able to
share their expertise on anti-submarine
principles and tactical appreciation,
while the offcers were able to provide
inputs on air control and tactical warfare
considerations. Not only was this a
good and necessary mix of personnel, it
provided for an increased utilisation of
our capabilities.
Such sentiment was also echoed within
the top management of the squadron.
LTC Roland Tan, Head of Operations
of HQ 185 SQN concluded, There are
many positive examples of the MDES
community embracing the scheme in
the right direction, increasingly taking up
roles that were previously meant only for
commissioned offcers. However, success
depends not merely on the organisation
offering possibilities. It is also important
for the MDES personnel to want to take
on these challenges in order for them to
have a more fulflling career in the Navy.
09 Issue 4 | 2010
Since Sail Navy 2000, the RSNs frst
round-the-world deployment, the RSN
has continued to push further for
longer. Today, deployments spanning
months have become necessary and
the RSN is operationally and logistically
ready to put our ships where they are
needed most.
Forward Naval Surgical Support has
also kept pace. Medical capabilities on
board our ships have matured to ensure
that our crews have access to what
they need to have them operating at
peak performance. In the larger ships
of the RSN, medical centres have been
designed, equipped and staffed to ensure
that adequate medical care is available
even when far out at sea.
This path to medical excellence began
with the most basic of treatment
facilities on board the Landing Ships Tank
(LSTs) in 2000. In 2002, maritime surgical
containers were introduced, and then the
eventual conversion of compartments
within the ship into intensive care units
and high-dependency wards for post-
surgery monitoring.
Even in the frigates, suitable areas have
been identifed for these purposes, if
and when needed. In fact, the converted
high-dependancy wards will be as good
as those in the local hospitals, complete
with all necessary monitoring equipment.
These conversions will take two persons
about half an hour to set up.
Observing this during the recent
Cooperation Afoat Readiness and
Training (CARAT) exercise with the
United States Navy (USN), was CAPT
Michael Krentz, Fleet Surgeon of the
USNs 7th Fleet. Impressed by the high
dependency ward set-up on the frigate,
he commented: Forward resuscitative
surgery on small platforms is a new
capability under development by both
our navies... Lessons learned from
adapting spaces not usually dedicated
to emergency surgery will be of great
value.
This capability also impressed the RSN
NSmen participating in the same exercise,
many of whom are practising doctors and
surgeons. MAJ (DR) (NS) Andrew Wong, a
consultant surgeon from Changi General
Hospital, felt that this was a signifcant
milestone in providing forward naval
surgical support to the RSN during
peacetime, Operations Other than War
(OOTW) and wartime operations.
Onwards & Upwards
Story by Jesse Leow
Photos by Gabriel Ong & Navy Medical Service
Surgical
Excellence
at Sea
The surgical capabilities aboard have also
been put through their operational paces
on many occasions. The LSTs have been
deployed as surgical platforms for several
socio-civic missions in Indonesia since
2003. During the recent joint Operation
SURYA BHASKARA JAYA with the
Indonesian Navy in Ambon, Indonesia
(26 Jul to 3 Aug), the SAF Medical Corps
performed more than 100 surgeries,
including delicate cataract operation
in operating theatres set up in various
parts of the LST.
MAJ (DR) Chow Weien, Head Medical
Doctrine & Training Branch, Navy
Medical Service, emphasised: Going
forward, the RSN will continue to play
a major role in enhancing the SAFs
maritime surgical capability to support
the SAF warfghter across the spectrum
of operations, from peacetime, OOTW
and war. It is also important that NMS
continues to build medical expertise in
the traditional areas of naval operational
medicine and underwater medicine. This
effort will be greatly enhanced with the
presence of our Naval Military Medical
Experts possessing Advanced Diplomas
in Nursing, specialising in anaesthesia,
peri-operative medicine, critical care and
emergency medicine.
CNMO COL (DR) Kang Wee Lee and our USN
counterparts during EX CARAT 2010
The RSN medical team in the operating theatre
on board RSS ENDEAVOUR during SBJ 2010
The converted high-dependency ward on
board a frigate
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Issue 4 | 2010 10
Serving NS
with Pride
Story and Photo by Gabriel Ong
To recognise the NSFs who have made
signifcant contributions during their term
of National Service, the Fifth Committee
to Recognise the Contribution of
Operationally Ready Servicemen to
Total Defence, RECORD V, proposed
the introduction of the NSF of the Year
Award in Sep 09. Of the 70 recipients of
the inaugural NSF of the Year Award, eight
came from the Navy 2LT (NS) Vincent Lim
(180 SQN), 3SG (NS) Devin Ong (NDU),
3SG (NS) Lau Leung Yu (NALCOM), CFC
(NS) Lee Choon Long (NDU), CPL (NS)
Kelvin Yap (RSS RESOLUTION), CPL
(NS) Srijit Shashedaran (Tuas Defence
Squadron), CPL (NS) Melvin Sim (RSS
FREEDOM) and PTE Justin Tan (TRACOM).
Navy News fnds out more about what set
them apart from their NSF counterparts.
For 2LT (NS) Lim, his NS journey was an
unforgettable one, with its fair shares of
ups and downs, akin to a rollercoaster
ride. While training became harder as he
Onwards & Upwards
progressed from Basic Military Training to
offcer training in Midshipman School, 2LT
Lim persevered with a positive attitude,
giving his all in everything he did.
His biggest challenge came after he was
commissioned and took up the role
of a controller in the newly revamped
Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF)
Operations Hub. Here, he had to
manage a team of watch operators and
supervisors, almost all of them senior
to him in both age and experience. His
job was to ensure that his team kept an
effective and vigilant round-the-clock
watch over the waters of Singapore.
Despite the gruelling hours and stressful
environment, 2LT (NS) Lim made the best
out of it. He refected: Being in MSTF has
been meaningful because I got to learn frst-
hand how important maritime security
is for a peaceful Singapore. Ive learnt so
much about managing people and time,
having faced critical situations that require
an almost immediate response.
Not many NSFs can boast about having
an unique NS experience like 3SG (NS)
Ong. After all, few are selected into the
elite Naval Diving Unit. 3SG (NS) Ong
refected: My NS journey was a journey
like no other. It was about venturing into
the unknown, stepping outside of my
comfort zone, enduring rigorous training
and last but defnitely not the least, working
together as a team.
Steadfast, responsible and disciplined, 3SG
(NS) Ong was an outstanding leader who
took pride and dedication in his service as
a Platoon Leader in Dive School. Besides
being a constant pillar of support to his
team mates and peers, 3SG (NS) Ong
took excellent control and command of
his class. Looking back, 3SG (NS) Ong
remarked: My National Service has been
a fruitful experience. One lesson I will
always remember is to always remain
calm under any circumstance, to stop,
think and breathe.
Doing his best in whatever he does is the
work ethos CPL (NS) Yap has for himself.
When asked about what motivated him
to do his best in NS, the Command and
Control Systems Operator spontaneously
shared: When I was posted to RSS
RESOLUTION, I found everyone friendly
and helpful. I could feel the warmth and
tight bonds the crew shared, just like that
of a family. We played hard and we worked
hard together. Thus, I felt really driven to
do my best and set a good example for my
peers and juniors to emulate.
Navy News congratulates this years
winners and wishes the best to the next
crop of NSFs as they vie for the award
next year.
NSFs of the year - (From left): PTE Justin Tan, 3SG (NS) Devin Ong, 3SG (NS) Lau Leung Yu, 2LT (NS) Vincent Lim, CFC (NS) Lee Choon Long and CPL (NS) Kelvin Yap
11 Issue 4 | 2010
LTC (DR) (NS) Lee Chun Yue and CPT
(NS) Yan Kah Leong are two very different
people. The former is a Senior Consultant
and the Chief of the Emergency
Department at Alexandra Hospital while
the latter is a Senior Manager at Great
Eastern Insurance. But one thing links
them both together their unwavering
commitment to the defence of Singapore.
In-Camp Training (ICT) is conducted
annually for NSmen to retain their skills
and sharp operational edge in the defence
of the country. Being citizens of Singapore,
it is only correct that we participate fully
in the ICT. It is a small way to give back
to society for we have received security,
safety and a bright future, shared LTC
(DR) (NS) Lee. For CPT (NS) Yan, ICT also
provides a good opportunity to catch up
with old friends. He noted: Every year, I
look forward to my ICT to meet up with
my old NS buddies as well as those still in
the RSN. The friendships, rapport building
and great teamwork makes every ICT an
exciting one.
One of LTC (DR) (NS) Lees most signifcant
contributions during his ICT was taking
up the appointment of Chief Surgeon
aboard the RSNs Naval Ship Hospital
(NSH) from 2004 to 2007. LTC (DR) (NS)
Lee played a key role in raising the bar
of the SAFs maritime surgical capability
in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief operations, Operations Other than
War, Peace Support Operations, wartime
operations and socio-civic missions.
The 45-year old went beyond the call of his
regular ICT duties and even volunteered
for Operation SURYA BHASKARA JAYA
2008, a socio-civic operation where
the RSN assists the Indonesian Navy in
reaching out to communities in the far
reaches of Indonesia. He fondly recalled:
From providing medical and dental
care, to performing care for chronic
illnesses and emergency surgeries, to
ferrying patients to and from the ship,
I think we did almost everything. This is
testament to the high standards of the
RSNs maritime surgical capability.
Today, LTC (DR) (NS) Lee is the Chief
Physician on board the NSH and he is
still consulted regularly by the RSN and
the SAF to provide medical support
planning for the various missions the SAF
undertakes.
Having assumed the appointment of
Offcer-in-Charge of the Sea Requisition
Centre since 2001, CPT (NS) Yan has
never failed to achieve all his given tasks
and motivate his NS team to give their
best. ME6 Lee Seng Tong, Head Operations
NALCOM commented: CPT (NS) Yan
leads by example in setting effective
goals and completing the tasks given to
him on time with minimal supervision.
He personally sees through the planning
and implementations of the various tasks
assigned to him and is always prepared to
put in the extra effort outside the scope
of his ICT to accomplish them.
CPT (NS) Yan shares: A lot of patience
and determination is needed to drill into
every man the importance of his role.
Sometimes we need to study the NSmens
profle and employ them where they would
be most useful and effective.
In recognition of their unwavering and
greatly inspiring efforts, LTC (NS) (DR)
Lee and CPT (Yan) were awarded the
Commendation (Military) Medal and the
NSman of the Year Awards respectively. In
addition, Family Recognition Vouchers were
given to them both. CPT (NS) Yan shared
excitedly: Im very proud and happy to
receive both the NSman of the Year Award
and the Family Recognition Voucher! I will
be using the Family Recognition Voucher
to book a chalet at Downtown East in
November for my family and colleagues!
Story by Gabriel Ong
Photos courtesy of CPT (NS) Yan & Navy
Medical Service
Onwards & Upwards
Beyond the
Call of Duty
01
02
LTC (DR) (NS) Lee (second
from right) and three
others demonstrating an
evacuation technique
CPT (NS) Yan wih his wife
and Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Defence
Teo Chee Hean at the SAF
Day Parade 2010
02
01
Issue 4 | 2010 12
Submariners operate in a very
demanding environment. While the
submarines are very capable machines,
accidents may happen and it is this
eventuality that all submarine operating
fleets have to plan for. The ability of a
submariner to survive when the worst
happens depends largely on how quickly
a rescue vessel can get to them.
Thus while navies develop their
submarine capabilities, a parallel
development is their submarine rescue
capability. It is a characteristic of navies
that such rescue capabilities cannot
be confined to national borders, and
Exercise Pacific Reach, a multi-national
submarine escape and rescue exercise,
was conducted in Changi Naval Base
from 17 to 25 Aug to build collaboration
in this important area.
In his opening address, FLEET
Commander RADM Joseph Leong
noted: Exercise Pacific Reach serves as
a platform to foster closer cooperation
in submarine escape and rescue, as well
as to enhance multilateral relations
among the submarine operating
countries. As more countries acquire
or enhance their submarine capabilities
in the region, it is also important that
we build and maintain a strong network
for multilateral submarine rescue
collaboration.
Exercise
Pacifc Reach
Going to
Depths for
Submarine
Safety
Story by Jesse Leow
Photos by Justin Tan and courtesy of Pioneer
Now Hear This!
02
03
01
13 Issue 4 | 2010
Over four days in the South China Sea,
the participating navies from Singapore,
Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea
and the United States worked together
to conduct mating operations between
the RSNs submersible submarine rescue
vehicle, Deep Search and Rescue Six
(DSAR 6), and the United States Navys
(USNs) Submarine Rescue Chamber.
Participating submarines were RSS
CHIEFTAIN and JDS ARASHIO from
the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.
Observers from 13 nations Canada,
China, France, India, Indonesia, Italy,
Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sweden,
Thailand, the United Kingdom and
Vietnam were also present.
Part of the exercise included a visit
and tour of MV SWIFT RESCUE to
gain a better understanding of the
rescue capabilities that the RSN is able
to offer distressed submarines in the
vicinity. Leveraging on the commercial
expertise available, the public-
private collaboration with Singapore
Technologies Marine to operate and
maintain the vessel has enabled the
RSN to develop an organic submarine
rescue capability in a short period of
time. Operational capabilities and the
integration of both MV SWIFT RESCUE
and DSAR 6 were delivered in 2009, a
mere four years since its concept and
budget approval. This has propelled the
RSN into a league of only eleven other
navies with the capacity to conduct
submarine rescue operations.
Upon activation, MV SWIFT RESCUE can
be deployed quickly to the submarine
distress site. It is then that DSAR 6
comes into its own. A mini-submarine
in itself, the DSAR 6, with a maximum
operating depth of 500 metres, can be
launched in harsh sea conditions up to
sea state 5 using a custom-built launch
and recovery system in as little as 15
minutes.
After pressuring itself to match the
internal pressure of the distressed
submarine, the DSAR 6 has the capacity
to carry up to 17 submariners under a
constant pressure back to the modern
hyperbaric facilities available aboard MV
SWIFT RESCUE for further treatment.
04
05
01
02
03
04
05
CNV RADM Chew Men Leong being briefed
on the USNs submarine rescue capability
State-of-the-art hyperbaric facilities on board
MV SWIFT RESCUE
Quick Launch and Recovery System to recover
the DSAR 6 in under 15 minutes
Launching the DSAR 6 can be done even in
sea state 5
Mating with a distressed submarine
MV SWIFT RESCUE Deep Search And Rescue 6
85 m
18 m
4300 tonnes
12 Knots
Up to 28 Days of
operations at sea
Up to 130, with 27
crew members
Length :
Width :
Tonnage :
Speed :
Endurance :
Capacity :
Length :
Width :
Height :
Weight :
Maximum depth :
Underwater speed :
Underwater
endurance :
9.6 m
3.2 m
2.8 m
25 tonnes
500 m
3 knots
10 hours
Issue 4 | 2010 14
A total of four recompression chambers
are available on board, so as to allow
different rates of recompression should
the need arise.
In a system where the evacuated
submariners are transferred to the
surface under a constant pressure,
pressure-related illnesses can thus be
avoided altogether. This is in contrast
to the scenario of a free-surfacing
submariner, where the immense
pressure change can subject him to
barotraumas and gas embolisms,
explained MAJ (DR) Shalini, Head of
Naval Underwater Medical Centre.
MV SWIFT RESCUE hosts medical
facilities and monitoring wards with
a 29-strong medical team which can
cater for non-pressure related injuries
as well. These include dehydration and
the inhalation of toxic fumes which are
the other common scenarios within
a distressed submarine. A helicopter
landing spot has also been built for
helicopter evacuation.
Needless to say, this highly advanced
rescue system has brought peace
of mind to the submarine fraternity.
DSAR 6 makes our job safer. Its ability
to go down and be able to insulate
submariners from pressure changes
when evacuating them back to the
surface is comforting. The lengths that
the government has gone to help keep
us safe is certainly reassuring for the
submarine fraternity and will keep us
going, shared ME1 Gijo George, Sonar
Specialist, RSS CHIEFTAIN.
The sharing of submarine rescue
capabilities have become an increasingly
important area as more and more
countries start to develop their
submarine capability. CAPT Brian
Howes, Commander of the USNs
Submarine Development Squadron
5 observed: This exercise has been
very successful for all the participating
nations. I think its very important
not only for us, but for the comfort
of our families and submariners to be
able to get to these sailors when they
are in need. I had the opportunity to
do rescue operations on the Japanese
submarine and it was very state-of-the-
art, very impressive.
Now Hear This!
01
02
03
04
05
06
Going underwater to mate with a
submarine
RSN personnel providing hyperbaric
treatment
Evaluation of injuries and treatment by
the medical force
One of the four recompression chambers
on MV SWIFT RESCUE
Operation of MV SWIFT RESCUE by
a professional under the Public-Private
partnership
Avenue for helicopter evacuation from MV
SWIFT RESCUE
01
02
04
01
03 04 05
06
15 Issue 4 | 2010
Calm waters greeted us as we sailed
into Pearl Harbour on 23 Jun. The gentle
refection of the suns rays off the waters
were a welcome sight after more than
two weeks of high seas, as we sailed from
Singapore to Hawaii to take part in the
Rim of the Pacifc Exercise (Ex RIMPAC)
2010. Coming into Pearl Harbour,
the view was magnifcent and simply
breathtaking. Majestic warships lined the
crowded piers and the USS ARIZONA
Memorial and USS MISSOURI provided
a sombre yet picturesque backdrop.
We hit the shopping areas once shore
leave was declared. First stop was the
Ala Moana Shopping Centre. It is at least
three times larger then the Suntec City
Mall and carries a wide range of brands
from Apple to Hollister to Prada. Best
of all, it was also sale season in Hawaii!
With prices slashed by more than 80%,
it converted many of the ship crew into
shopaholics! But our true shopping
paradise was at the Waikele Premium
Outlet, where we found premium brands
like Coach, Ralph and True Religion.
Known as the surfng capital of the
world, we could not miss experiencing
the beaches. Naturally, we made a
beeline to the most famous beach of all
Waikiki Beach. While handsome hunks
and hot babes lined the golden coast, it
was the huge waves that fascinated us.
It was diffcult to resist the temptation
and many of us had to join the crowd
and try our hands at Boogie Boarding,
an obsession in Hawaii. Similar to surfng
where you get to ride the wave, Boogie
Boarding required you to do it in a prone
position on a shorter board.
We paddled our way out to sea. At frst,
a few waves passed by but none were
strong enough to push us to shore.
Just as our morale started to dip, the
Big Kahuna of a wave came. Everyone
immediately paddled hard; the wave took
us off our board and washed us right
onto the sandy beach. The feeling was
absolutely stunning and indescribable. We
became instant boogie boarding addicts
and kept chasing waves till sunset.
The three prominent World War II
memorials of USS ARIZONA, USS
MISSOURI and USS BOWFIN are must-
sees in the Big Island of Hawaii. USS
BOWFIN is a World War II submarine
that not only survived but sank the most
number of surface targets. It was an
experience just to be inside a submarine.
The interior was larger than I expected,
but as we ventured further, I realised
that the spaces were rather constricted.
Bunks were cramped and the toilets
were nowhere near a place of serenity.
As a communications specialist, the radio
room in any naval vessel interests me
the most. I caught a glimpse of the USS
BOWFINs radio room. It looked just
like something out of the movie Pearl
Harbour as it was small and flled with
wires and radio equipment.
On the other hand, the USS MISSOURI
was huge! A gigantic battleship that looked
like a mega cruise ship, but modifed to
suit naval requirements, it is equipped
with guns the length of a bus and she
had nine of them! Most signifcantly, USS
MISSOURI saw the signing of the Formal
Instrument of Surrender by Japan to the
Allied Forces, ending World War II.
Among all the ports I have travelled to
with the RSN, Hawaii will forever hold a
special and beautiful place in my memory.
I look forward to returning to her to
explore more.
Port Brief
Say Aloha!
Story by ME1 Kaye Ong
Photos courtesy of RSS SUPREME
The beautiful
waters off the
coast of Hawaii
Boogie Boarding
after almost two
weeks at sea
01
02
02
01
Ship :
Where :
When :
Purpose :
RSS SUPREME
Off the coast of Hawaii, USA
23 Jun to 1 Aug
To participate in the USN-led multi-
lateral Rim of the Pacic Exercise,
which covered all three dimensions
of awarfare air, surface
and sub-surface.
KEY FACTS
Issue 4 | 2010 16
While every doctor aims to provide
the best medical care for their
patients, a military doctor has
greater responsibilities to do that
without compromising the success
of the mission. Tag on to that a
challenging shipboard environment
and you can safely assume that our
Navy Doctors have a tougher time
than their land-based counterparts.
COL (DR) Kang Wee Lee is the
Chief Naval Medical Ofcer
(CNMO). He shares with Navy
News just what it takes to ensure
that our sailors get the best medical
care wherever they may be.
Story and Photo by Gabriel Ong
Bringing
Medical
Support in
the RSN to
the Highest
Levels
When and why did you join the navy?
I signed on in the navy in 1996. Back
then, I wanted to do more than see
patients in a hospital or clinic setting.
The SAF, and the RSN in particular,
was rapidly expanding in the 90s and
I wanted to be part of the exciting
transformation. Then CNMO COL
Edwin Low also shared with me his
vision for Navy Medical Service- to
build an operational outft to support
our navy surface warfare operations
and build up our underwater medicine
and submarine rescue capability. I knew
this was where I wanted to be. Being
able to develop new medical capabilities
for the navy and seeing these new
initiatives come to fruition have also
made my job even more satisfying.
What does the job of CNMO entail?
As CNMO, my primary responsibility
is to maintain operational health and
readiness for the RSN and to enhance
Know your Naval Staff
17 Issue 4 | 2010
the operational performance of our
navy combatants. In operations and
exercises, my job is to ensure that the
medical support for our servicemen
and servicewomen is robust, making
sure that the best medical care are
available to our people should they
require it. As the custodian of the
specialised feld of underwater medicine
in the SAF, I chart the development of
underwater medicine in line with the
SAFs operational requirements and
provide leadership in this discipline at
the national level as well.
What are some of the challenges
you face at work and how do you
manage them?
The main challenge is fnding suffcient
resources to do all the things that we
want to do. I think this is a challenge
many SAF commanders face. Often,
we need to prioritise when there are
competing demands. In such situations,
I will usually have in-depth discussion
with my leadership team before
we come to a practical and well-
evaluated decision.
When it comes to force health
and medical support, we need to
constantly watch out for signs of
complacency on the ground. In this
aspect, I always remind my staff to
maintain professionalism at all times
and to stay vigilant during exercises
and operations. My staff and I will also
fnd opportunities to educate our
commanders on the importance of
these issues so as to secure their buy-in
and support.
What do you think are some
traits you possess that have helped
you at work?
My years of surgical training has
forced me to think on my feet and
stay calm when confronted with the
unexpected and this trait has proved
handy. During EX PACIFIC REACH
2000, a foreign military personnel met
with a serious shipboard accident.
Being the doctor on scene, I had to
make a quick evaluation and decide the
best course of action. In the end, we
heli-evacuate the injured sailor to our
hospital and he made a good recovery.
What are some of the fond memories
you have while serving in the Navy?
During my earlier years, I had the
chance to do some travelling. I
thoroughly enjoyed seeing the world
and learning new things, especially in
the realm of underwater medicine. The
submarine escape training in Sweden
and diving training in the US Navy Dive
School in Panama City were the most
unforgettable memories.
The socio-civic missions that the Navy
has been constantly involved in has
made a deep impact on me. Through
such missions, we have been able
to make a tangible difference to the
people in these rural communities.
Over the years, we have been trying to
bring more value-added service to the
local populace. For instance, the recent
Operation SURYA BHASKARA JAYA
saw us performing cataract operations
on board a RSN ship for the frst time.
How different is it being a civilian
doctor and a military doctor?
Unlike civilian doctors who usually
work in a comfortable environment
with much resources at their
disposal, our RSN Medical Offcers
frequently have to operate under
austere operational conditions on
board ships and in improvised medical
set-ups such as tentages and makeshift
clinics (in rural villages) during missions
and operations. This is a good test
of their professionalism, resilience
and resourcefulness in getting the job
done well.
Could you share with us a bit about
your family? Also, where did you
spend your last holiday?
My wife, Veronica is a home-maker and
my two daughters, Vivienne and Vanessa,
are in Secondary One and Primary
Four respectively. Our last holiday was
in Beijing in end-2008. It was a good
holiday, especially for the children as
they were able to enjoy frst-hand
experience of the Chinese culture,
history and language.
Share with us some facts the navy
family doesnt know about you.
I actually started my SAF career in the
Army. After my Medical Offcer Cadet
Course (MOCC), I was a medical
offcer in an Infantry Battalion before
joining the Navy.
I like reading in my leisure time. The
book Im currently reading is called
The End of Food by Paul Roberts. It
talks about the entire global food chain
and how each individual component is
interdependent.
Lastly, Im also a Liverpool fan
since 1978, when I frst started
watching soccer!
Know your Naval Staff
01
02
03
COL Kang (second from right)
operating on board KRI DR
SOEHARSO, a TNI AL hospital ship,
during SBJ 2010
A family portrait
COL Kang and his wife, Veronica,
and his daughters, Vivienne (left)
and Vanessa (right)
01
02 03
Issue 4 | 2010 18
A March to
Success!
Story by Jesse Leow
Photo by Justin Tan
Though promised a varied career path, fun-loving ME1 (T)
Pamela Koh never imagined herself taking part in the National
Day Parade when she took up a Navy sponsorship for her
studies in Mechanical Technology at the Institute of Technical
Education. Yet, she was one of the proud members in the naval
marching contingent in this years National Day Parade.
The National Day Parade will not be a National Day Parade
without its staples the blanket of freworks in the night
sky, the awe-inspiring Red Lions, the carefully choreographed
mass displays, and not forgetting, the military precision of the
marching contingents.
In addition to the naval Guard-of-Honour contingent
represented by Naval Diving Unit, Pamela and her fellow
trainees from the Institute of Maritime Operations and Systems
(IMOS) came together to form the naval marching contingent
at this years National Day Parade. Weekly drills began as early
as April and it saw the various marching contingents gathering
at Nee Soon Camp to practice for almost 10 hours every
Saturday. As National Day drew closer, rehearsals shifted to
the Padang.
Much sweat and sacrifce went into ensuring military precision
marching by all the contingents. Training was regimental and
ate into the free time I had with my family. Nevertheless, I
found it worthwhile because of the pride it gave me to be able
to participate in such an important event, shared Pamela. She
also declared to Navy News that she is now able to name all
the landmarks in the vicinity of Padang, and know the precise
distance between each of these landmarks, which lay along her
2 km marching route.
Know your Naval Family
Issue 4 | 2010 18
19 Issue 4 | 2010
Pamela felt that the trainees from
IMOS were able to smartly form up and
march past the crowds of spectators
due to teamwork and co-operation.
Working together towards a common
goal is something necessary for smooth
operations, especially in the RSN where
the smooth functioning of ships relies on
many different components, she said.
To Pamela, this sense of cohesion is
one of the strongest attributes of the
RSN. The instructors and offcers have
created a positive working environment
by being approachable and in helping us
with problems that we face. In addition,
initiatives such as Healthy Lifestyle Days
and cohesion activities helped increase
this bonding, she affrmed. Pamela joined
the RSN on 14 Dec 09 and is currently
attending a course to become a Naval
Systems Warfare Engineer in Marine
Systems.
This winning formula is of extra relevance
to Pamela as her favourite sports are
team sports such as basketball, dragon-
boating and baseball. More than just
employing the right strategies to win,
the closeness and appreciation of the strengths of others
allow for closer co-ordination between individual members.
she remarked. This includes the bonding with the players of
T-Net, a basketball team that she coaches.
In just these few months, she has also seen herself grow. Pamela
concluded: The last ten months or so spent at IMOS has
helped to make me a better person. I fnd myself having greater
empathy for others and I think I am better able to persevere
through hardships.Being part of the Navy family would not only
allow me to play a vital role in the defence of our country, but I
feel excited at the thought of sailing for overseas deployments
and being able to meet members of foreign navies. It truly is a
different and exciting career.
01
02
03
Standing tall at the National Day Parade 2010
Pamela (rst row, fourth from right) after completing her BMT
Pamela with her family
01
02
03
Issue 4 | 2010 20
Displaying
the
Navy Spirit
at the YOG
Story contributed by CPT Desmond Ong
Photos courtesy of 188 SQN Photography
Interest Group
The conclusion of the recent Singapore
2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG)
marked another important milestone in
the countrys history. Running from 14
to 26 Aug, Singapore played host to the
3,600 young athletes from 204 National
Olympic Committees over as they
gathered for an international sporting
event, destined to be a fxture in the
major sporting calendar of the world.
With only two and a half years from
the award of the bid to the opening
ceremony on 14 Aug meant that the YOG
Organising Committee pulled out all the
stops. Their achievements are even more
noteworthy as a large proportion of the
YOG workforce comprised volunteers
from all walks of life.
Fast Craft Utility (FCU) dressed up as a phoenix for the Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony
01
Within the RSN, the call for volunteers
was also raised, and it was answered
splendidly. Personnel from various
formations came forth, albeit knowing
that they would have to sacrifce much
of their personal time to help Singapore
achieve another frst. Navy News
would like to share some of their
moments here.
21 Issue 4 | 2010
02
03
04
01
02
03
04
ME3 Kathiresan (center) with his fellow
servicemen during a combined rehearsal
LTC David Lee (right) taking over the torch before
the start of his leg of the torch relay
ME5 Chris Chong (left) having a discussion with
LTC David Lee during a mass photo shoot
The RSN volunteers going through an on site
orientation at Marina Reservoir
I have wanted to be part of the YOG. When I knew that the RSN
was looking for volunteers, I immediately responded. When I saw
the state ag being raised during the Opening Ceremony, I was
overwhelmed by emotions, proud to be a Singaporean.
- ME3 Kathiresan, HQ NALCOM, the chief trainer of the ag escorts for the
opening and closing ceremonies.
We burnt many weekends and also had to report to camp for
midnight sailing. We all knew that the efforts we put in and the
hardships wed been through were not wasted when we sailed the
Phoenix awlessly towards the oating platform for the Opening
Ceremony.

- LCP Tay Jun Yuan, Fast Craft Training Unit, who helped to pilot the Phoenix Fast Craft
Utility, with the torch-bearer on board, to the oating platform.
Because of NDP 2010, the waters around the oating platform
were only opened to us on 10th Aug, barely three days to the YOG
Opening Ceremony. The FCU team made every rehearsal count and
delivered a spectacular performance.
- LTC David Lee, 188 SQN, Head of Naval Participation, YOG Executive Committee
It was very refreshing to see servicemen coming to me after the
slots were full, asking if they could be part of the team. Maybe it is
the allure of being a part of the YOG, or more likely, maybe it is just
the type of people we have in the RSN, always wanting to do their
part for the nation.
- ME5 Chris Chong, 188 SQN, who was coordinating the mass photo shoot with key
YOG personnel.
I felt truly shiok to be part of the YOG Organising Committee, to
be part of the YOG legacy.
- Mr Tang Jun Wen, Tuas Maintenance Base, a Venue Logistics Manager.
ME3 Chong Kwong Chin, Coxswain
RSS VICTORY concluded: Despite the
hard work and tough conditions, all the
volunteers came together and worked
as one. We have shown everyone what
the Navy is all about and how we value
professionalism.
BZ to Singapore and all our RSN
volunteers!
Issue 4 | 2010 22
Free Gangway
Hooyah Mr
Vasantham!
Thanks to the rigourous physical
regime of the Naval Diving Unit (NDU),
well toned, muscular young men are
a common sight in the RSN. But one
such diver who decided to turn up the
heat on National Television instead was
NSman, Mr Vikneshvaran.
Mr Vikneshvaran did his National Service
in NDU, graduating from the 27th Batch of
divers and then going on to be a Section
Leader for the Underwater Demolition
Team. He is currently pursuing his full-
time studies in the Nanyang Technological
University.
Although he had completed his NS
duties on 12 Feb 09, the discipline,
ethos and values of a Naval Diver were
deeply embedded in Mr Vikneshvaran
and spurred him to pursue the sport
of bodybuilding. Mr Vikneshvaran
refected: The time I had in NDU led
me to change my perspective of physical
training. It used to be diffcult, but now
I can better focus on my workouts, and
more importantly, I really enjoy them.
Out of the 100 hopefuls who auditioned
for the inaugural Mr Vasantham contest,
only 10 contestants were handpicked
for the competition. Mr Vikneshvaran
stood out with his lean, fnely muscled
frame, confdently beating nine other
contestants over the nine weeks of
competition to clinch the title of Mr
Vasantham. He won $5000 at the grand
fnals held at the Mediacorp Studios on
12 Jun.
Mr Vikneshvaran believes that he owes
his success to NDU: Being a diver, you
have to be versatile. We are trained to
carry out different tasks at the same time.
One fne example would be performing
our daily operations in NDU while
also being a participant at the National
Day Parade. This versatility and ability
to adapt and take on challenges in our
stride aided me throughout the weeks
of the Mr Vasantham competition.
Now that Mr Vikneshvaran has been
crowned Mr Vasantham, his biggest
challenge now is to ensure that he always
looks his best. Mr Vikneshvaran laughs it
off: Being a diver, appearance was never
a factor. Divers naturally have a rugged
and macho look. But now, Ive to make
sure that Im also dressed to kill.
Not resting on his laurels after winning
the title, Mr Vikneshvaran has plans
to give back to community in a noble
way. He plans to start a support group
targeted at youths and those in need.
As a parting shot during our interview,
Mr Vikneshvaran expressed: It is an
honour and privilege to always be part
of the Navy Family, even as a NSman.
Hooyah!
Story by CPL (NS) Haresh Hari Kumar
Photos by Gabriel Ong and courtesy of CPL
(NS) Haresh Hari Kumar
Building a ne physique through rigorous training
23 Issue 4 | 2010
Bravo Zulu is a nautical term that means Well
Done. This is part of a set of standard terms,
the Allied Naval Signal Book, established by the
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in 1949 for its
members to communicate with each other.
A cool prize package awaits the
frst person, below the age of 16,
to send the correct answer to
navynews@starnet.gov.sg. Send
in your entry together with your
full name, birth certifcate/NRIC
number and contact number.
Congratulations to Johanan Soh
(IC No. TXXXX059G) who was
our winner for the Quiz in Issue
03/2010.
The FCU contributed in a key way to the success of the
inaugural Youth Olympic Games. What does the acronym
FCU stand for?
Liberty
Navy Speak Quiz
International maritime ags for Bravo and
Zulu respectively
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