The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) successfully conducted the 24th edition of the annual bilateral Exercise Valiant Mark (XVM) virtually from 19 August to 3 September 2021. Deputy Chief Guards Officer Colonel Melvin Tan and Deputy Commanding General I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) Brigadier General Ryan Rideout co-officiated the closing ceremony of the exercise this morning (Singapore Time).

Around 100 personnel from the SAF's 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade and the USMC's I MEF participated in the series of Subject Matter Expert Exchanges in the areas of capability development, training, tactics and planning. The exercise allowed the SAF and the USMC to strengthen bilateral ties and foster mutual understanding. XVM 21 marked the 30th anniversary of the SAF's bilateral relationship with the USMC.

Launched in 1991, XVM underscores the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and the US. The two countries interact regularly through numerous bilateral and multilateral exercises, high-level visits, professional exchanges as well as the cross-attendance of courses and seminars. These mutually beneficial exchanges have enhanced the professionalism of the SAF and the USMC and forged strong rapport and camaraderie among their personnel.