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Republic of Singapore Navy Strengthens Partnerships at Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo
5 June 2023
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Crew of RSS Steadfast greeted an Indonesian Navy Ship during the International Fleet Review.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast and Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Sovereignty are participating in the fourth edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK). Hosted by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), the biennial exercise is being conducted from 5 to 8 June 2023 in Makassar, Indonesia, and involves over 40 ships from more than 30 countries. The RSN's participation in MNEK since its first edition in 2014 underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. MNEK also enhances the professionalism and provides an opportunity for RSN personnel to foster mutual understanding with other participating personnel.
As part of the exercise, the RSN ships participated in an International Fleet Review (IFR) held on 5 June. The IFR was reviewed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces ADM Yudo Margono on board the TNI AL's Corvette KRI Bung Karno. Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, and other navy chiefs and senior officers were also on board to witness the IFR.
RADM Wat is also in Makassar to attend the 5th International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS) on 6 June. Held in conjunction with MNEK, the theme for this year's exercise and symposium is "Partnership to Recover and to Rise Stronger". RADM Wat will speak at the discussion panel on "Rapid Evolution of Coordinated and Collective Response for Assessment and Monitoring in Large Scale Maritime Disaster Emergencies".
While ashore, RSN personnel will participate in a City Parade, Medical Civic Action Programme, and the Engineering Civic Action Programme, alongside other navies to support efforts, such as construction works, for the local community. Thereafter, during the sea phase, the RSN ships will participate in various serials such as maritime search and rescue, maritime interdiction operations, and manoeuvring drills in waters off Makassar.
Crew of RSS Sovereignty stood at attention as they sailed past other navy ships during the International Fleet Review.