The Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Admiral (ADM) Philip Davidson called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. During their meeting, Dr Ng and ADM Davidson reaffirmed both countries’ desire to strengthen the bilateral defence relationship and discussed various initiatives that would increase the breadth and depth of the cooperation between Singapore and the US. ADM Davidson also shared with Dr Ng the US INDOPACOM’s plans and priorities for engaging the Asia-Pacific.

ADM Davidson, who is on his introductory visit to Singapore from 4 to 7 March 2019, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and reviewed a Guard of Honour prior to the meeting with Dr Ng. In the afternoon, he visited Changi Naval Base where he received briefings on the Information Fusion Centre and the Changi Regional HADR Coordination Centre.

ADM Davidson's visit underscores the excellent and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the US. The two defence establishments interact regularly through numerous bilateral and multilateral exercises, high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses and seminars. These mutually beneficial interactions have enhanced the professionalism of both armed forces, strengthened their interoperability, and forged strong camaraderie among their personnel.