Chief of Defence Force,

Service Chiefs,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Families and Friends.

INTRODUCTION

I am glad that we can meet in person to recognise the contributions of our servicemen and women during their overseas deployments. These were in particular, for SAF's counter-terrorism operations in the Middle East, and to assist in the evacuation of Afghanistan evacuees in 2021.

THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRRORISM

For deployments supporting counter-terrorism efforts overseas, we are the tail-end. This has been one of our longest overseas efforts that began in 2007 – 15 years ago - since we joined the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The SAF has contributed significantly, and we benefited greatly from these deployments which included Intelligence Fusion Officers, Imagery Analysts, medical teams, air-to-air tanking support, and HADR.

But our fight against terrorism is not over. Indeed, paradoxically the threat of terrorism may increase in our region. Indeed, even as America and other partners of the coalition draw down, the threat to this region increases. Remaining terrorist networks may increase their activity. Additionally, operatives and sympathisers from this region that went to the Middle East and have now returned would have gained training, expertise and connections. We must be vigilant therefore to watch for increased threats in our region, including Singapore. According to the Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report last year, the primary terrorist threat to Singapore stems from self-radicalised individuals who are influenced by extremist materials online.

This is the reason the SAF began the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility here in 2021, bringing countries together to share intelligence, monitoring and analysis capabilities. At home, the SAF must continue to hone its ability to respond to such attacks such as the recent exercise held at the Star Vista to simulate a hostage situation in an urban setting.

EVACUATION FROM AFGHANISTAN

The second group of award recipients assisted in the evacuation of Afghanistan evacuees. During Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to Singapore, PM Lee offered our assistance in transporting Afghanistan evacuees. Within 48 hours of the US accepting the SAF's assistance, our Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and 76 SAF personnel, made their way to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Chief of Defence Force, other senior commanders and I met with them at Changi Air Base prior to their departure, and told them that we were deeply impressed with the SAF's readiness to depart for this mission at such short notice. Over the next 15 days, our MRTT carried more than two thousand evacuees from Al Udeid to Germany.

The professionalism of all our servicemen and women received personal thanks from others, outside Singapore. Brigadier General Gerald Donohue, Wing Commander of the 379^th Air Expeditionary Wing, were very thankful. My counterpart, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, sent a letter of appreciation after the operation and expressed his thanks when we met in person. The SAF has proved itself a steadfast and reliable friend in times of need.

CONCLUSION

Congratulations to all award recipients. I would also like to thank your family members and loved ones for taking care of the homes when you were discharging your duties overseas.

Thank you.