Speeches
Citation for the decommissioning of RSS Independence
8 March 2017
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This citation is given in recognition of RSS Independence's invaluable contributions and dedicated service to the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Singapore.
RSS Independence was commissioned on 22 August 1998 by then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam. Along with her sister Patrol Vessels, she was entrusted with the task of protecting our territorial waters and safeguarding our sea lines of communication, and she served with distinction for two decades.
Besides contributing to the 24/7 operations to ensure Singapore's maritime security, RSS Independence also actively participated and flew the RSN flag high in a number of important bilateral and multilateral exercises, such as Exercise Malapura, Exercise Singsiam, Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Exercise and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium Multilateral Sea Exercise. Beyond operations and exercises, RSS Independence will also be remembered for swiftly and successfully rescuing five fishermen from their capsized fishing trawler in the waters off Pedra Branca on 22 Sep 2015.
The command symbol for RSS Independence is a Marlin. Renowned for its strength, agility and fighting spirit, the Marlin aptly represents the tenacity and dynamism shown by RSS Independence. In her years of service, RSS Independence was an integral part of the RSN's frontline force which protected Singapore's territorial waters and safeguarded our sea lines of communication, staying true to her motto "We Will Defend".
The success of RSS Independence would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication, professionalism, tenacity and sacrifice of the generations of officers and crews who have served on-board.
The RSN salutes RSS Independence for her two decades of faithful service. The qualities and values she represented, as well as her steadfast contributions she has made, shall continue to inspire the men and women of the RSN for generations to come.
Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han
Chief of Navy
8 March 2017
More Resources
RSS Independence Retires After Close to Two Decades of Distinguished Service