News Releases
Singapore Navy Strengthens Ties with International Navies at Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo
9 May 2018
This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
Crew from RSS Formidable lining up on deck as Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Chief of Staff Admiral Ade Supandi conducts the International Fleet Review on board KRI Barakuda (first from right).
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class Frigate RSS Formidable participated in the third edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK), hosted by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), from 4 to 9 May 2018 in Lombok, Indonesia and the Bali Sea.
As part of the exercise, RSS Formidable participated in an International Fleet Review (IFR) that was held on 5 May at the Port of Lembar. RSN personnel also took part in a City Parade and an Engineering Civic Aid Programme where they worked alongside other navies to construct houses and road infrastructure for the local community in Lombok. The exercise, which also saw navies take part in a series of maritime engagements to build cooperation, culminated in a sail-past this afternoon.
Commanding Officer of RSS Formidable, Lieutenant Colonel Chuah Meng Soon, highlighted the value of the MNEK in strengthening ties among participating navies. He said, "MNEK was a good opportunity to interact with navies around the world and these exchanges helped to enhance our relationships for greater cooperation on maritime issues. RSS Formidable is glad to be able to further our engagements with the TNI AL at MNEK after a successful bilateral Exercise Eagle Indopura in April."
Held biennially, this year's MNEK involved 37 countries with more than 50 ships and 20 aircraft. The countries include Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Timor Leste, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.
RSN personnel working with the TNI AL in the multinational Engineering Civic Action Programme.