75 SAF Personnel Honoured for Contributions to Counter-ISIS Operations

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Overseas Service Medal (OSM) to 75 personnel at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon. The medals were awarded in recognition of their contributions to the multinational coalition to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr Ng commended the SAF personnel for their efforts in the Middle East and also noted that our defence partners had expressed appreciation towards the SAF for their contributions. He said, "The SAF has gained a reputation for being a valued contributor to the coalition. Your detachments won accolades from the United States (US) Central Command, the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF), as well as the US Air Force's leadership. They were very impressed with your professional bearing in carrying out your duties, and we know that they value our contributions in the niche areas. Military leaders of other countries have thanked us and expressed respect for your professionalism and commitment."

On the fight against terror, Dr Ng highlighted the importance of neutralising terrorism at its source and helping fellow ASEAN countries deal with terrorism in their home countries. He noted, "We have to persist and continue these efforts to further weaken ISIS in Iraq and Syria. At the same time, the SAF will step up its vigilance and actions in our own backyard… Just as we deal with terrorism at source in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, we need to help our fellow ASEAN countries deal with terrorism and we do that because we want to protect Singaporeans here. This is why Singapore offered military assistance to the Philippine Armed Forces in their counter-terrorism efforts."

In support of the multinational coalition to defeat ISIS, SAF deployed an Imagery Analysis Team, Intelligence Fusion Officers and an Air Intel Officer to provide intelligence analysis support to the CJTF. The Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135R tanker was also deployed to support air-to-air refuelling operations for the coalition aircraft during flight, extending the time of these aircraft in the air during a crucial period leading up to the liberation of Mosul from ISIS. Prior to supporting the coalition efforts, the SAF was deployed in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2013 to contribute to the multinational stabilisation reconstruction efforts there.

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Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Overseas Service Medal Presentation Ceremony