New Chief of Navy at the Helm

Outgoing Chief of Navy (CNV), Rear Admiral (RADM) Aaron Beng (left), handing over the command symbol to incoming Chief of Navy, RADM Sean Wat (right).

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) welcomed Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat as its new Chief of Navy (CNV) at a Change of Command Parade held at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base this evening. At the parade, the RSN honoured outgoing CNV, RADM Aaron Beng who inspected RSN assets berthed in Changi Naval Base through a sail-past on board the Combatant Craft Large and reviewed a Guard-of-Honour contingent.

In his farewell speech, RADM Beng thanked the men and women of the RSN for their commitment and service, and highlighted their resilience and tenacity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "Journeying with the RSN though the COVID-19 crisis gave me a unique chance to see first-hand the great strength of our Navy - the immense commitment, fortitude and derring-do of all our people." He added, "But beyond what the Navy did in COVID-19, I am even prouder of what we have managed to do emerging from COVID-19. Thank you all for collectively standing with me and bringing the RSN to new heights in these last few years."

The outgoing CNV, RADM Beng, 41, joined the SAF in 2000 and took command of the RSN on 23 March 2020. Under RADM Beng's command, the Navy maintained the highest state of operational readiness, while ensuring the sustainability and the well-being of its people. When the pandemic hit, RADM Beng oversaw the development of robust COVID-19 measures which allowed the RSN to continue safeguarding Singapore's maritime sovereignty and security, while expanding Singapore's defence policy space by pioneering contactless exercises at sea and continuing virtual engagements with our foreign partners. RADM Beng also oversaw the safe conduct of the 7^th International Maritime Security Conference in 2021, the first large-scale maritime conference held since the start of the pandemic. Under RADM Beng's leadership, the RSN established the Maritime Security and Response Flotilla, delivering added capacity and capability to protect Singapore's territorial waters and respond to expanded maritime security threats. RADM Beng led the RSN to undertake significant operational and capability developments – including strengthening cross-service integration and Whole-of-Government partnerships, and the launch of the second and third Invincible-class submarines. RADM Beng also led the inter-agency Crisis Management Group, overseeing maritime security operations during major national events such as National Day Celebrations and the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat 2022.

The incoming CNV, RADM Wat, 39, joined the SAF in 2002 and was awarded the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Overseas Scholarship. During the course of his military career, RADM Wat has held, amongst others, the appointments of Commanding Officer of the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme, Deputy Commander of Maritime Security Task Force/Maritime Security Command, Director of the Defence Policy Office in the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), and Fleet Commander.

This change is part of the continuing process of leadership renewal in the SAF. The parade was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, and attended by senior officials from MINDEF and the SAF, as well as servicemen and women from the RSN.

The new Chief of Navy, RADM Wat, taking his oath at the Change of Command parade this evening.

Outgoing CNV RADM Beng inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Change of Command parade.

Outgoing CNV RADM Beng thanking the men and women of the Republic of Singapore Navy in the sail-past.