Singapore Navy Participates in the Second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise

Commanding Officer RSS Supreme, LTC Sing Geok Wei (5th from left), at the ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) Pre-Sail Brief which was held after the opening ceremony and before the commencement of the sea phase.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme is participating in the second edition^[1] of the ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX), along with eight ships from other ASEAN navies. Hosted by the Philippines Navy (PN) from 12 to 15 May 2023, the exercise comprises both shore and sea phases.

The opening ceremony and shore phase of the exercise was held on 12 May at the Naval Operating Base Subic. The shore phase also included cultural and sports activities. From 13 to 14 May, the ships will conduct various serials such as maritime search and rescue operation, manoeuvring, and communication drills in waters off Subic Bay, Philippines. The exercise will conclude on 15 May with a closing ceremony.

Prior to the exercise, RSS Supreme also participated in the ASEAN Fleet Review (AFR) on 11 May, which involved a sail-past of participating ships from various ASEAN navies. The AFR was reviewed by the Officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez Jr. on board the PN's Tarlac-class landing platform dock BRP Davao del Sur. Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat and other ASEAN navy chiefs were also on board BRP Davao Del Sur to witness the sail-past.

RADM Wat also attended the 17th ASEAN Navy Chiefs' Meeting (ANCM) held on 10 May before the AFR. The ANCM is an annual meeting held amongst ASEAN navy chiefs to discuss maritime issues and multilateral naval cooperation. This year's ANCM was hosted by the PN and was centred on the theme of "Synergy at Sea: Regional Cohesion for Peace and Stability."

The second edition of AMNEX and 17th ANCM are part of regular defence exchanges between ASEAN Member States, which aim to facilitate strategic dialogue and improve practical cooperation between militaries. Such interactions contribute to confidence building and the promotion of stable military-to-military relations to enhance regional peace and stability.

[1] The first edition of AMNEX was hosted by the Royal Thai Navy at the Gulf of Thailand in 2017.

RSS Supreme was reviewed by the Philippines' Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense, Carlito Galvez Jr. (middle) during the ASEAN Fleet Review on 11 May 2023.

Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat (left) at the 17th ASEAN Navy Chiefs' Meeting.

Participating ships of AMNEX sailed in formation during the sea phase. RSS Supreme is the first ship from the front on the right column. Photo courtesy: Philippine Navy