Commander of US Special Operations Command in Singapore for Working Visit

Commander of United States Special Operations Command General (GEN) Raymond A Thomas III (left) calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right).

Commander of the United States (US) Special Operations Command General (GEN) Raymond A Thomas III, who is in Singapore for a working visit from 14 to 15 March 2018, called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. During their meeting, Dr Ng and GEN Thomas reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and the US, as well as the importance of enhancing cooperation in non-conventional security areas such as counter-terrorism. 

GEN Thomas also called on Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Melvyn Ong and visited the Republic of Singapore Navy's Information Fusion Centre (IFC). During his visit to the IFC, he was shown how the IFC played a key role in enhancing multilateral cooperation for maritime security in the region, through information sharing and close coordination with other navies, law enforcement agencies and the shipping community.

GEN Thomas' visit underscores the strong defence ties between the Special Forces of the Singapore Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces. The two militaries interact regularly and extensively through joint exercises, professional exchanges and courses. Such interactions have enhanced the professionalism and camaraderie between personnel of both armed forces.

GEN Thomas (second from right) receiving a brief on the Information Fusion Centre (IFC)'s role in enhancing regional maritime information-sharing.