SAF Concludes Annual Exercise with the United States Marine Corps

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) have successfully conducted their annual bilateral exercise, Exercise Valiant Mark, from 25 September to 16 October 2016. Commander 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade Colonel Wilson Low and Commanding Officer 7th Marine Regiment, Colonel William H. Vivian co-officiated at the closing ceremony of the exercise this morning at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.

About 1,300 personnel from the 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade, and the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, as well as supporting components from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Peace Carvin II Detachment and the 1st Marine Division took part in the exercise. The 22-day exercise provided many opportunities for both militaries to build stronger bonds, through professional sharing on weapons systems, live firing exercises, and cross training on urban operations. The exercise also witnessed the inaugural participation of the RSAF's F-16 fighter aircraft, which provided close air support for exercise troopers in the air-land integrated live-firing exercise.

Launched in 1991, this year's exercise is the 20th in its series and underscores the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and the US. Apart from such bilateral exercises, both militaries also engage in a wider range of activities, including professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. Such regular interactions have enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding between the two militaries, as well as helped deepen personal and professional ties between their personnel.