Lauding the Finest in the SAF

Commandos from 1 Cdo Bn conducting a raid training mission. Raid training missions are one of the many specialised operations that the SAF Commandos undertake.

The Army's 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn), the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) RSS Intrepid and the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) 149 Squadron (149 SQN) have clinched the Best Combat Unit, Best Ship and Best Fighter Squadron awards respectively in this year's Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Best Unit Competition. In addition, ten other active and ten National Service (NS) units are also recognised as being the best in their respective formations. President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen will present the awards to the winners at the SAF Day Parade on 1 July 2013 at the SAFTI Military Institute.

1 Cdo Bn has garnered top honours at the SAF's Best Combat Unit competition for the 10th consecutive year, with an unprecedented 27 wins altogether by the elite unit since the introduction of the Best Unit Competition in 1969. The Commandos are proficient in specialised operations such as reconnaissance missions, airborne assaults and raids on enemy installations. Attributing the unit's impressive achievement to its strong camaraderie and constant striving for operational excellence, Commanding Officer (CO) of 1 Cdo Bn, Major Iain Hoo said, "We take pride in being a combat ready and competent unit. Our achievement is a result of our strong camaraderie, fighting spirit and extensive cross-training."

The RSAF's 149 SQN has won the Best Fighter Squadron award for the seventh time. This year also marks the second win since the F-15SG was inaugurated into the squadron. The F-15SG is an all-weather multi-role fighter jet, equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and a sophisticated integrated sensor suite. It is capable of carrying out a full spectrum of day and night missions. Commenting on the win, CO of 149 Squadron, LTC Lim Chin Yew said, "Being a young and growing squadron, it is not an easy feat to clinch the award twice within a short span of 3 years. This achievement is a testament to the squadron’s high operational standards, tireless dedication and commitment of our well-trained professionals to defend our Singapore's skies."

This is the first time that RSS Intrepid has clinched the Best Ship award. Commissioned in 2008, RSS Intrepid was also the first Formidable-class frigate, embarked with a naval helicopter, to be deployed for counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden from August to December last year. LTC Vince Tan lauded the ship's crew for their strong sense of commitment and dedication in ensuring mission readiness. He said, "The willingness of the ship's crew to reflect, learn, adapt and grow together has put us in good stead in achieving mission success. This will prepare the ship well in meeting future challenges."

The annual SAF Best Unit and Best NS Unit Competitions were introduced in 1969 and 1993 respectively, to recognise units which have excelled in the areas of combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative excellence. The units are judged by a rigorous and wide-ranging evaluation process over the past year. The competitions also serve to strengthen key values such as mission excellence, professionalism and esprit de corps among servicemen in the units.

More Resources

Fact Sheet: Full List of Winners