Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen visited NSmen from 702 Guards participating in Exercise Golden Sand at Pulau Sudong earlier today. Conducted from 14 to 28 Apr 2014, the exercise also involved support elements from the Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).The exercise required the unit to conduct a battalion coastal hook to test its integration and operational readiness with other elements of the SAF. The coastal hook involved SAF troops and M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers disembarking from RSN fast crafts with support from RSAF AH-64D Apache helicopters. Dr Ng also witnessed an RSAF C-130 aircraft practising the aerial delivery of logistics supplies.

Speaking at the end of his visit, Dr Ng highlighted the NSmen's professionalism and commitment to defence during this exercise. He said, "this year is special because we have a full NS battalion of NSmen... there are professionals, there are bankers, some have finished their cycles and have volunteered to spend longer, so that has been very positive."Dr Ng was accompanied by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng and Chief of Army Brigadier-General Perry Lim.