The Commander of the United States Pacific Command (US PACOM), Admiral (ADM) Samuel Locklear, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or the Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to ADM Locklear at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

ADM Locklear was conferred the award in recognition of his significant contributions in strengthening the excellent defence ties between Singapore and the United States. Under ADM Locklear's leadership, the long-standing friendship and professional cooperation between the US PACOM and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have grown from strength to strength, as underscored by the successful inaugural deployment of the United States' Littoral Combat Ship, the USS Freedom, in 2013. ADM Locklear strongly promoted professional exchanges between the two militaries, and demonstrated personal support for bilateral exercises such as Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), as well as the SAF's participation in US-led multilateral exercises such as Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and Exercise Cope Tiger. These extensive interactions have enhanced the interoperability and deepened the mutual understanding and friendship between the two militaries.

Singapore and the United States enjoy a strong and long-standing defence relationship, based on shared strategic perspectives. The 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement between the two countries has paved the way for broader defence cooperation across the policy, military and technology domains. Both countries are continuing to explore avenues for further bilateral and multilateral security cooperation.

ADM Locklear, who is in Singapore from 6 to 8 November 2014, had earlier called on Dr Ng and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng before the investiture. ADM Locklear also inspected a Guard-of-Honour contingent at the Ministry of Defence this morning.