Commandant of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), General (GEN) James Amos, called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence this morning. GEN Amos, who is in Singapore for a farewell visit from 7 to 9 September 2014, had also called on Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou and Chief of Army Major-General Perry Lim, and inspected a Guard of Honour.

GEN Amos' visit underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the United States. The SAF and the USMC interact regularly through professional exchanges, training courses and bilateral exercises including Exercise Valiant Mark and Exercise Cooperation Afloat and Readiness Training (CARAT). Of note, Exercise CARAT 2014, conducted from 29 July to 8 August 2014, marked the 20th anniversary of the bilateral exercise between the two countries, with over 1400 personnel participating. These extensive interactions have helped enhance the interoperability between the two armed forces and strengthen the rapport and mutual understanding among their personnel.