Second Minister for Defence Visits SAF Task Group and Meets Omani Secretary-General for Defence in Muscat

Second Minster for Defence Chan Chun Sing (third from right) receiving a brief on the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) task group's daily integrated operations on board the stealth frigate RSS Tenacious.

Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing was in the Sultanate of Oman from 9 to 11 April 2014 to visit the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) task group deployed in the Gulf of Aden in support of international counter-piracy operations yesterday. On board the Republic of Singapore Navy's Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious, Mr Chan was hosted by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng and briefed on the task group's daily integrated operations by the stealth frigate and naval helicopter. Mr Chan also spoke with the men and women from the task group who shared about their operational experiences.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Chan underscored the importance of the task group's mission in support of multinational counter-piracy efforts and affirmed Singapore's continued commitment to safeguard the freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Aden. Noting the tri-service nature of the SAF task group, Mr Chan said that the deployment was a positive example of close integration between the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. He said, "This is one of the few deployments where we have the Army, Navy and Air Force working closely together. The fact that they can work so seamlessly is a testimony to the kind of training that they have and the kind of bond within the SAF. This speaks well of the SAF and gives me confidence that when called upon, our three services will be able to work seamlessly together."Deployed in March this year, the 151-strong task group is the SAF's fifth task group deployed in the Gulf of Aden. Prior to this deployment, the SAF has deployed four task groups, comprising a Landing Ship Tank with two Super Puma Helicopters in 2009, 2010 and 2011, and a Formidable-class stealth Frigate with one Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter in 2012. This is the second time that a stealth frigate, embarked with a naval helicopter, is deployed for the international counter-piracy mission. The SAF has also deployed a Republic of Singapore Air Force Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in 2011. In addition, the SAF also commanded the multinational Combined Task Force 151 in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

As part of his visit, Mr Chan also met with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence His Excellency Mohammed Bin Nasser Bin Mohamed Al Rasbi who hosted Mr Chan to lunch after their meeting. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral relations between Singapore and the Sultanate of Oman. Mr Chan also conveyed Singapore's appreciation for the Omani government's support in facilitating the SAF task group's port calls at Muscat and Salalah.

Singapore and Oman enjoy cooperation in various sectors such as trade, info-communications, education and culture. The armed forces of both countries also interact regularly at multilateral events such as defence exhibitions and through the exchange of visits.

Mr Chan (centre) speaking to SAF task group personnel deployed to the Gulf of Aden in support of international counter-piracy operations.

Mr Chan (left) meeting with the Secretary-General of the Omani Ministry of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Bin Nasser Bin Mohamed Al Rasbi.