Singapore Participates in Multinational Group Sail with Brunei, China and US Navies

Republic of Singapore Navy's RSS Intrepid (first ship from right) participating in the Multinational Group Sail with 8 other warships from the Royal Brunei Navy, People's Liberation Army (Navy) and United States Navy. Photo credit: United States Navy.

A Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Formidable-class stealth frigate, RSS Intrepid, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, is participating in a Multinational Group Sail from Guam to Hawaii with eight warships from the Royal Brunei Navy, People's Liberation Army (Navy) and United States Navy from 14 to 24 June 2014. The ships will then participate in the US-hosted multilateral Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise off the coast of Hawaii from 26 June to 1 August 2014.

En route, the navies conducted various naval warfare serials such as manoeuvring exercises and gunnery firings. These interactions, in addition to personnel exchanges across the participating ships, have enhanced interoperability and deepened professional understanding among the four navies.

Commenting on the RSN's participation in the Multinational Group Sail, Commanding Officer of RSS Intrepid, Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Beng said that the Multinational Group Sail had reinforced the relationships among the four navies. "This sailing has been a good chance for us to exercise with partner navies from Brunei, China and the United States. The interactions at sea have also strengthened mutual trust and understanding between personnel from the different navies." he said.

People's Liberation Army (Navy), Republic of Singapore Navy and United States Navy officers interacting on board USN Chosin.