Singapore and Bruneian Navies Conclude Bilateral Exercise

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong and Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) Fleet Commander Colonel (L) Pengiran Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Damit exchanging handshakes at the closing ceremony.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) have concluded their bilateral flagship naval exercise, Exercise Pelican, which was held from 23 to 27 November 2015. The closing ceremony of the exercise held today was officiated by RSN Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral (RADM) Lew Chuen Hong and RBN Fleet Commander Colonel (L) Pengiran Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Damit. Commander of the RBN First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad, who was in Singapore for his introductory visit, also visited the exercise on 25 Nov.

Hosted by the RSN, this year's exercise involved command teams from the RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart and Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valiant, as well as the RBN's Darussalam-class patrol vessels KDB Darussalam and KDB Darulehsan. A series of tactical discussions and simulation exercises in naval warfare, including anti-surface, anti-submarine and anti-air operations, were conducted. Personnel from both navies also engaged in professional sharing to deepen operational knowledge in areas such as naval aviation and naval patrols.

Noting the important role Exercise Pelican plays in strengthening bilateral relations with the RBN, RADM Lew said, "Over the years, we have built great friendships and deepened interoperability, and the exercise remains a key platform to enhance relations between the RSN and RBN. I am confident that we will continue this close friendship and deepen our cooperation across the maritime domain."

Established in 1979, Exercise Pelican underscores the close and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Brunei. The exercise enhances mutual cooperation, understanding, and interoperability between the RSN and RBN. Besides Exercise Pelican, the RSN and RBN also interact regularly through a range of activities, including visits and professional exchange programmes. These interactions have reinforced the strong bonds between the two navies.

Commander of the RBN First Admiral Dato Norazmi receiving a brief on the exercise scenarios during his visit to Exercise Pelican 2015.

Personnel from the RSN and RBN engaging in a discussion during a Naval Tactical Trainer simulation as part of Exercise Pelican 2015.