RSN Takes on Bigger Leadership Role in Exercise RIMPAC

The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) personnel in a discussion with personnel from other navies in its task unit on board RSS Steadfast.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Steadfast, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, is participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise from 1 July to 5 August 2016 (Singapore time). It will join participating assets from 25 other countries, including 45 ships, five submarines, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel.

RSS Steadfast is participating in Exercise RIMPAC this year under the ambit of Task Force (TF) 170, which oversees four Task Groups (TGs). RSS Steadfast is assigned as one of the two task unit commanders under TG 170.1. As task unit commander, the RSN is leading three other ships from Japan, South Korea and the United States. This is the third consecutive time in Exercise RIMPAC that the RSN is commanding a task unit.

During the 24-day sea phase, the ships will conduct complex naval warfare serials, such as combined anti-submarine and air defence missions. In addition, RSS Steadfast will take on a new role as TF 170's Anti-Surface Warfare Commander, leading in the planning and execution of surface warfare serials for the 10 other ships, as well as helicopters and maritime surveillance aircraft in TF 170. This is a first for the RSN.

Also for the first time, a team of four RSN personnel have assumed key positions in the exercise's multinational shore command team to plan and monitor the exercise.

RSS Steadfast also conducted a successful live-firing of an Aster Surface-to-Air Missile today (Singapore time) in Exercise RIMPAC. Utilising its fire control radar, the frigate took down an inbound missile, which was simulated by an aerial drone.

Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong, who was present to observe the live-firing, highlighted the importance of the RSN's participation at Exercise RIMPAC. He said, "Exercise RIMPAC is a key platform for the RSN to train with other established navies in complex and high intensity scenarios. It significantly moves forward the development of our high-end warfighting capabilities across a range of naval operations. In addition to the successful firing of a live Aster missile, the RSN has enhanced our participation with increased leadership roles. This also allows us to strengthen our partnerships and interoperability with other navies."

Commenting on the RSS Steadfast's participation in the exercise, Sea Combat Commander for TG 170.1 Captain Jason Boyd said, "Thus far, RSS Steadfast has been setting the standard I would be asking from all of the units in our task group. We have a tremendously talented lineup of ships in our task group and RSS Steadfast has certainly impressed me in the manner in which she prepares for events and forward-thinks to anticipate any conflicts or issues that may be on the horizon."

Hosted by the United States Navy, Exercise RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise and is held biennially. Held off the waters of Hawaii, this year's exercise also involves forces from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Tonga, United Kingdom and the United States. The RSN has participated in Exercise RIMPAC since 2008.

RSN Fleet Commander, Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong (background, right), witnessing the live-firing of the Aster missile in the Combat Information Centre of RSS Steadfast.

RSS Steadfast firing an Aster Surface-to-Air missile off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise RIMPAC.