US Secretary of the Navy Makes Farewell Visit

Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung hosted the United States (US) Secretary of the Navy Raymond Mabus to dinner this evening. During their meeting, Mr Ong and Secretary Mabus reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the US. They also expressed confidence that the partnership between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the United States Navy (USN) will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Secretary Mabus has been instrumental to the growth of the Singapore-US defence relationship. As one of the longest-serving US Secretaries of the Navy, Secretary Mabus' visit underscores the strong partnership between the RSN and the USN. Both navies interact extensively through bilateral and multilateral exercises, including the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, and the multinational Rim of the Pacific naval exercise. During Secretary Mabus' tenure, CARAT Singapore witnessed enhancements in complexity and sophistication such as combined torpedo firing and the introduction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems. In addition to military exercises, both navies also share a long history of military cooperation, including high-level exchange visits and the cross-attendance of personnel at professional courses. These interactions enhance the mutual understanding and interoperability between the two navies and bolster strong friendships between their personnel.

Secretary Mabus, who is in Singapore from 21 to 23 November 2016, also met with Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit and Chief of Staff - Naval Staff Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong during his visit.