Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Overseas Service Medal Presentation Ceremony on 25 Jun 2024

Chief of Defence Force,

Service Chiefs,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Families and Friends,

Introduction

Today we honour our servicemen and women who provided humanitarian aid to Gaza and also those deployed for Ops Prosperity Guardian and counter-terrorism efforts in the Middle East.

Contributing to Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza

In March, as part of Singapore's third tranche of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, we sent our Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s A330-MRTT to deliver meal packs, medical supplies, and equipment into Gaza via Jordan. Our C-130 conducted airdrop operations over Gaza, facilitated by the Royal Jordanian Air Force. This aid was in response to the dire humanitarian crisis affecting civilians in Gaza. As a result of the retaliation by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) against Hamas, it is the civilians who suffer from the resulting shortage of food and other essentials, not to speak of the physical harm to themselves. We needed to act and work with the Jordanian government as well the military. I paid a visit to the Jordanian Majesty  and his senior officials in the Ministry of Defence as well as the Jordanian Armed Forces back then.

It was a humanitarian exercise, the mission was complex and the humanitarian needs of the civilians were urgent. I am proud that the SAF executed this mission successfully and in good time. The team responded within six days of activation. There was not much advance notice because we saw the situation unfold and how the civilians were trapped. We had to move quickly. Within six days, we successfully mounted airdrop operations almost 5,000 miles away from Singapore. During this deployment, the C-130 and mission crew from the RSAF and the Singapore Army delivered over 20 tonnes of food supplies, equivalent to about 60,000 meals, into Gaza. The SAF's partner – ST Engineering's Defence Aerospace also deserved commendation for their strong support. I don't think we could have done this as quickly or as efficiently without ST stepping up as well. Others noted it, especially our neighbours. In fact, some of the militaries around us ask details so they too could plan their own operation. But beyond that, I think most militaries would understand that this was a complex operation and the SAF was able execute it smoothly as planned. This speaks volumes of our state of readiness and capabilities.

Today, we recognise 51 personnel from the RSAF, Army, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), MINDEF, and Singapore Technologies, who achieved success for Singapore and the SAF.  You have done us proud with your sterling efforts and accomplishments and also alleviated the suffering of affected communities in Gaza on behalf of Singapore.

Others have noticed, not only Singaporeans but countries around us. Through this mission, we demonstrated that the SAF can respond quickly and effectively to contingencies. We conduct airdrop operations quite routinely and I doubt if anybody within the last few years thought that you would have to conduct airdrop operations 5000 miles away. More importantly, this ability gives confidence to the SAF and Singaporeans at large that Singapore can play a positive role in a troubled World. It went very smoothly but it could have gone wrong, whether it is security risks or the airdrop itself. Flying from Jordan you have to fly straight westward, and at some point, you were within range from rockets from the Syrian border. Things can go wrong but nothing thankfully, and it turned out positive. This confidence is much needed because the security environment will continue to be difficult. Just like the recent Shangri-la Dialogue, there are complex issues which remain unresolved. We must expect surprises and more contingencies that the SAF will have to respond to in the future.  

Contributing to Maritime Security Operations in the Red Sea

Beyond Gaza, Houthi militants in Yemen have conducted attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November of last year, causing significant disruptions to international shipping. It has affected all shipping industries and take that as the new norm, containers delayed, and prices have gone up. We have taken all these, as though it is part and parcel of normal life. But it has shown that a few militants can disrupt and even cripple trade. Singapore-flagged cargo ships have also been targeted. In December last year, Maersk Hangzhou, a container cargo ship, was struck by a missile. Shipping lines have decided that they cannot take the risk and avoid the red sea and the Suez Canal all together. Singaporeans ask us, why are we getting involved, it is not our business. It is very much part of our business. One of the strongest reasons is that if ever it affects the Straits of Malacca or the South China Sea, we hope that others would join us too. Because if they do not, we would not be able to resolve it.

As part of ongoing international efforts to keep the Red Sea open and safe, the SAF deployed 12 personnel from January to June 2024 to support information sharing and ops planning for Ops Prosperity Guardian under the ambit of the Combined Task Force 153, of which Singapore has been a member since 2009. For that very reason, we want to internationalise responses to keep open sea lines of communication. I want to thank the 12 servicemen and women who demonstrated our long-standing commitment to multinational efforts that ensure freedom of navigation in key sea lines of communication. As a small island state that depends on the global maritime system for its survival and security, if ships avoid our ports for a couple of months, we would be affected quite severely.

Contributing to Counter-Terrorism Operations

Today, I would also like to commend three personnel presented with awards who were deployed for counter-terrorism operations to the Middle East from December 2023 to April 2024. Despite all other operations, whether it is humanitarian efforts in Gaza or Maritime security, we have not lost sight that terrorism is real and alive. That is why we continue to be involved in counter-terrorism operations where the SAF can make meaningful contributions.

Conclusion

Congratulations to all the award recipients today. You have performed your duties with great professionalism and expertise, and you have done the SAF and Singapore proud. It has been a good year for the SAF and Singapore.

Let me also thank your family members who bore extra burdens at home during your overseas duties.

Thank you.

66 SAF Personnel Presented the Overseas Service Medal for their Contributions to Humanitarian Aid, Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Operations