51 SAF Personnel Honoured for their Contributions to Counter-Terrorism and Flood Relief Operations

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen delivered his speech at the Overseas Service Medal (OSM) presentation ceremony held at the Ministry for Defence today.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Overseas Service Medal (OSM) to SAF personnel at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon. The 51 medals were awarded to SAF personnel in recognition of their contributions to support the multinational coalition efforts against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Middle East, and to transport personnel and supplies in flood relief operations in Australia.

Addressing the OSM recipients at the ceremony, Dr Ng commended their dedication and commitment in these overseas efforts, highlighting that they had gained the respect and appreciation of international partners for their significant contributions and professionalism.

Dr Ng highlighted the significance of the SAF's regular deployments to support counter-terrorism efforts since 2007. He said, "These deployments are aligned to Singapore's interest because we recognise that terrorism is a transnational challenge, a challenge that cannot be dealt with adequately by any one country, let alone a small country like Singapore. When we join other nations in this fight against terrorism, it reflects our commitment and resolve… Your efforts have safeguarded the peace and stability here, as they reduce the risk of terrorism being exported from the Middle East."

Recipients of the OSM also included personnel involved in flood relief efforts by the Australian Defence Force in March 2022, where the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deployed two CH-47F Chinook Helicopters, a C-130 aircraft and a A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport to transport personnel and supplies. Dr Ng noted that the SAF's contributions to the flood relief efforts were greatly appreciated by Australia.

Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong, Chief of Digital and Intelligence Service Major-General Lee Yi-Jin, and senior SAF officers as well as family members of the OSM recipients were also present at the ceremony.

Dr Ng presented the OSM to medal recipients during the presentation ceremony.

Dr Ng (fourth from left) and Chief of Defence Vice Admiral Aaron Beng (third from left) interacted with OSM recipients following the presentation ceremony.

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Speech by Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the SAF Overseas Service Medal Presentation Ceremony on 27 Feb 2024, 1200hrs, at Ministry of Defence