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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
27 February 2024
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Chief of Defence Force,
Service Chiefs,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Families and Friends.
INTRODUCTION
Today, we gather to recognise Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel who were deployed to counter-terrorism operations in the Middle East from 2021 to 2023, and in Flood Relief Operations in Australia in March 2022.
CONTRIBUTING TO COUNTER-TERRORISM OPERATIONS
If you go back a longer timeframe, it is from 2007 that the SAF has deployed troops regularly for counter-terrorism operations to the Middle East. In fact, it has been one of our longest deployments. 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. Today, we want to recognise 18 Intelligence Analysts who were deployed to the Middle East over six rotations from December 2021 to December 2023.
I am very proud of the way you have represented Singapore and the SAF. You have won respect from other militaries for your high expertise and professionalism. I received unsolicited praise for your performance when I visited the commanders of other militaries there. Your efforts have safeguarded the peace and stability here, as they reduce the risk of terrorism being exported from the Middle East.
SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE (ADF)'S FLOOD RELIEF OPERATIONS
We also want to thank the 33 personnel who supported the ADF Flood Relief Operations in Australia. In that flood, at least 20 lives were lost, and thousands of residents forced to evacuate from their homes.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deployed two CH-47F Chinook helicopters from Oakey Detachment and we assisted in transporting personnel and emergency supplies. We used a C-130 aircraft and our A330-MRTT were also deployed to deliver a relief package to Australia.
Your contributions there left a deep impression on our colleagues in the Australian Department of Defence and the ADF. It was not only what we did practically on the ground, and again I received unsolicited gratitude. They were very impressed with our spontaneity. They felt that it was real, the way we responded with quickness. For us, it felt very natural to offer our help because we are training there. When we offered to help, they could feel the sincerity and the fact that we really cared for the people of Australia who were in distress. I think as a result of that episode, bilateral defence relations and trust have deepened. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
CONCLUSION
Congratulations to all the award recipients today. You have enhanced Singapore's peace and security, and added to SAF's high standing internationally. To the families and loved ones, let me express our greatest gratitude to you for your unwavering support. I know that if you were not at home dealing with home issues and your family, our servicemen and women will not have the peace of mind to fulfil their duties overseas with excellence.
Thank you very much. Congratulations, and thank you to all.
More Resources
51 SAF Personnel Honoured for their Contributions to Counter-Terrorism and Flood Relief Operations