Singapore and US Navies Conduct Bilateral Exercise Pacific Griffin

Exercise Pacific Griffin Co-Commanders Task Group CAPT Sean Lewis (left) and COL Daniel Ng (right) exchanged gifts at sea on board RSS Tenacious.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the United States Navy (USN) concluded the fourth edition of bilateral Exercise Pacific Griffin, which was held in Guam and its surrounding waters from 18 to 27 June 2023. The RSN participated in the exercise with the Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, and the Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Dauntless. The USN participated with the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh, with an embarked MH60R Seahawk naval helicopter, the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Manchester, with a MH60S Seahawk and an MQ-8C naval helicopter embarked, and the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez. The exercise also involved naval divers from both the RSN and USN.

This year's exercise saw both navies conduct a series of advanced naval warfare exercises, including serials such as an escort of a high-value asset, naval gunnery firing, and a surface action group exercise, where assets and personnel from the two navies planned and executed a series of warfare missions. In addition to the firing of the anti-surface Harpoon missile by RSS Tenacious, RSS Dauntless also successfully conducted the inaugural firing of the MICA anti-air missile. RSN naval divers also conducted training in areas such as maritime explosive ordnance disposal and maritime counter-terrorism operations. On the sidelines of the exercise, RSN personnel partnered USN personnel in community relations activities to aid the local community in Guam following Typhoon Mawar.

RSN's Commander First Flotilla and exercise Co-Commander Task Group, Colonel Ng Kok Yeng Daniel highlighted the value of the exercise in enhancing cooperation and professionalism between the two navies. He said, "Exercise Pacific Griffin is an important exercise, and is part of a series of regular bilateral interactions with our US counterparts. It serves as a valuable platform for both navies to enhance our mutual cooperation and understanding. With the vast training space in the waters off Guam, the exercise also provides us with the opportunity to hone our sharp edge and capabilities."

Sailing on board RSS Tenacious as part of the Sea Combat Commander team, which comprises personnel from both navies, the USN's Co-Commander Task Group, Deputy Commodore Destroyer Squadron 7, Capt. Sean Lewis added that "this exercise demonstrated how two nations can come together with a common interest and create an exercise of such robust execution".

Conducted biennially since 2017, Exercise Pacific Griffin highlights the strong navy-to-navy relations between Singapore and the US, as well as the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations between both countries. Apart from bilateral exercises, both navies also engage in a wide range of activities, including professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and participation in multilateral exercises. These regular interactions have enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding between the two militaries, and deepened personal and professional ties between their personnel.

RSS Dauntless conducted the inaugural firing of the MICA Surface to Air missile at Exercise Pacific Griffin 23.

RSS Tenacious fired two harpoon missiles in a simultaneous-time-on-target firing during Exercise Pacific Griffin 23.

Exercise Pacific Griffin 23 participating assets sailing in formation.

RSN and USN personnel conducted joint mission planning at sea on board RSS Tenacious.