SAF Concludes Annual Exercise with the United States Marine Corps

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) have successfully concluded the 21st edition of the annual bilateral Exercise Valiant Mark. Commander, 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade (7 SIB), Colonel Wilson Low and Commanding Officer, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, USMC, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hays co-officiated at the closing ceremony this afternoon.

Conducted from 21 to 31 August 2017, this year's exercise was hosted by Singapore. About 850 personnel from the 7 SIB, USMC 3rd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment, and USMC 1st Battalion of the 3rd Marine Regiment participated in the exercise. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) also deployed two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two AS332 Super Puma helicopters to support the exercise.

This year's exercise culminated in a battalion heli-borne mission, which involved joint planning and a deliberate assault by the troops. Other exercise elements included live-firing and urban operations training.

Singapore and the US share excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations. The two militaries interact extensively through bilateral and multilateral exercises, professional exchanges and the cross-attendance of courses. These regular interactions have enhanced the interoperability between the two armed forces and helped foster mutual understanding among their personnel.