Navy NSman crew fully operational

Actions
https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/wcm/connect/pioneer/b30882b6-6b3a-4260-86b2-524e946eff2b/1-TAN_0860.JPG?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_1QK41482LG0G10Q8NM8IUA1051-b30882b6-6b3a-4260-86b2-524e946eff2b-miIyPx. /web/wcm/connect/pioneer/b30882b6-6b3a-4260-86b2-524e946eff2b/1-TAN_0860.JPG?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_1QK41482LG0G10Q8NM8IUA1051-b30882b6-6b3a-4260-86b2-524e946eff2b-miIyPx. /web/portal/pioneer/article/regular-article-detail/ops-and-training/2018-Q3/17jul18_news
/web/portal/pioneer/article/regular-article-detail/ops-and-training/2018-Q3/17jul18_news
17jul18_news
17 Jul 2018 | OPS & TRAINING

Navy NSman crew fully operational

// REPORT by Chia Chong Jin

// PHOTOS by Tan Yong Quan

English Melayu

The crew of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) RSS Vigilance attained full operational readiness status on 17 Jul, with a full crew of qualified Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen).

Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How visited the squadron, and witnessed first-hand how proficient the NSman crew was in handling the Victory-class Missile Corvette (MCV) RSS Valiant. They are one of the two NSman crews of the RSN.

"(The crew of RSS Vigilance attaining their full operational readiness status) testifies to our great investment in National Service in both full-time as well as our NSmen," said Mr Heng, who was hosted by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong.

During his sail, Mr Heng witnessed the NSman crew executing a series of naval operations, as part of their In-Camp Training (ICT), which included identifying and neutralising simulated threats, as well as fire-fighting and damage control.

"For National Service, like the example that we have seen today, there are people who have committed themselves even when they are in operationally ready status, they make these sacrifices in order for our sovereignty, our peace and our stability is safeguarded for one another," said Mr Heng as he expressed his confidence in the crew of 188 SQN.

Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (NS) Kelvin Lim, Commanding Officer of RSS Vigilance, felt that it wasn't an easy feat for the NSman crew to attain their full operational readiness status.

"It is certainly not something that the NSmen themselves can achieve alone," said LTC (NS) Lim. "It certainly requires the understanding of both the RSN as well as all of our individual employers. I feel that the RSN, or SAF as a whole, does a good job in making sure that the time spent during our NS is very fulfilling."

The 41-year-old currently works in the Agency for Integrated Care, an agency set up by the Ministry of Health to build the eldercare infrastructure in Singapore. He handles financial assistance schemes, transportation and various eldercare services that are needed by elderly living communities.

"It is a challenge to balance both NS and work commitments, and it does take effort to reorganise their lives in order to fully support training commitments. Hence, I am very grateful to every single one of them."

LTC (NS) Lim also highlighted the importance of having the right attitude towards NS. "ICTs can range from 1.5 to 2.5 weeks. People might think of it as a disruption, but for my crew and me, we prefer to think of it as a time when we come back to do something we believe in," he said.

"We do encourage the crew to think of it as coming back to hone our skills as a ship, as this ship is like a family to us. We also think of it as a way of achieving balance between our personal and NS life."

Military Expert 1 (ME1) (NS) Anbalagan Sunderason agreed with LTC (NS) Lim. Using the analogy of a football team only coming together to play once every six months, ME1 (NS) Sunderason said: "We are already familiar with what is required…and over the years, it has become so natural for us, so we do not see it as tiresome or cumbersome. It is actually quite enjoyable in a way, as it is easy for us to achieve the same standard as we were before."

ME1 (NS) Sunderason currently runs his own company which specialises in landscaping and cleaning, where he ensures that his projects go well on a day-to-day basis.

A Regular from 2010 to 2015 with the RSN previously, the 29-year-old Communications Specialist from RSS Vigilance feels blessed that he is still able to serve within such a capacity.

"Being given this opportunity to come back and serve on board an MCV is something to be proud of, and it is something that I look forward to every year when I get the call-up."

Suggested Reading
NS Square to be ready by 2027, set to be a space for all to enjoy
NS Square to be ready by 2027, set to be a space for all to enjoy
COMMUNITY
19-Mar-24

One of Singapore's future national landmarks, NS Square will provide not only a stage for parades, concerts and other large-scale events, but also an NS-themed gallery, sports facilities and a new waterfront promenade.

NSmen who give their all
NSmen who give their all
PEOPLE
12-Mar-24

What drives regular Singaporeans like CFC (NS) Ng Say Kian and SLTC (Ret) Jeremiah J. Mark to go above and beyond their NS duties to serve? One of them served for 34 years and is still doing so!

New CMPB to open in 2025; OneNS web portal to be ready this year
New CMPB to open in 2025; OneNS web portal to be ready this year
COMMUNITY
29-Feb-24

Servicemen across all stages of NS can look forward to greater convenience from new facilities and initiatives introduced by the SAF.

Naval divers' trivia face-off
Cover story
Naval divers' trivia face-off
COMMUNITY
15-Nov-23

It's a battle of brains vs brawn between these naval divers.

Navy@Vivo returns, bigger & better!
Navy@Vivo returns, bigger & better!
COMMUNITY
16-Oct-23

Hands up if you miss Navy@Vivo.

Who's your buddy? Feature
Who's your buddy?
COMMUNITY
28-Jul-23

For better or for worse, these brothers-in-arms were the ones who make your National Service memorable – remember to jio your kakis out for a kopi session this International Friendship Day!

Keep serving, keep contributing Feature
Keep serving, keep contributing
MILESTONES
30-Jun-23

More than 350 NSmen and their employers gathered at rededication ceremonies across Singapore on 30 Jun to reaffirm their commitment to national defence.

RSS Valiant wins Best Fleet Unit Feature
RSS Valiant wins Best Fleet Unit
MILESTONES
29-Jun-23

This is the missile corvette's fourth win.

RSN's littoral mission vessel fires its first anti-air missile in SG-US exercise
Cover story
RSN's littoral mission vessel fires its first anti-air missile in SG-US exercise
OPS & TRAINING
28-Jun-23

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted its inaugural firing of the MICA anti-air missile as part of Exercise Pacific Griffin 2023.

Walking in Mum's footsteps
Cover story
Walking in Mum's footsteps
PEOPLE
10-May-23

This mother joined the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) hoping to support her son when he enlisted for NS. Instead, she inspired her daughter to join the Navy.