Singapore Navy takes part in RIMPAC off coast of Hawaii

SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is taking part in a multilateral exercise off the coast of Hawaii. The maritime exercise called Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) started in late June and is expected to end in August.

The RSN sent its frigate, the RSS Formidable.

Hosted by the United States Navy, the exercise has two phases. One is a shore planning phase and the other is a 24—day sea phase.

22 countries are taking part in the exercise, involving 40 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel.

In the exercise, RSS Formidable commands a task unit, comprising four other warships from Australia, Canada, Japan and the US, to conduct combined anti—submarine and air defence missions, among others.

The Republic’s warship also carried out simultaneous live—firing of two Harpoon Surface—to—Surface missiles.

Commanding Officer of the RSS Formidable, Lieutenant—Colonel Ong Chee Wei, said: "Exercise RIMPAC is a good opportunity for the RSN to train with other established navies to perform complex maritime operations in a high intensity environment.

"This year, the RSN is commanding a multinational task unit and this has allowed the RSN to enhance our engagements with other navies, strengthen professional understanding and interoperability with them."

This year’s Exercise RIMPAC also involves maritime forces from countries such as Australia, Canada, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

—CNA/ac