This is a discussion on Singapore Navy within the Military Photos & Videos forum, part of the Global Defense & Military category; RSS Endurance (207):- commissioned 18 March 2000, is the first Singapore navy ship to circumnavigate the globe and participated in ...
RSS Endurance (207):- commissioned 18 March 2000, is the first Singapore navy ship to circumnavigate the globe and participated in the 6th US Navy International Naval Review in New York City. She is a lead ship of a class of four, for the Singapore Navy, that has a little story to tell.
In October 2003, RSS Endurance deployed to the Northern Arabian Gulf under Operation Blue Orchid (in support of coalition efforts in Iraq). From 2003-2008, the Singapore Navy dispatched a total of five task groups to that area of operations to conduct a range of activities from oil platform protection at the sharp end, to training the Iraqi Navy and rendering medical aid to local communities (see link). A total of 998 SAF personnel served in these operations in support of the rebuilding of Iraq.
On 31 December 2004 and in a race against time, RSS Endurance sailed to Aceh in Indonesia to deliver emergency supplies and medical personnel to aid in the relief efforts under Operation Flying Eagle (see link). RSS Endurance set sail from Singapore with:-
(i) 470 people (including a field hospital);
(ii) 51 vehicles and heavy equipment; and
(iii) 350 pallets and crates of relief supplies.
On 2 January 2005, she was the first ship to reach Meulaboh (150 km from the epicentre of the earthquake), to render aid to a coastal town of 40,000 that was devastated by the Tsunami, with 1 in 4 residents of the town killed. As Col Geerhan Lantara, TNI Commander in Meulaboh said:-
"When your people arrived, it lifted our spirits. We knew that we were no longer alone."
On 6 January 2005, RSS Persistence, her sister-ship arrived with more aid supplies. And on the 16 January 2005, RSS Endeavour arrived carrying more supplies and NGO aid workers. At its peak, over 1,500 SAF personnel were deployed in Operation Flying Eagle. With RSS Resolution deployed in the Northern Arabian Gulf in support of coalition efforts in Iraq, at that moment, all four of Singapore's Endurance class vessels were deployed on active operations overseas.
On 12 February 2009, the then Minister of Defence Teo Chee Hean announced that RSS Persistence would join other naval forces off the coast of Somalia for three months in 2009. And thereafter, from June to October 2010, RSS Endurance deployed under command of the Combined Task Force 151 to protect shipping in the Gulf of Aden under Operation Blue Sapphire (see link). In the period that CTF 151 has stood-up, the Singapore navy's Rear Admiral Bernard Miranda and Rear Admiral Harris Chan have taken command of the task group at various times. On 30th June 2011, RADM Chan handed over command of CTF 151 to the Royal New Zealand Navy's Captain (CAPT) Jim Gilmour.
Beyond previously deploying martitime patrol aircraft to the region, on 22 August 2011, the Singapore Navy deployed a third task group (RSS Endevour) in support of CTF 151.
At the Overseas Service Medal Presentation Ceremony on the return of RSS Endurance from the counter-piracy mission, the then Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean said:
"I would like to commend all of you for your professionalism, dedication and hard work. Of the 310 SAF personnel who served on board RSS Endurance, 92 have served in multiple missions. Some such as ME2 Lui Jian Fong, a Naval Warfare Systems Engineer, have been on five deployments to Iraq and the Gulf of Aden. Thirteen full-time National Servicemen volunteered for this deployment. Three of them - CPL Leow Guo Long, CPL Jeremy Lim and CPL Awyong Wen Han - extended their national service to participate in the mission. Your deep personal commitment to duty reflects a strong ethos of service to the SAF and Singapore."
The RSS Formidable (68) is the lead ship of a class of 6 and are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy’s La Fayette class frigate.
The S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter is organic to the Formidable class.
In the background of this picture with the naval divers is one of the four the Bedok class mine countermeasures vessels. RSS Bedok (M105), was built by Karlskronavarvet in Sweden based on the Landsort class design.
Above is the Singapore Navy's latest TV ad, which showcases a spectrum of capabilities and the people who form the backbone of Singapore's Navy. Beyond defending Singapore's maritime security, our Navy contributes actively to the international community, in humanitarian disaster assistance relief operations as well as international counter-piracy operations.
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“Terrorism is the tactic of demanding the impossible, and demanding it at gunpoint.”
Christopher Hitchens
Last edited by OPSSG; November 11th, 2011 at 08:34 PM.
17 Oct 2011 - The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) was first invited by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) to join the Surya Bhaskara Jaya (SBJ), humanitarian assistance programme in 1997.
From 11 Oct to 17 Oct 2011 in Pulau Belitung, Indonesia, the TNI AL and RSN took part in SBJ. About 200 RSN personnel joined the TNI AL to provide social assistance, primary health and dental care to the residents of the island.
Members of the RSN's surgical team performing a surgery on a Pulau Belitung resident on board RSS Endurance.
As part of the programme, surgeries were performed on board the RSN's Landing Ship Tank RSS Endurance and the TNI AL's hospital ship, KRI Suharso.
RSN personnel unloading supplies for the local residents.
The RSN and TNI AL's medical team attending to the local residents at a medical outpost at Pulau Belitung, Indonesia.
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“Terrorism is the tactic of demanding the impossible, and demanding it at gunpoint.”
Christopher Hitchens
Last edited by OPSSG; November 8th, 2011 at 09:11 AM.
RSS Endeavour from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and two embarked Super Puma helicopters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), disrupted two separate attacks by suspected pirates on merchant vessels that were transiting through the Arabian Sea, south of Oman, on 1 Nov 2011.
After the pirates have boarded the mothership dhow, the abandoned skiff is destroyed to prevent its use in further piracy-related activities.
RSS Endeavour was patrolling east of the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Arabian Sea, when it responded to a call which the CTF 151 flagship USS Anzio had received from merchant vessel MV BW Broker, that it was being chased by a suspicious skiff... Less than two hours later, RSS Endeavour was contacted by another merchant ship, MV Elka Athina, in the vicinity. The vessel was being approached at high speed by a skiff with five people carrying weapons. RSS Endeavour launched a helicopter again to investigate...
A RSAF Super Puma (has a one way ferry range of 841 km or 454 nm with a standard tank), equipped with the CIS 50MG and operating from a RSN Endurance Class vessel
The helicopter later located the suspicious pirate skiff which was heading towards the dhow, Shu'ai 3. CTF 151 had previously identified Shu'ai 3 as a pirate mothership associated with other attempted piracy activities... The helicopter continued to shadow the skiff as RSS Endeavour closed in on both the skiff and the dhow. The suspected pirates aboard the skiff surrendered. As the helicopter approached the mothership dhow, a large bag, suspected of containing pirate paraphernalia, was thrown overboard from the pirate dhow... The suspected pirates complied with orders to board the dhow which was to return to Somalia, while their skiff would be destroyed so that it could not be used further for piracy activities. When the men were aboard the dhow, the RSAF helicopter was directed to fire at the abandoned skiff to sink it...
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“Terrorism is the tactic of demanding the impossible, and demanding it at gunpoint.”
Christopher Hitchens
Last edited by OPSSG; March 5th, 2012 at 10:36 AM.
To congratulate the 229 men and women of the SAF Task Group serving aboard RSS Endeavour for a job well done, please go to www.seaofsupport.sg and post a message there for them.
Below, servicemen from the SAF task group showing Mr Lawrence Wong and Rear Admiral Ng Chee Peng (Chief of Navy) how they remotely operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle from the bridge of RSS Endeavour to conduct surveillance.
"Your actions will ultimately contribute to the safety, security and sovereignty of Singapore, and that's a high calling and a meaningful task... Be assured that all of us in Singapore recognise your efforts and contributions, and we'll continue to cheer you on and be proud of all that you do in the SAF."
"I took my first steps on Pedra Branca yesterday, as part of a visit and update on the operational capabilities of our Navy. This island of Singapore, about 140m long and situated about 24 nautical miles away, commands the eastern-most approach to the Straits of Singapore.
...
How many before me have spent many lonely nights here to ensure the safety of others? This tradition still carries on and even today, Singaporeans do their duty on the island faithfully. But of course, we have updated the technology on Pedra Banca to better monitor the heavy maritime traffic that passes through our channels - nearly 1,000 ships everyday!"
Sunset
A sailor lowering the Singapore flag at sunset, marking the end of a busy day and the start of night duty at a Singapore naval base, with a Fearless Class vessel in the background.
Sailors transferring from a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat to the RSS Resolution during a night exercise out at sea, somewhere off the coast of Singapore.
Sailors keeping watch at the bridge of the RSS Resolution during an exercise.
The RSS Resolution's crew monitoring the navigation radar display at the bridge during a night exercise.
A Radar Navigation Specialist on RSS Resolution updating his log during a bilateral exercise.
The crew of RSS Resolution lowering the gangway upon their return from sailing.
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“Terrorism is the tactic of demanding the impossible, and demanding it at gunpoint.”
111115-N-TU894-077 ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 15, 2011) The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is underway with the Singapore Navy tank landing ship RSS Endeavour (210) in the Gulf of Aden. George H.W. Bush is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kasey Krall/Released)
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“Terrorism is the tactic of demanding the impossible, and demanding it at gunpoint.”
Christopher Hitchens
Last edited by OPSSG; March 6th, 2012 at 08:29 AM.
Operation Blue Sapphire - The Republic of Singapore Navy's RSS Endeavour slips off from Oman, and sets a course for the Gulf of Aden (GoA). On board are over 270 personnel and the hardware of the 3rd SAF Task Group deployed for operations there. RSS Endeavour is just days away from the area of operations but the tri-service task group is already dealing with a mounting number of suspicious contacts. Below are 3 parts of a 4-part series that show how the men and women of the SAF contribute to international counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden. Ep 1: Transit (Securing Safe Passage - SAF In The Gulf Of Aden) - YouTube
Navy News Service - Eye on the Fleet
111115-N-YC505-021 ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 15, 2011) Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, meets Col. Frederick Chew, commander of the Singapore Armed Forces Task Group, to discuss counter-piracy efforts aboard the Singapore tank landing ship RSS Endeavour (210). Endeavour is assigned to Combined Task Force 151, a multi-national, mission-based task force working under Combined Maritime Forces to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Molly Treece/Released)
CPT Yeo (right) in the F-50 MPA communicating with other vessels in GoA. Led by the Commanding Officer of 121 Squadron LTC Song Chun Keet, the one F-50 MPA and 36 personnel generated 20 missions per month. This would not have been possible without the rigorous aircraft preparation and support provided by the 11 personnel from ST Aero engineering. ME2 Don Chua Koon, a sensor operator, highlighted that the fast-paced operational tempo was another significant hurdle.
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“Terrorism is the tactic of demanding the impossible, and demanding it at gunpoint.”
Christopher Hitchens
Last edited by OPSSG; March 8th, 2012 at 07:01 PM.
As part of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) 3rd Generation transformation, the Victory-class missile corvettes are being upgraded to ensure that they retain the capability and flexibility to meet new and evolving operational demands. To date, three of the six RSN's missile corvettes have completed their upgrades.
The key upgrades to the missile corvettes are:
a. Enhanced Combat Management System. Similar to the Formidable-class frigates, the missile corvettes are equipped with a state-of-the-art combat suite which gives them the ability to deal effectively with various surface, underwater and air threats. The corvette's enhanced Combat Management System (CMS) will aid in the command and control of all sensor and weapon systems on board. It also has embedded intelligence for tracking management, target identification and weapon assignment. This will enable the corvettes to detect and react faster to potential threats.
b. Improved sensors (including unmanned systems). Advanced sensor systems are incorporated into the upgraded missile corvettes to enhance their surveillance capability. In addition, the missile corvettes are modified to launch and operate an unmanned aerial vehicle. The addition of this aerial capability affords the missile corvette enhanced situational awareness, as well as surveillance and identification capabilities.
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“Terrorism is the tactic of demanding the impossible, and demanding it at gunpoint.”
Operation Blue Sapphire - Everyday, the Super Pumas from the heli detachment conduct regular surveillance flights and are ready to respond to any emergencies with their door guns. See how the Super Puma acts as an extended pair of eyes for the task group in international counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden. 77 days on active duty, five calls responded to for assistance and 110 helicopter sorties activated to provide air surveillance and warn off suspicious boats - this was what RSS Endeavour went through during her stint in the Gulf of Aden. Ep 3: Helo (Securing Safe Passage - SAF In The Gulf Of Aden) - YouTube
The suspected pirates surrendering when they see RSS Endeavour closing in on them.
In a moment of fierce concentration, Military Expert (ME) 1 Sathesh s/o Ram Chand trained his gun on the target, then pushed the button to fire. With bated breath, he waited out the split second it took for the round to strike the abandoned skiff. Earlier, the same skiff with five armed men on board was reported to be hot on the heels of a merchant ship. RSS Endeavour was patrolling in the Gulf of Aden, was called upon to assist the merchant vessel. After the crew on RSS Endeavour foiled the suspected pirates' plans, they ordered them off the skiff and back to their mother ship before they proceeded to destroy the skiff with a hail of gunfire. Relating how he felt about the disruption operation on 1 Nov 2011, ME1 Sathesh, who operated the Typhoon Gun on RSS Endeavour, said:
It's a cat and mouse game as RSS Endeavour and the RSAF's embarked Super Puma track and locate a pirate skiff out in stormy weather. See how the 3rd SAF Task Group takes out an attack skiff and prevents it from being used for future pirate activities in this final episode on the SAF's counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Ep 4: Bravo Zulu - Well Done! (Securing Safe Passage - SAF In The Gulf Of Aden) - YouTube
"The SAF took command of the multinational Combined Task Force 151 for the second time, and deployed a Landing Ship Tank with two Super Puma helicopters for the third time last year. We also deployed for the first time a Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft. Our contributions have been well-received, and therefore, we are deploying a fourth Task Group, comprising a frigate and a naval helicopter, later this year to the Gulf of Aden."
52 naval officer cadets, 41 days on the high seas - it's boot camp on a ship. Following the success of "Making The Cut", cyberpioneerTV brings you a brand new series "The Passage - A Midshipman's Journey", featuring Naval Officer Cadets undergoing the Midshipmen Sea Training Deployment (MSTD).
Ep 1: Embark (The Passage: A Midshipman's Journey) - YouTube
Before a cadet becomes a naval officer of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), he or she is put to a six-week test out at sea. Join 10 Naval Officer Cadets and Naval Warfare System Engineers-in-training as they embark on the RSS Endurance for their rite of passage - the Midshipman Sea Training Deployment.
Ep 2: The Killer Tomato (The Passage: A Midshipman's Journey) - YouTube
In the second episode of The Passage, the Midshipmen learn that firing the ship's powerful A-Gun isn't an easy task, as they attempt to take down their first "hostile" target: the Killer Tomato. Find out which sharpshooting Midshipman successfully guns down the Killer Tomato within the first few shots!
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“Terrorism is the tactic of demanding the impossible, and demanding it at gunpoint.”
The MIDs uncover more about sailing an RSN ship and arrive at their favourite lesson -- Astronavigation. Setting technology aside, they have a go at the age-old method of navigating by the sun, moon, planets and stars, swapping their GPS for complicated looking tools called "sextants".
The MIDs reach their first port of call - Vietnam! Find out how a friendly game of volleyball brings them closer to the naval officer cadets from the Vietnam People's Navy. Back on the RSS Endurance, the crew is busy with preparations for the highlight of the visit - the Official Cocktail.
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“Terrorism is the tactic of demanding the impossible, and demanding it at gunpoint.”
