The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme is participating in the multilateral Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise from 23 Jun to 1 Aug 2010.
Hosted by the United States Navy (USN), Exercise RIMPAC 2010 comprises a shore planning phase as well as a 24-day sea phase conducted off the coast of Hawaii. RSS Supreme is participating in this year’s exercise alongside more than 30 ships, five submarines, 150 aircraft and 20,000 personnel from 13 other countries.
As part of the biennial exercise, RSS Supreme took part in maritime operations such as combined anti-submarine and air defence missions, and successfully carried out an Aster Surface-to-Air Missile live-firing on 14 Jul 2010.
Commenting on the RSN’s participation in the exercise, Commanding Officer RSS Supreme Lieutenant Colonel Tan Wei Min said, “Exercise RIMPAC is a good opportunity for the RSN to train with other established navies. It enables us to strengthen our interoperability with the other participating navies through high intensity and complex maritime operations.” Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Chew Men Leong was also on board the RSS Supreme to observe the live-firing.
This is the second time the RSN is involved in this exercise, following its inaugural participation in July 2008.
Also taking part in this year’s Exercise RIMPAC are maritime forces from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Peru, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the United States.
