MCN International Pte Ltd, SINGAPORE : Singapore will send 192 men and women to Iraq to provide logistics support to rebuild the country.
This follows a Police contingent which went earlier to help train Iraqi Police Officers.
A C-130 Hercules transport plane from the Republic of Singapore Air Force will carry out airlift, transportation and supply missions.
Joining the support team at sea will be a Landing Ship Tank, the RSS Endurance.
The vessel will provide a platform for helicopter, maritime boarding and patrolling missions.
Manning the ship will be a crew of 161 sailors, including 15 volunteers and eight women.
They received a letter from the Chief of Defence Force and their insignias at a send off ceremony, alongside the C-130 detachment, which has 31 airmen, including seven commandos, who will provide protection while the plane is on the ground.
This is the first time the SAF will be sending troops to Iraq.
Although they will not be involved in combat roles, their logistic support missions mean the soldiers will be in the theatre of operations in Iraq.
For protection, the C-130 aircraft will be equipped with anti-missile defensive systems.
Rear Admiral Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence, said: “As the situation in Iraq is still in transition and not yet stabilised, there will be some risks to our personnel as they carry out their operational missions.
“Our personnel are well-trained to deal with contingencies. Our C-130 and LST are equipped with defensive systems comparable to those of ships and aircraft from other countries.”
Those who are going seemed well prepared despite reports coming out of Iraq.
Lieutenant-Colonel Geoffrey Lui, C-130 Detachment Member, said: “There was initial anxiety and of course concern, it is natural given the news that we've heard about the activities in the area. I've explained it to my family and the role we are playing, they understand fully the need to go there and assist. Personally, I was excited about given the opportunity.”
The SAF men and women will leave for Iraq soon.
