With the frigates, the RSN is now able to engage Singapore’s strategic partners in high-end exercises farther away from our shores. With regards to the RSN’s growth in capabilities, President Tan said: “Up to the 1990s, the RSN operated largely within the immediate region, occasionally deploying beyond Southeast Asia. In this regard, the role of the RSN is critical to Singapore’s survival as a nation,” he said. We rely on freedom of access to the sea for economic prosperity and progress. “As a maritime nation in a maritime region, Singapore’s security and success are all the more inextricably linked to the sea. In his address, President Tony Tan Keng Yam touched on the RSN’s impact on the nation. JS Izumo, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force It is a strong signal of our collective commitment to enhance the peace and security of our maritime region.” Reflecting on what the International Maritime Review (IMR) means, “This morning’s IMR is far more than a celebration of the RSN’s Golden Jubilee. Our Navy pioneers laid a firm foundation for the RSN of today, while our partners, both national and international, enabled the RSN to fulfil our growing missions more effectively, even as the regional security environment became more complex and challenging.” This would not be possible without our pioneers and our partners. On the beginnings of the RSN, he said: “From humble beginnings, we have been able to build up a balanced and capable maritime force. RADM Lai also thank the various countries for their participation in the review, saying: “We are truly honoured by your presence, which is testament to the strong ties we built up over the years with our friends and partners from the region and beyond.” In the year 2000, President also officiated at the foundation laying ceremony for the Changi Naval Base (CNB), and this morning we are privileged to have President name Changi Naval Base, RSS Singapura, to commemorate the RSN’s Golden Jubilee.”Ĭhief of Navy, Rear Admiral (RADM) Lai Chung Han “As Minister of Defence from 1995 to 2003, President oversaw the rapid development of the Navy, including the buildup of the Landing Ship Tank (LST), frigate and submarine programs, capabilities which are today core to our 3rd Generation Republic of Singapore Navy. In his welcome address, the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral (RADM) Lai Chung Han highlighted how President Tony Tan has been a key supporter of the RSN’s development. Along with the new equipment, the men and women of the RSN have also embraced and honed new skills to allow them to carry out their mission of safeguarding Singapore’s waters and the region’s Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). From its initial two wooden ships (RSS Panglima and RSS Bedok), the RSN has transformed itself into a technologically modern maritime force of Littoral Mission Vessels (LMV), frigates, corvettes and submarines, among others. Being a nation that relies heavily on the waters surrounding it for its survival, the RSN was built from scratch.