Singapore, US navies conclude 12-day bilateral exercise in Guam
SINGAPORE - The Singapore and US navies on June 18 concluded a 12-day bilateral exercise that was held in Guam and it s surrounding waters.
It was the fifth edition of Exercise Pacific Griffin , which began on June 7, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on June 19 .
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN ) participated in the exercise with the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme , with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter , and the Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Sovereignty .
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) also participated with two Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and six F-16 fighter aircraft .
The United States Navy (USN) participated with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS William P. Lawrence, the T-AKE oiler USNS Charles Drew and a P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft .
Naval divers from both navies also took part.
During the exercise, both navies conducted a series of advanced naval warfare serials, including live missile and gunnery firings, as well as a simulated air defence exercise and simulated encounter exercises.
The RSAF aircraft engaged in a series of sea-air missions, aimed at strengthening sea-air integration.
Meanwhile, naval divers from the RSN took part in maritime explosive ordnance disposal and maritime counter-terrorism operations training.
The RSN's Commander of First Flotilla, Colonel Daniel Ng Kok Yeng , said Exercise Pacific Griffin is 'a valuable opportunity' for both navies to enhance their mutual cooperation and understanding.
'The vast training space in the waters off Guam provides us with the opportunity to hone our war-fighting capabilities,' he added.
Deputy Commodore of the USN's Destroyer Squadron 7, Captain John Baggett , said: 'We have a firm commitment to our partners in this region and a partnership with Singapore that spans nearly six decades.
'Pacific Griffin is one of many technologically robust training opportunities we participate in throughout the year that allows us to build dynamic competencies as an integrated maritime force.'
Mindef said Exercise Pacific Griffin highlights the strong navy-to-navy relations between Singapore and the US, as well as the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relations between both countries.
Apart from bilateral exercises, both navies also engage in a wide range of activities, including professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and participation in multilateral exercises, added the ministry.
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