Singapore will play host to the largest gathering of naval vessels.
This week, our navy will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee. 50 years ago, when they first came into force, the Republic of Singapore Navy had just two wooden ships.
Today, our maritime industry have come a long way, contributing 7% to our gross domestic product. After all, we couldn’t have prospered without access to the sea, and the navy has a played an important role in this regard.
Celebrations are in order for the navy’s Golden Jubilee, starting with the commissioning of new ships that will enter into active service. This Friday, on Navy Day, PM Lee will commission the state-of-the-art Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) Independence, marking the first of its kind to enter into active service.
Normally used for coastal security, this $20 million ship’s launch and recovery system allows shipmen to deploy boats in less than a minute, compared to its predecessor’s 15 minutes. Equipped with a smart system, it also allows tracking of equipment and navigation from one single command centre – basically it’s one-of-a-kind.
Come 15 May, the public will be able to fully celebrate the navy’s 50th birthday. Expect to be awed by nearly 30 massive warships from more than 20 countries. The ships will sail from the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea in three fleets, led by our navy frigates.
That will be part of Singapore’s first international maritime review – a show of maritime diplomacy. More than 4,000 guests and participants, including about 30 chiefs of navy and directors-general of coast guard, are expected to attend the “National Day” event of sorts.
Apart from ogling at these majestic warships, more exciting and hands-on activities are also in store for the public. The RSN will publish a four-book compilation targeted at children, with art mural in the form of a “doodle wall” will be displayed at Safra Punggol and Safra Toa Payoh. In November, the public will get to tour navy ships, view equipments and weapons, and interact with navy personnel.
