Monday, March 15, 2010

Singapore, U.S. Navies Celebrate Cooperative Milestone

Singapore, U.S. Navies Celebrate Cooperative Milestone: "Commander U.S. 3rd Fleet (C3F) hosted high level officials from the Republic of Singapore to mark a major security cooperation milestone among the two nations March 12.

Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, hosted an official visit with Republic of Singapore deputy prime minister for policy, minister of Defence Mr. Teo Chee Hean and Chief of the Navy Rear Adm. Chew Men Leong.

The milestone visit was in conjunction with the final battle problem for the Republic of Singapore Navy PEACE TRITON, a joint training venture began more than a year ago. At that time, U.S. Navy mentors began training Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Navy (RSN) personnel in maritime helicopter operations and missions with their newly acquired S-70 helicopters, and ultimately how to integrate the capabilities these helicopter bring into the RSN Fleet.

Early integration began when RSAF pilots made a historic first-ever underway landing of an S-70 aboard San Diego-based USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) last November as part of the final training steps."