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Saturday, October 01, 2005

Mission
The mission of the Republic of Singapore Navy is to defend Singapore against sea-borne threats and to protect its sea lines of communications that encompass the Singapore Straits and its access routes. The challenge for the Navy is to continue building up an effective and balanced fleet to further enhance its ability to fulfill the vital role of defending our maritime interests.

The Anchor represents the spirit of the Navy.

The Tiger, in defence of these qualities, is ever ready to spring in aggressiveness and ferocity.

The Lion stands for nobility, courage and majesty.

The Crescent Moon and Five Stars symbolise the spirit of the nation.

The Laurels as the hallmarks of excellence are that of professional nobility of mind and action that go into the making of the Navy.

Song
From a humble beginning the day we were born,
Onwards and upwards we've moved on and on.
Never looking back we'll always grow.
Onwards and upwards the best we'll show.

Chorus:
We're the ones the sons of the sea.
Mighty men of the Singapore Navy.
We will stand for the right,
We will fight to the end.
We will always be true to our land.

Our waters to guard to ensure they are safe.
It's a great task only meant for the brave.
It does make us proud to know that we
All play a part to protect our seas.

With our comrades in hand from the Land and the Air,
TO-GETHER we stand in defence of our land.
Never flagging in adversity,
Forward we'll march on to VICTORY.

The Republic of Singapore Navy inherited its existence from the Royal Navy in the 1930s with only 2 patrol craft. The Straits Settlement Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve was established on 20th April 1934 and became the Singapore Division of the Malayan Volunteer Reserve during WWII in 1941. In Dec 1948, the Malayan Force was raised by the Singapore Government and was later granted the title of Royal Malayan Navy in 1952 in recognition of its services in action during the Malayan emergency.

On 16th Feb 1963, when Singapore became a state of Malaysia, the Malayan Navy was changed to the Royal Malaysian Navy. During an impressive ceremony on 22nd Sept 1963, the Singapore division of the Malayan Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve was formally transferred from the command of the Royal Navy to the Royal Malaysian Navy, thus becoming the Singapore Volunteer Force. On 9th Aug 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia to form an independent and sovereign nation within the Commonwealth.

The following year on 1st Jan 1966, the Singapore Force's name was changed to the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force. During a historic ceremony held at Telok Ayer Basin on 5th May 1967, the Singapore Volunteer Force ensign was hoisted for the first time, marking the first step towards the formation of the Singapore Navy. A few months later in September, the Singapore Volunteer Force was changed to the People's Defence (Sea) under the Sea Defence Command (SDC). The SDC was then renamed the Maritime Command (MC) in Dec 1968, which is the predecessor of the Republic of Singapore Navy. The MC then went on an expansion programme to carry out its seaward defence more effectively.

The Republic Of Singapore Navy came into being on 1st April 1975, when the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) established its component forces into 3 distinct services.

[ No.1 : Ceremonial ]
All ranks, both genders. Normally worn during formal occasions, e.g parades, commissioning, etc.

[ No.2 : Mess-Kit ]
Officers and Warrant Officers only, both genders. This is worn during cocktails, mess dinners or evening fuctions.

[ No.3 : Working Rig ]
All ranks, both genders. The daily working attire for the serviceman. The servicewoman has the option of slacks or a skirt for her working dress.

[ No.4 : Overalls ]
All ranks, both genders.Overalls are the working rig for the serviceman for more strenuous tasks what the White No.3 will be deemed inappropriate. It is also the sailing rig.

[ No.5T : Ceremonial Tie ]
Officers and Warrant Officers only, both genders. A formal shirt and tie rig, normally worn during formal occasions.

[ No.5J : Ceremonial Jacket ]
Officers and Warrant Officers only, both genders. A formal jacket and tie rig worn during formal occasions. e.g parade, ceremonies.

[ No.5E : Ceremonial Enhanced ]
Officers and Warrant Officers only, both genders. A formal jacket and tie rig with full service medals worn during ceremonial occasions. e.g parade, ceremonies.

[ Red-Sea Rig ]
This is usually worn during cocktails, mess dinners or evening functions onboard naval ships. It comprises of the No.3 working rig with a black cummerband.

[ Physical Training Rig ]
All ranks, both genders. For physical training and sports. It consists of a Navy T-shirt, sports shorts and running shoes.

1) Singapore Armed Forces Good Service Medal

The medal may be awarded by the Director of Manpower to a serving member of the Singapore Armed Forces in recognition of his good, efficient and faithful service in the Singapore Armed Forces.

(2, 3 & 4) Singapore Armed Forces Long Service & Good Conduct Medal

The medal may be awarded to members of the Singapore Armed Forces who have completed twelve (12), twenty-two (22) or thirty (30) years of continuous qualifying service in recognition of their long service and good conduct.

(5, 6 & 7) Public Administration Medal - Military (Bronze/Silver/Gold)

These medals may be awarded to any member of the Singapore Armed Forces who has distinguished him/herself through meritorious service in military command of staff work.

(8) The Commendation Medal - Military

The medal may be awarded to any member of the Singapore Armed Forces who has clearly placed himself above his peers through commendable achievements in military command or staff work, or performed service over and above the call of duty.

(9) The Efficiency Medal - Military

The medal may be awarded to any member of the Singapore Armed Forces who has shown exceptional efficiency, devotion to duty or work of special significance, or who has demonstrated in the course of work initiative, thoroughness and resourcefulness.

(10) The Long Service Medal (State Award)

The medal is a State Award and may be awarded to any person who has completed 25 years of continous service in a government organisation.

(11) Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Service Medal

The medal may be awarded to any person who, whilst being a member of the Singapore Armed Forces, was engaged in service in an area outside Singapore.

[Firmness ]

The naval man stands firm on what he believes in, but this is after consulting with and hearing the views of others. This consultation gives him the confidence to stand firm because he knows he is doing the right thing and his men are fully behind him.

Firmness is not inflexibility but is about staying focused to achieve the desired objective. Firmness of principle will pull us through adversity.

[ Tact ]

Tact stems from care, consideration and respect for others, being understanding and sensitive to the feelings of others. Such regard is extremely necessary when living in close and cramped quarters for extended periods of time, such as we do in the RSN. Tense situations and hostility, are unavoidable in human relations, but tact is the careful tread, the skill and the grace which lightens up these serious and tense situations, calming the troubles waters.

Tactful officers take care not to hurt or humilate with their ill-thought, offensive or blunt manners and language. But tact is more than mere politeness, for polite persons can still be tactless. Tactful persons don't jar others' nerves or sensitivities.

[x] FRIENDS`Saturday, October 01, 2005`__