SINGAPORE: The SAF's Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Resolution, which has been on a three-month deployment in the North Arabian Gulf, returned to Singapore's shores on Saturday morning.

It was the fifth LST deployment to the Gulf as part of Singapore's continuing contribution to the multinational reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

The 180-strong crew undertook tasks such as protecting the waters around key oil terminals, conducting patrols and boarding operations, and providing logistics support for coalition vessels and helicopters.

According to the Commander Task Force (CTF), who is from Australia, RSS Resolution has made a critical contribution to safeguarding Iraqi waterways.

Commodore Bruce Kafer, Commander Task Force (CTF) 158, had commended RSS Resolution on its sterling performance.

Commodore Kafer, who is from the Royal Australian Navy, said: "RSS Resolution has made a critical contribution to CTF 158's mission of safeguarding Iraqi waterways and infrastructure protection."

The Chief of Singapore's Navy, Rear-Admiral Chew Men Leong, joined families at Changi Naval Base to welcome home the crew of RSS Resolution. - CNA/vm