Team spirit helps naval unit land SAF award
The crew of RSS Tenacious, SAF's Best Fleet Unit of 2015 pose for a group photo at the Changi Naval Base. Photo: Don Wong/TODAY
SINGAPORE — Knowing they were going to be away from home on Mother’s Day, the crew on board the Republic of Singapore Navy’s stealth frigate RSS Tenacious put up posters around the vessel reminding each other to call home.
Crew members also played video games together every two weeks or worked out at the gym on the ship together. Even when the ship docked to restock on supplies, many of them spent their time on shore with each other.
Video: Robin Choo/TODAY
The strong team spirit among the crew of RSS Tenacious during a three-month counter-piracy effort in the Gulf of Aden — code-named Operation Blue Sapphire — last year helped ensure there were no successful piracy incidents under its watch. It also helped the unit land its first ever Best Fleet Unit award in this year’s Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Best Unit Competition — an annual affair which recognises excellence in combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative matters.
In an interview on the bridge of RSS Tenacious last Tuesday (June 23), Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Ho Jee Kien, who is two-and-a-half years into his role as commanding officer of the ship, said winning the competition was an “honourable” recognition for the effort his crew put in.
“It wasn’t at the top of our minds; winning it is definitely a bonus,” said the 40-year-old. “What was really on our mind ... is actually maintaining a high level of training, operational readiness and contributing to the needs of the organisation.”
Video: Robin Choo/TODAY
When they are not training hard, crew members also go on National Education tours and participate in runs and dragon boating sessions.
Their camaraderie contributed to a friendly working environment on board the ship, said Military Expert 2 Yvonne Foo, 25, an underwater supervisor. For instance, co-workers gave her contacts and advice after she revealed she was tying the knot this year.
While RSS Tenacious — a relatively young unit commissioned seven years ago — clinched the naval award, the 1st Commando Battalion won Best Combat Unit and the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s 144 Squadron sealed the Best Fighter Squadron award.
On top of these awards, 18 other active and 11 National Service units were crowned the best in their respective formations.
Video: Robin Choo/TODAY
Meanwhile, the commandos celebrated their 12th consecutive Best Combat Unit award this year — it is the 1st Commando Battalion’s 29th victory overall. The elite unit, also known as the Red Berets, specialises in raid operations, reconnaissance missions and advanced weaponry.
Commenting on the gong in Pasir Ris Camp last Wednesday, the unit’s commanding officer LTC Alvin Tjioe, 34, said: “This speaks volumes of the commitment and the dedication (of the commandos).
“In the 1st Commando Battalion, we turn this pressure (of winning) into something positive. We want it to drive us, to continue to motivate us, to break new grounds and to really perform at a very high level,” he said.
LTC Tjioe, who has been leading the unit for a year, added that his men would not be lulled into complacency.
“The world is constantly evolving; new threats are starting to emerge,” he said. “As commandos, we need to be able to keep ourselves current. We need to keep ourselves operationally ready at all times so that we are able to meet these security challenges.”
