Singapore Navy Inaugurates Maritime Security and Response Flotilla

 

Singapore Navy Inaugurates Maritime Security and Response Flotilla to Strengthen Maritime Security Capabilities

Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng officiated at the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Maritime and Security Response Flotilla (MSRF) at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base this morning.

The new flotilla will add capacity and build capabilities to protect Singapore's territorial waters and respond to expanded maritime security threats. The MSRF will be equipped with new purpose-built ships. As a start, the flotilla will operate four Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs) and two Maritime Security and Response Tugboats (MSRTs) to enable more calibrated responses.

Commander of the MSRF, Lieutenant Colonel Lee Jun Meng, said, "The MSRF will strengthen Singapore's ability to deal with maritime security threats that have grown in scale and complexity through the years. The additional capabilities will provide us with more flexibility and a wider range of responses, and allow us to be deployed for greater persistence to safeguard and protect Singapore's territorial waters."

Also present at the inauguration ceremony were senior RSN officers and representatives from other national maritime agencies. (Sing Mindef)

Maritime Security Capabilities Strengthened

To further strengthen the RSN's capabilities in protecting Singapore's territorial waters and respond to evolving maritime security threats, the Maritime and Security Response Flotilla (MSRF) was stood up on 26 Jan.The inauguration ceremony was held at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base and officiated by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Aaron Beng.

"The MSRF will strengthen Singapore's ability to deal with maritime security threats that have grown in scale and complexity through the years," said Commander MSRF Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Lee Jun Meng.

More calibrated response

As part of the restructured Maritime Security Command, the MSRF will be responsible for developing and operating calibrated capabilities to support the Singapore government in responding to maritime incidents. The capabilities raised by the MSRF will provide flexibility to meet the increased demands and a wider scope of maritime security operations, and offer greater persistence to protect Singapore's territorial waters.At present, the MSRF will operate four Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs). These MSRVs are former Fearless-class patrol vessels that have been refurbished to extend their operational lifespan.