Republic of Singapore Navy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
| Formations |
|---|
| Fleet |
| Coastal Command |
| Naval Diving Unit |
| Naval Logistics Command |
| Training Command |
| Ships |
| Submarines |
| Frigates |
| Corvettes |
| Patrol Vessels |
| Landing Platform Docks |
| Mine Countermeasures Vessels |
| Personnel |
| Officer Rank Insignia |
| Bases |
| Tuas Naval Base |
| Changi Naval Base |
The Republic of Singapore Navy (Abbreviation: RSN; Chinese: 新加坡海军部队; Malay: Angkatan Laut Republik Singapura) is the navy of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The RSN came into being in 1975 when the SAF established its component forces into three distinct services, and it is the smallest among the three services. It is responsible for the defence of Singapore against sea-borne threats and protection of its sea lines of communications. All commissioned ships of the RSN have a prefix RSS, which means Republic of Singapore Ship.
Contents |
[edit] History
The RSN traces its origins to the Royal Navy in the 1930s with only two patrol craft. The Straits Settlements Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve was established on 20 April 1934 and in 1941 became the Singaporean division of the Malayan Volunteer Reserve during World War II.
In 1948 the Malayan Force was raised by the Singaporean government and was later granted the title of the Royal Malayan Navy in 1952 in recognition of its services in action during the Malayan Emergency.
On 16 September 1963, Singapore was admitted as a state of Malaysia under the terms of confederation and the Royal Malayan Navy was renamed the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The Singapore division of the Malayan Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve was formally transferred from the command of the Royal Navy to the RMN on 22 September 1963, becoming the Singapore Volunteer Force (SVF).
On 9 August 1965, Singapore seceded from Malaysia to form an independent and sovereign nation within the Commonwealth. The following year on 22 January 1966, the SVF was renamed the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force (SNVF).
On 5 May 1967, the SNVF ensign was hoisted for the first time. A few months later in September, the SNVF was renamed the People's Defence (Sea) under the Sea Defence Command (SDC).
The SDC was renamed the Maritime Command (MC) in 1968, which is the predecessor of the RSN. The MC then went on an expansion program to carry out its seaward defence more effectively.
The RSN came into being on 1 April 1975, when the SAF established its component forces into three distinct services.
[edit] Organisation
The RSN is led by the Chief of Navy (CNV). The current CNV is Rear Admiral Ronnie Tay and he is responsible for the RSN's overall operational capabilities and administration. The CNV reports directly to the Chief of Defence Force, a three-star general. The organisation chart below shows the administrative chain of command with five formations: the Fleet, Coastal Command, Naval Diving Unit, Naval Logistics Command and Training Command.
CNV
|
Chief of Staff - Naval Staff -----|
|
HQ RSN -----|
|
______________________________|____________________________
| | | | |
Fleet Naval Logistics Coastal Training Naval Diving
_______|________ Command Command Command Unit
| | | | | |
1st | 3rd | | |
__|__ | ___|___ ________|______ ___|___ ______|______
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
185 188 171 191 192/193 182/189 180 181 194 IMW IMOS CDG EOD UDG Combat
Diving
Group
[edit] Current Fleet
[edit] Submarines
In 1995, the RSN acquired a Challenger class (formerly known as Sjöormen class) submarine from the Swedish Navy and another three in 1997, making them Singapore's first underwater platforms [1]. As the submarines were designed by the Swedish for operations in the Baltic Sea, various modifications were required to suit them to tropical waters. A comprehensive tropicalisation programme was carried out for all four submarines, which involves installing air conditioning, marine growth protection systems and corrosion-resistant piping [2].
Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has signed an agreement with Kockums for the supply of two Västergötland class submarines to the RSN on 4 November 2005 [3]. Currently in reserve with the Swedish Navy, the submarines will be transferred to the RSN on completion of the modernisation and conversion for operation in tropical waters. The submarines are expected to enter service from 2010 and will replace some of the Challenger class submarines. It is believed that the Challenger class and Västergötland class were purchased to develop the required submarine operations expertise before selecting a modern class of submarines to replace them, since all the boats are over 25 years old [4]. The four submarines form the 171 Squadron of the RSN.
| Ships |
|
Launch of RSS Chieftain in Sweden
© MINDEF |
| Length | 51 metres | |
| Beam | 6.1 metres | |
| Displacement | 1130 tonnes surfaced, 1200 tonnes submerged | |
| Crew | 28 | |
| Speed | 10 knots (19 km/h) surfaced, 16 knots (30 km/h) submerged | |
| Weapons | torpedoes |
[edit] Frigates
In March 2000, MINDEF signed a contract with DCN for the construction of six Formidable class frigates. The design of the frigates are based on the French Navy’s La Fayette class frigate. The frigates are very stealthy platforms and are shaped to reduce their radar cross-section. They are also highly capable multi-mission platforms, with significant anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capability [5].
In January 2005, MINDEF announced that it has signed a contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of the United States to acquire six new Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters (an international derivative of the United States Navy (USN) SH-60B Seahawk) which will operate off these frigates. The acquisition of these naval helicopters, equipped with advanced anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare sensors and weapons, is a significant milestone in the RSN's force development. The naval helicopters are projected for delivery between 2008 and 2010 [6].
The first frigate was launched in France while the remaining five are built locally by Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine) under a technology transfer agreement with DCN. The six new frigates will be fully operational starting from 2007 and will replace the RSN’s missile gunboats which have been in service for more than 30 years. The sixth and final vessel, RSS Supreme, was launched on 10 May 2006. The six frigates will form the 185 Squadron of the RSN.
| Ships |
|
Launch of RSS Formidable in France
© MINDEF 
RSS Formidable at sea
© MINDEF |
| Length | 114.8 metres | |
| Beam | 16.3 metres | |
| Displacement | 3200 tonnes | |
| Crew | 70, excluding air attachment of about 15 | |
| Speed | 27 knots (50 km/h) | |
| Weapons |
|
[edit] Corvettes
In 1983, the RSN ordered six Victory class corvettes from Fredrich Lürssen Werft of Germany. The first corvette was built in Germany while the remaining five were built locally by ST Marine. The corvettes were also the first class of ships in the RSN to have an anti-submarine capability [7]. The six corvettes form the 188 Squadron of the RSN.
| Ships |
|
RSS Victory arrives in Darwin Harbour for Exercise Singaroo 2004 © Commonwealth of Australia
|
| Length | 62 metres | |
| Beam | 8.5 metres | |
| Displacement | 600 tonnes | |
| Crew | 46 | |
| Speed | 30 knots (56 km/h) | |
| Weapons |
[edit] Missile gunboats
The Sea Wolf class of missile gunboats were acquired in 1968, based on the TNC 45 design from Fredrich Lürssen Werft. The first two gunboats were constructed in Germany, while the remaining four were constructed locally by ST Marine (then known as Singapore Shipbuilding and Engineering). As new technology became available, these gunboats underwent a number of upgrading programmes in the 1980s and 1990s to increase their strike capability and sophistication [8]. These gunboats are approaching the end of their operational life and are due to be replaced by the new frigates. The six gunboats form the 185 Squadron of the RSN.
| Ships |
|
| Length | 45 metres |
| Beam | 6.5 metres |
| Displacement | 270 tonnes |
| Crew | 40 |
| Speed | 30 knots (56 km/h) |
| Weapons |
[edit] Patrol vessels
The Fearless class of patrol vessels were built locally by ST Marine to replace the older coastal patrol crafts, which were transferred to the Police Coast Guard. The first six vessels of the class are armed for anti-submarine warfare missions, and were placed under the command of the Fleet as 189 Squadron upon commission. In January 2003, RSS Courageous was badly damaged in a collision with a container ship in the Singapore Straits [9]. In January 2005, 189 Squadron was transferred to the Coastal Command from the Fleet [10], and the twelve ships now form the 182/189 Squadron.
| Ships |
|
RSS Courageous at sea © SPG Media Limited
|
| Length | 55 metres | |
| Beam | 8.6 metres | |
| Displacement | 500 tonnes | |
| Crew | 30 | |
| Speed | 20 knots (37 km/h) | |
| Weapons |
|
[edit] Amphibious transport docks
The Endurance class amphibious transport docks are the biggest class of ships in the RSN. They were designed and built locally by ST Marine to replace the old County class tank landing ships (LST). Each ship is fitted with a well dock which can accommodate four landing crafts, as well as a flight deck which can accommodate two medium lift helicopters [11]. While the RSN describes the Endurance class as LSTs, they lack the beaching capability traditionally associated with LSTs and their well docks and flight decks qualifies the Endurance class more as amphibious transport docks.
The ships provide sea transportation for personnel and equipment for SAF's overseas training, as well as a training platform for RSN's midshipmen. RSS Endurance became the first RSN ship to circumnavigate the globe when it participated in the 2000 International Naval Review in New York City [12]. The ships are also actively involved in humanitarian and disaster relief operations, notably in East Timor, the Persian Gulf and the tsunami-hit Indonesian province of Aceh. The four ships form the 191 Squadron of the RSN.
| Ships |
|
RSS Endurance during IMDEX 2001
© Jane's 
RSS Endurance, RSS Persistence and RSS Endeavour in Meulaboh, Indonesia as part of 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami humanitarian relief efforts
© MINDEF |
| Length | 141 metres | |
| Beam | 21 metres | |
| Displacement | 6000 tonnes | |
| Crew | 65 | |
| Speed | 15 to 20 knots (28 to 37 km/h) | |
| Weapons |
|
[edit] Mine countermeasures vessels
The RSN acquired mine countermeasure capabilities as early as 1975, when the USN's USS Thrasher and USS Whippoorwill were reactivated by the RSN's engineers and technicians in California. The Bluebird class coastal minesweepers were commissioned as RSS Jupiter and RSS Mercury [13].
These two ships were eventually replaced by the Bedok class mine countermeasures vessels. The first ship, RSS Bedok, was built by Karlskronavarvet in Sweden based on the Landsort class design. The remaining three ships were prefabricated in Sweden and transferred to Singapore for final assembly by ST Marine. The ships are constructed of glass reinforced plastic to maintain low magnetic and acoustic signatures. The ships form the 194 Squadron of the RSN.
| Ships |
|
Bedok class MCMVs during the 2nd WPNS MCMEX and DIVEX in 2004
© MINDEF |
| Length | 47.5 metres | |
| Beam | 9.6 metres | |
| Displacement | 360 tonnes | |
| Crew | 28 | |
| Speed | 15 knots (28 km/h) | |
| Weapons |
|
[edit] Bases
[edit] Tuas Naval Base
Tuas Naval Base (TNB) is the second naval base in the RSN's history. Located at the western tip of Singapore, it occupies 0.28 km² (0.11 mi²) of land. It was officially opened on 2 September 1994 by the second prime minister Goh Chok Tong.
For about two decades, Brani Naval Base was the RSN's only base. An expansion of the fleet in the early 1980s meant that more space was needed for the fleet and its shore infrastructure. However, this was not possible as the land around Brani was reserved for use by the port authority to develop container facilities [14]. As a result, Tuas was selected as the site for a second naval base.
Better utilisation of space at TNB resulted in two and a half times more berthing space than Brani, even though TNB only has a shoreline of 850 m (0.5 mi). Provision was also made for recreational facilities. Automation was incorporated into the design of TNB to reduce manpower requirements, such as mechanical ramps for the loading and unloading of vehicles and an automatic storage and retrieval system. It also has a floating dock which can lift 600 tonnes and transfer a ship from sea to land to facilitate repairs and maintenance [15].
Currently, the missile corvettes, patrol vessels and mine counter-measures vessels are based at TNB.
[edit] Changi Naval Base
Changi Naval Base (CNB) is the latest naval facility of the RSN and was built to replace Brani Naval Base. Located on 1.28 km² (0.50 mi²) of reclaimed land at the eastern tip of Singapore, it was officially opened on 21 May 2004 by Goh Chok Tong.
Its 6.2 km (3.9 mi) berthing space can accommodate an aircraft carrier and is often used by visiting ships of the USN [16].
Automation was incorporated into the design of CNB to reduce manpower requirements. It has an automated underground ammunition depot that allows ammunition to be loaded onto the ships and an automated warehouse system to store items. The base has a fibre optic broadband network for information management. The base was also designed to be environment-friendly, with small-scale wind turbines powering the lights along the breakwaters at night. Conventional roof construction materials were substituted by thin film solar panels and the solar energy generated lights the base. In addition, seawater is used in the air-conditioning system [17].
Currently, the submarines, frigates, amphibious transport docks and missile gunboats are based at CNB.
[edit] Personnel
Unlike other navies, ranks in the RSN are similar to the other services in the SAF up till the rank of colonel. Currently, the official table of ranks stops at three stars for all three services [18]. To assist in the comparison of ranks in the armed forces of different countries, established NATO rank codes are used.
[edit] Officer
| NATO rank code |
OF-1 | OF-2 | OF-3 | OF-4 | OF-5 | OF-6 | OF-7 | OF-8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
Lieutenant | Captain | Major | Lieutenant Colonel |
Colonel | Rear Admiral (one star) |
Rear Admiral (two star) |
Vice Admiral |
| Abbreviation | 2LT | LTA | CPT | MAJ | LTC | COL | RADM | RADM | VADM |
See also: RSN officer rank insignia
[edit] Warrant officer and specialist
| NATO rank code |
OR-5 | OR-6 | OR-7 | OR-8 | OR-9 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Third Sergeant |
Second Sergeant |
First Sergeant |
Staff Sergeant |
Master Sergeant |
Second Warrant Officer |
First Warrant Officer |
Master Warrant Officer |
Senior Warrant Officer |
| Abbreviation | 3SG | 2SG | 1SG | SSG | MSG | 2WO | 1WO | MWO | SWO |
[edit] Enlistee
| NATO rank code |
OR-2 | OR-3 | OR-4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Private | Lance Corporal |
Corporal |
| Abbreviation | PTE | LCP | CPL |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Huxley, Tim (2001). Defending the Lion City. Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86508-118-3.
- History. Republic of Singapore Navy website. Retrieved on September 26, 2004.
- Republic of Singapore Navy Frigate. MINDEF website. Retrieved on September 26, 2004.
- 1988 - RSN's Missile Corvettes. MINDEF website. Retrieved on September 26, 2004.
- 1975 - Missile Gunboats. MINDEF website. Retrieved on September 26, 2004.
- Characteristics of the Endurance class LST. MINDEF website. Retrieved on September 26, 2004.
- "One dead in naval collision", BBC, 4 January 2003.
- S-70B International SEAHAWK. Sikorsky Corporation website. Retrieved on January 26, 2005.
- Organisation chart. RSN Induction Program. Retrieved on February 4, 2005.
- Challenger. Kockums website. Retrieved on February 4, 2005.
- The Republic of Singapore Navy. Navy League of Australia website. Retrieved on February 26, 2005.
- Our Bases. Republic of Singapore Navy website. Retrieved on March 4, 2005.
- COSCOM Expands. Navy News, Issue 01 2005. Retrieved on March 17, 2005.
- Submarine Tropicalisation Programme. MINDEF website. Retrieved on March 26, 2005.
- Safe in my wake. Cyberpioneer. Retrieved on March 26, 2005.
- SAF Military Ranks. MINDEF website. Retrieved on March 26, 2005.
- Tuas Naval Base. MINDEF website. Retrieved on May 7, 2005.
- Tuas Naval Base. MINDEF website. Retrieved on May 7, 2005.
- DSTA gives Changi Naval Base a 'green' edge. DSTA website. Retrieved on May 7, 2005.
- Kockums receives Singapore order to two submarines. Kockums website. Retrieved on November 19, 2005.
- Speech by Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence, on the Occasion of the Commissioning Ceremony for the RSN Landing Ship Tank, RSS Endurance & RSS Resolution Held on Saturday, 18 March 2000 at 10:00 AM at Tuas Naval Base. MINDEF website. Retrieved on October 17, 2006.
[edit] External links
- Republic of Singapore Navy - official website of the RSN
- Navy News - official bi-monthly publication of the RSN
- Ministry of Defence - official website of the MINDEF
- Ranks and Paramilitary Ranks of Singapore, accessed 23 Oct 2006.
