As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), a 50th Anniversary Exhibition will be held at VivoCity from the 9-12 Nov 2017, and this event marks the end of the celebrations proper. Through a series of exhibits featuring history, equipment and traditions, and shipboard visits on the RSS Intrepid and Fast Craft Utility (FCU) rides, the public will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the RSN, and interact with the servicemen and women.
With the theme of “Maritime Nation, Maritime Force”, RSN50@Vivo focuses on the importance of the sea to Singapore’s economy and survival. Much of Singapore’s daily needs are carried by maritime trade through the seas surrounding the island, and the RSN has been the first line of defence in safeguarding our sovereignty. It also ensures that our Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) remain open to enable our trading activity.
Sharing The Navy Story
On 8 Nov, Second Minister for Defence, Mr Ong Ye Kung launched RSN50@Vivo, which also coincided with the RSN’s Family Day event. Together with 16 ACCORD (Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence) members, Mr Ong toured the “Maritime Nation, Maritime Force” Gallery, which traces the journey of the RSN alongside Singapore’s transformation. The Gallery also highlights the important role that the RSN has played in safeguarding the sea which is essential for the country’s survival and prosperity. The group also visited the Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) simulator and interacted with the RSN veterans and family members.
Mr Ong and the ACCORD members later boarded the RSN’s Formidable-class Stealth Frigate, RSS Intrepid, which was berthed alongside The Vivocity Promenade. They observed a milestone parade by the Naval Diving Unit (NDU), signifying a symbolic handover of duties from the Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) moving into MINDEF Reserve (MR), to a batch of divers who have just completed their full-time National Service (NSF).
In highlighting the significance of the RSN50@Vivo event, Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong, said, “Singapore is a maritime nation that depends on the seas for survival. The seas are as much our lifelines as they are our front line. As we mark 50 years of contributions to the defence of Singapore, we want to share our Navy story with all Singaporeans through RSN50@Vivo, to thank them for the strength and support they have given us.”
Key highlights of RSN50@Vivo
”Maritime Nation, Maritime Force” Gallery: Learn how the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force (SVNF) transformed itself into the Navy that we know today. From the raising of our naval ensign on 5 May 1967 to the International Maritime Review (IMR) in the Golden Jubilee year, see how the RSN has come of age through various trials and tribulations, and what the future holds.
Tour The Frigate: Visitors can hop aboard RSS Intrepid, to gain an insight into life at sea and see first-hand the various equipment and capabilities of the vessel. Only tickets for on-site balloting at VivoCity during the public days are available, and visitors may choose from two different walkthrough routes:
Route A will bring visitors to the bridge and showcase RSS Intrepid’s sharp-edge capabilities and advanced weaponry.
Route B allows visitors to step into the lives of the sailors by allowing a glimpse into the living quarters, dining room and galley.
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Fast Craft Utility (FCU) Rides: Through the stories of Tanjong Berlayer and Long Ya Men, visitors can experience the thrilling speed and agility of the FCU as it brings them out along the Southern coastline on a ride, complete with sea sprays. Tickets for the rides are only available for on-site balloting at VivoCity during the public days.
Defending Our Everyday 24/7: Go on patrol with the RSN’s latest Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) in a simulator as they stop an attack on a container ship in our waterways
Our Silent Hunters: Experience the difficulties and thrills as our silent service prepare to launch an attack on a hostile naval warship.
Sharp Edge of the Navy: Military geeks would not be disappointed as they come face-to-face with the RSN’s weapons and equipment. These include the 25mm Typhoon gun, Aster SAM system, Harpoon Anti-Ship missile, Combatant Craft Medium, K-STER Mine Disposal System, Heavyweight Torpedo and ScanEagle UAV.
Be a Naval Sailor: Kids can experience first-hand the work our sailors perform, by role-playing as a surgeon in the Rapidly Deployable Maritime Container, assist in damage control or scale a ladder as a member of the sea security team. Special kid-sized Navy uniforms are available at the “Dress Up in White” photo booth for them to take home a photographic souvenir.
Uniquely Navy: Visitors can learn about the different piping sounds, basic sailor-speak word, or even make their own keychain through ropework. Personalised bookmarks can be made too by converting your name into international maritime signal flags.
Ceremonial Sunset: One of the oldest naval traditions will be conducted daily at 6:50pm onboard RSS Intrepid as the sailors in their ceremonial uniforms will lower the ensign at sunset.
Performances: Twice a day at noon and 5pm, the Central Court at VivoCity will come alive with performances by the elite NDU and their boat physical training, precision drills by the National Cadet Corps and special performances by children from the People’s Action Party Community Foundation as they perform stories from the Ahoy, Navy! series of children’s books.
For more details of RSN50@Vivo, please visit https://www.mindef.gov.sg/navy/RSN50atVivo/ for more details, or keep up-to-date through the RSN’s Facebook page.