Two Republic of Singapore Navy helicopter landing ships, RSS Endurance and RSS Endeavour, which were deployed to Sumatra more than three weeks ago for humanitarian relief work in Meulaboh, returned to Singapore today. 

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, senior MINDEF officials and SAF officers, and family members of the returning SAF personnel were at Changi Naval Base to welcome the servicemen and women home. 

With the return of the helicopter landing ships, the SAF has completed the redeployment of most of its personnel and assets back to Singapore. At the request of the Indonesian Government, three SAF Chinook heavy lift helicopters will remain in Indonesia to support the critical needs of the Indonesian authorities and the TNI in the recovery phase.  

As the relief work in Indonesia transitions from the emergency relief to the recovery phase, Singapore’s humanitarian assistance in Meulaboh and Banda Aceh will be spearheaded by non-governmental organisations, relief agencies and volunteer groups such as the Singapore Red Cross and Mercy Relief.