Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

2.         I am pleased to be here this evening to present the SAF Overseas Service Medal and Certificates of Commendation to Republic of Singapore Navy personnel who had participated in peace support operations in Iraq from Nov 04 to Mar 05.  Singapore’s continued contributions to such multi-national peace support operations demonstrate our commitment as a responsible member of the international community.

3.         In Nov 2004, our servicemen and servicewomen set sail for the Northern Arabian Gulf on RSS RESOLUTION to participate in the multi-national effort for the reconstruction of Iraq.  The ship began its duties as part of the multi-national protection force tasked to protect Iraq’s main seaward terminal for oil export, the Al Basrah Oil Terminal or ABOT for short.  RSS Resolution was subsequently assigned the responsibility of leading the Task Group.  Our sailors stood up to the test, operating in one of the coldest winters and roughest seas the region had seen in decades.  They carried out their mission well, in an area where the threat of terrorist attacks by small boats was real.  The RSN also deployed for the first time the PROTECTOR Unmanned Surface Vehicle to augment manned patrols and for visual identification of small boats.

4.         The ability to carry out such demanding operations in challenging and unfamiliar conditions reflects the high standard of professionalism of our people.  Our tough and realistic training helps to ensure that our servicemen are able to rise to the occasion and keep the Singapore flag flying high when called upon. I was able to see for myself the demanding nature of the operations conducted by you in the Gulf, and was proud that you were discharging your duties well.

5.         For those of you receiving the SAF Overseas Service Medals and Certificates of Commendation this evening, I congratulate you on your fine performance and the successful completion of your mission.  You have demonstrated your professionalism, commitment and tenacity in the face of adversity, and you have done the SAF and Singapore proud.  MINDEF appreciates your valuable contributions.  I am sure that this experience will provide you and your units valuable lessons to further enhance your professional knowledge and operational readiness. 

6.         On behalf of the Government and the Ministry of Defence, I would especially like to express my appreciation to the families of our servicemen and servicewomen for the support and the sacrifices that you have made while your loved ones carried out their duties in the service of the nation.  You can be immensely proud of their achievements and also how your support has contributed to the success of this mission.

            Thank you.

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