RSN COMMEMORATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH OPEN HOUSE

RSN COMMEMORATES 40th ANNIVERSARY WITH OPEN HOUSE


 



  1. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is commemorating her 40th anniversary by hosting a two-day Open House for the public at Changi Naval Base (CNB) from 26 to 27 May 2007. Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the opening of the event this morning. The main highlights of the Navy Open House include the Ship Handling Simulator, where visitors can try their skills at manoeuvring a warship, and visits to the RSN’s newly commissioned stealth frigate, the RSS Formidable.

 



  1. As a key NS 40 event, visitors can also view an exhibition showcasing  capabilities that the RSN has developed over the last 40 years, to learn more about the RSN's role in the defence of Singapore. Other interesting activities at the Navy Open House include games and sea rides. There will also be presentations by the Naval Diving Unit, as well as precision drill performances by the SAF Military Police Command, the SAF Band, the SAF Music & Drama Company, and various school bands. 

 



  1. The Navy Open House is open to the public from 9am to 7pm on 26 May 07 (Saturday) and 27 May 07 (Sunday). Visitors are advised to take the MRT or public transport to Singapore Expo before boarding the free shuttle bus to CNB. The shuttle bus services will run daily from 8.30am with the last bus to CNB departing Singapore Expo at 5pm. Members of the public intending to drive are advised to park at Singapore Expo, as cars without a valid pass (including taxis) will be denied access beyond the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal junction. This is to minimise congestion and also to ensure the safety and security of visitors to the Navy Open House.

 


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FACT SHEET FOR NAVY OPEN HOUSE


 


1.                              To commemorate the RSN's 40th Anniversary, the Republic of Singapore       Navy (RSN) will be hosting an Open House at Changi Naval Base.


 


26 May 07 (Sat)– 27 May 07 (Sun)


9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.


 


Getting There


 


2.                              Admission to the Navy Open House is free. Entry will be strictly  by the free     shuttle bus, available daily from Singapore Expo Hall 1.


 


First shuttle to Changi Naval Base 8.30 a.m.


Last shuttle to Changi Naval Base 5.00 p.m.


 


3.                              Visitors are advised to take the MRT or public transport to Singapore Expo.   Members of the public intending to drive are advised to park at Singapore Expo, as cars without a valid pass (including taxis) will be denied access  beyond the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal junction.


 


About the Navy Open House


 


4.                              The Navy Open House will showcase the development of the RSN and the capabilities that it has developed through the last 40 years, and provide a flavour of the direction it is taking as it transforms into the 3rd Generation     Navy. It will provide visitors an opportunity to come up-close and personal with many of the RSN's warships and weapon systems. Visitors will also be treated to two days of vibrant entertainment, exciting interactive games and  plenty of sea rides.


 


a.                              Ship visits.  One of the Open House favourites is the visits to our warships. Many of the RSN platforms will be open for visits. They include the Patrol Vessel (PV), Landing Ships Tank (LST), Missile Corvette (MCV), Missile Gunboat (MGB), and Mine Counter-measure Vessel (MCMV). For the first time, the public can also visit the Formidable-class Frigate. They will have a chance to visit the different areas of our warships, such as the bridge and living quarters.


 


b.                              Sea Cruises / Simulation Centre Visit.  Another popular activity with visitors is the sea cruises on board our RSN ships. Visitors may ballot for opportunities for a cruise on one of the RSN ships, which include the Anti-Submarine Patrol Vessel (APV), Missile Corvette (MCV), and Mine Counter-measure Vessel (MCMV). They will be able to see how a warship is operated, and appreciate the unique co-ordination required between the crew and the intricacies needed for the smooth running of a warship. This year, visitors can also  try their hand at navigating a ship in the Ship Handling Simulator. Slots for these rides / visits can be balloted through the coupons found in the programme booklet that visitors can pick up at the Navy Open House.


 


c.                              Sea Activities.  Visitors can take a ride on the Fast Craft Utility and enjoy panoramic views of the ships berthed at Changi Naval Base. They can also take a ride on the Navy's version of the “Duck Tour”. Fun rides on jet-skis, banana boats and Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats are also available for those who are not afraid of getting wet.


 


d.                              Exhibition.  Visitors can catch a glimpse of the developments of the Navy through the years, and its approach to becoming the 3rd Generation Navy. Many of the RSN's weaponry, ranging from the OTO Melara 76mm Guns to the Harpoon missiles, will be on display at the wharf. There will also be simulators in the exhibition area, where visitors can experience what it is like to be a naval combatant.


 


e.                              Fun zone.  Visitors can try their hand at more than 25 naval-themed games at the carnival stalls. Kids can enjoy themselves at the Inflatable Playground, while thrill seekers can try out the Bungee Trampoline, Bungee Run and Wave Surfing. Many other activities, like Face Painting, Henna Painting and Air Brush Tattoos, will also be available for visitors to enjoy.


 


f.                                Stage performance.  An interesting series of performances have been lined up, at the base's Parade Square, for those wanting a break from the hectic range of activities. Some of the programme that visitors can enjoy include the NDU Show, where naval divers will perform challenging exercise drills, live performances by SAF Military Police  Command (MP Comd),  the SAF Band, SAF Music & Drama Company (MDC), and various school bands.


 


Some Advice


 


5.                              Below are some pointers that will help visitors have an enjoyable time             at Navy Open House:


 


a.                              Do come in comfortable footwear and appropriate clothing. For your own safety while onboard ships, sandals and slippers are strongly discouraged. Ladies intending to visit the ships on display are advised  to wear trousers rather than  skirts and comfortable shoes instead of high heels, otherwise they may find it difficult to move around on-board the ships.


 


b.                              If you are intending to try out the fun rides, do bring along a change of clothing, in case you get totally wet.


 


c.                              The weather is expected to be quite hot. Do keep yourself hydrated and you are advised to bring a cap or something to protect you from the sun.


 


6.         We hope you have an enjoyable time at the Navy Open House!


 


MAP OF PICKUP POINT AT SINGAPORE EXPO
MAP OF EXHIBITS AND SHIP DISPLAYS AT RSN OPEN HOUSE