FORMER COMMANDER OF UNITED STATES PACIFIC COMMAND RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MILITARY AWARD
The Commander of United States Central Command, Admiral William Fallon, was conferred Singapore’s prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera), or the Meritorious Service Medal (Military), by Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at an investiture ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence this morning. The Meritorious Service Medal (Military) was awarded to Admiral Fallon, who was Commander of the United States Pacific Command from February 2005 to March 2007, in recognition of his significant contributions in enhancing and expanding the excellent ties between the United States Pacific Command and the Singapore Armed Forces.
Under Admiral Fallon’s leadership, professional co-operation between the United States Pacific Command and the Singapore Armed Forces has grown substantially. The two forces have embarked on new interactions in the areas of maritime security, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while existing interactions have also deepened. Visits, exchanges and the cross-attachment of personnel have expanded, and the relationship between both forces has been enhanced through regular dialogue and exchange of views at the Pacific Command-Singapore Armed Forces Annual Staff Talks, service-to-service conferences and meetings.
Admiral Fallon, who is in Singapore from 8 to 9 November 2007, also called on Minister Teo and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek prior to the investiture ceremony. As part of his visit, Admiral Fallon will also be calling on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana later today.
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