Asia Pacific Defense Forum Winter 2004

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Photo by PFC Thomas D. Hudzinski, USMC

“I believe community relations is one of the most important agenda items during the CARAT exercise,” emphasized RSN Capt. Tey Beng Chong, who organized the community service event. “From the cooperation I experienced working with Chaplain Peyton as we organized this activity to what you have seen today, with our military men working together to help the community, the spirit of cooperation between us has been clear and powerful.”

A Singapore soldier and a U.S. Marine practice techniques for entering and clearing rooms during a MOUT exercise.
Photo by PFC Thomas D. Hudzinski, USMC

After carrying the trash bags to rubbish bins, Capt. Tey told the group, “The community appreciates your hard work, and to convey our appreciation, we have provided lunch and have arranged for bicycles you can use to enjoy our beautiful park.”

“This park is next to a busy port area, and constant effort is required to keep the beach clean,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Walter Howell. “I think it’s great that U.S. and Singapore forces have the opportunity to work together and lend a hand to the community.”

“We had some great interaction between Singapore Army and Navy personnel and U.S. Marines and sailors,” said U.S. Marine Maj. Matthew McDivitt. “This was a very successful evolution.”

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