Asia Pacific Defense Forum Winter 2005

- continued -

During a tour of the USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), RSN sailors watch a U.S. sailor demonstrate a metal cutting tool used for emergencies..
Photo by JOSN David Ham, USN

At-Sea Exercises
Aboard the RSS Resolution, the combined RSN-U.S. Navy staff made full use of CENTRIXS and PAC3T real-time computer systems. “When CENTRIXS was up and operating, it was fantastic because it was our lifeline to the U.S. Navy ships,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Kevin Borden, who was aboard the USS Resolution. CENTRIXS allowed the U.S. ships to discuss tracking and plotting with the combined staff on board the RSS Resolution.

“It’s rare to do cryptological training with another nation’s Navy. We [the RSN and U.S. Navy] have very similar capabilities, but our systems are generally not compatible,” said U.S. Navy IT1 Timothy Hess. When issues arose with CENTRIXS or PAC3T, the RSN and U.S. Navy information technicians found solutions together. “We were able to troubleshoot issues as a team,” added IT1 Hess.

Royal Nepalese Army Maj. Anupjung Thapa asks a question during the conference.
Photo by Lt. Kevin Borden, USN

During the underway phase of the exercise, the combined task group fired a missile against a surface target, and fired a gun and missiles at an air target simulated by a BQM-74E drone launched from the USS McCampbell. Other at-sea events included air defense, close-air support, and surface-action group and tactical free-play exercises.

While cutting-edge technologies and operations were the focal point for RSN-U.S. Navy combined operations, it was the personal interactions, teamwork, and exposure to operational and cultural differences that left the greatest impression. Some Singaporean naval practices differed from the U.S. Navy said IT1 Hess. “For instance, when you went to the mess decks, you served yourself. When you were finished, you washed your own plates and put them back in the cabinet. They didn’t have to have food service attendants because they policed themselves.” The U.S. Navy rotates its food service attendants as a temporary duty.

Commenting on his experience aboard the RSS Resolution, U.S. Navy OS1 Andrew Craft said, “There was a lot of camaraderie between the crew and the commanding officer of the RSS Resolution. It seemed as if the commanding officer only had to breathe an idea and the crew was on it.”

“This has been an incredible exercise and experience,” said RSN Col. Sim Tiong Kian. “There was very close cooperation between the ships of both navies in the planning phase ashore and execution at sea, as well as amongst members of the joint afloat Exercise Planning and Control Team in managing the battle rhythm.” He added, “Through extensive interaction between exercise participants at the professional and social level, interoperability and mutual understanding was achieved, which puts both navies in good stead for further collaboration in future exercises and operations.”

Capt. Little noted, “The combined command was a success on many levels and has laid the groundwork for future exercise opportunities during CARAT Singapore. I was honored to have the opportunity to work with Col. Ng Chee Peng aboard the RSS Resolution.”

.....