Best Units in the Singapore Armed Forces

Posted: 27 Jun 2007, 0000 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)

The Elite - Best Combat Unit: 1st Commando Battalion RSS VENGEANCE wins the Best Ship Award for the 2nd year running. >> More photos SAF Day Parade 2007 The Army's 1st Commando Battalion, the Republic of Singapore Navy's RSS VENGEANCE, and Republic of Singapore Air Force's 140 Squadron, have won the Best Combat Unit, Best Ship, and Best Fighter Squadron, awards respectively. In addition, 10 National Service (NS) units will also be recognised for outstanding performance during the last work year. President S R Nathan and Minister for Defence, Teo Chee Hean will present the awards on 1 Jul 07 during the SAF Day Parade at SAFTI Military Institute. The annual Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Best Unit and Best NS Unit Competition, introduced in 1969 and 1993 respectively, recognise units that have distinguished themselves in the areas of combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative excellence. The annual competition is based on a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation framework that charts a unit's performance over the work year. The annual competition seeks to encourage the combat readiness of SAF units and its formations while promoting esprit de corps and camaraderie among its soldiers. The Best Combat Unit 1st Commando Battalion won the Best Combat Unit for the 4th consecutive year and an unprecedented record of 21 times since the inauguration of the Best Unit Competition. Their dedication, esprit-de-corp, fierce fighting spirit and determination to strive for excellence have always bonded them as a close-knit unit. Leading the 1st Commando Battalion fighters to honour and glory is Commanding Officer Major (MAJ) Poh Boon Hock. The Commandos are trained to conduct specialised operations, playing crucial roles in protecting Singapore's sovereignty. The Commandos are well- trained to strike behind enemy lines using airborne landings, helicopter assaults and sea landings. They are also experts in infiltration and reconnaissance operations. The Best Fighter Squadron 140 Squadron has once again clinched the Best Fighter Squadron award for a record eleven times. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Vincent Leong Khum Keong, 140 Squadron which operates the F-16C/Ds, an advanced, multi-role fighter aircraft, provides vital air defence and interception against threats. The squadron also has a tradition of participating in the annual National Day Parade (NDP) flypast. The 140 Squadron is also renowned for its role in nurturing and producing the RSAF's Black Knights. In the past year, the squadron performed with distinction in key areas such as Ex Hotshot, the RSAF annual competition for gunnery and bombing. The squadron also participated in two major detachments during the work year to Korat, Thailand, and received accolades from the United States Air Force (USAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for their excellent performance in Ex Cope Tiger 07. The Best Ship RSS VENGEANCE has won the Best Ship Award for the second year running and third time overall in the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Best Ship Competition. Armed with a strong belief in excellence which is shared by all members of her crew, RSS VENGEANCE has consistently demonstrated her readiness in numerous operations and exercises, including those with foreign partners. Past highlights include the successful firing of her BARAK Anti-Missile System against two drone targets and excellent firing results during exercises. Commanded by MAJ Lew Chuen Hong, the ship was also conferred the People Excellence award, which recognises ships that have placed emphasis on professional training, as well as on overall development of staff, thus training their crew not just in professional areas, but also beyond their immediate job scopes. This reflects the ship's strong belief that people form the foundation for enduring success. NS Units Among the 10 Best NS Unit winners, one of the most consistent performers is 6 Signals Battalion. The battalion has clinched the Best NS Signal Unit for the twelfth time since 1994. Under the command of LTC Nadarajah Loganathan, 6 Signal Battalion provides the communication support requirements of the entire division. Driven by their Motto, "Swift and Effective", the commanders and men have always displayed a high level of professionalism, teamwork and fighting spirit in achieving their missions. During their last mobilisation, 6 Signal Battalion achieved 100% turn out. These operationally ready NSmen have consistently performed well and have showed their dedication to the nation, by always giving their full support and commitment to in-camp training. Despite juggling family and work, these NSmen have shown their dedication to the nation's defence.