Passage Exercise with the Royal Brunei Navy

The Republic of Singapore's (RSN) Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Fearless conducted a passage exercise (PASSEX) with Darussalam-class Offshore Patrol Vessel KDB Darulehsan from the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) on 17 Jul 21. 

Conducted in waters off Brunei, the PASSEX was planned virtually and comprised communication serials, as well as a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) that saw both of our navies working together in a simulated man overboard rescue situation.

Tying down the details and method of execution for the PASSEX serials with their counterparts from KDB Darulehsan via virtual means.

Prior to the exercise, RSS Fearless also called into Muara, Brunei on 15 Jul to commemorate the 75th birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam.

Bearing 075! Keeping a close watch at his ship's disposition from KDB Darulehsan during the manoeuvring exercise (MANEX) serial.

RSS Fearless' Communication System Operators hard at work during the publication exercise (PUBEX) serial. This serial requires both ships' operators to refer to common communication publications and tests their ability to respond efficiently and accurately.

Communication serials such as MANEX and PUBEX allow both ships' crew to enhance mutual understanding and prepare for more complex serials out at sea.

Progressing to the Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX) serial where both ships launched their respective rigid-hull boats (RHBs) to rescue simulated casualties.

Keeping a close eye on the simulated man overboard! Fear not – help is on the way!

During a "crisis" out at sea, communication is key. Building from the experience gained from the communication serials, we were able to coordinate and execute the search and rescue effectively!

A beautiful day to exercise with our RBN friends - concluding the PASSEX with a sailpast! 

Commanding Officer (CO) RSS Fearless MAJ Chew Chun Cheong exchanging pleasantries with his counterpart CO on board KDB Darulehsan – wishing them Fair Winds & Following Seas, till we meet again!

The RSN enjoys excellent relations with the RBN and conducts regular exercises and PASSEXes together. Despite not being able to interact face-to-face due to COVID-19, we are glad that we can continue strengthening our close friendship and mutual understanding out at sea together.  

Photos courtesy of MAJ Chew Chun Cheong, CPT Justin Ang, CPT Calvin Leong, 2LT Toh Jie Hui, and ME1 Crystal Toh.