Republic of Singapore Navy Conducts Passage Exercise with Royal Navy's Carrier Strike Group

On 26 Jul 2021, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted a contactless passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Royal Navy (RN)'s Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group, which comprises aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, frigates HMS Kent and HNLMS Evertsen, destroyer USS The Sullivans, as well as replenishment tanker RFA Tidespring. 
    
During the PASSEX, RSN's frigate RSS Intrepid, littoral mission vessel RSS Unity, and landing ship tank RSS Resolution conducted a series of communication and manoeuvring exercises in the international waters in the southern reaches of the South China Sea. In addition, RSS Intrepid took part in a replenishment-at-sea drill with RFA Tidespring. 

"Standby… mark! Bearing 025! Lateral 120 metres." RSS Intrepid preparing for a Replenishment-at-Sea Approach with RFA Tidespring.

RSS Unity crew deciphering a message during the communication exercise.

The RSN conducts regular PASSEXes with foreign navies to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen friendship with other navies. These professional interactions at sea have enabled the RSN to keep our ties warm with our navy counterparts, especially amidst the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

This is the first time the RN's Carrier Strike Group has been deployed to the Asia-Pacific region. The Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group passed through the Singapore Strait on 26 Jul 2021. The RFA Tidespring also made a port call at Singapore from 23 to 25 Jul 2021 to conduct contactless replenishment.

Formed up during the PHOTOEX. From left to right: HMS Queen Elizabeth, RSS Resolution, and HNLMS Evertsen.

Photos courtesy of Lt Cdr Jay Barlow and Lt Lee Colthart from The Royal Navy, CPT Joshua Chen from RSS Unity, and ME4 Liong Chun Hoong and ME2 Joseph Ang from RSS Intrepid.