Strengthening Cooperation in Maritime Security Operations with Indonesia and United States

Our Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessel (MSRV) Bastion conducted the inaugural trilateral passage exercise (PASSEX) with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Legend-class cutter USCGC Stratton and the Indonesia Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) KN Belut Laut earlier this week.

The ships conducted a series of communication and manoeuvring serials as well as a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) within international waters in the southern reaches of the South China Sea.

The safe execution of the manoeuvres required the collective effort of all ships to maintain constant awareness of each others' positions.

"Standby, Standby, Execute!" MSRV Bastion (foreground) working with our partners USCGC Stratton (background) and KN Belut Laut (right) to execute the signals promulgated during the manoeuvring exercise.

MSRV Bastion's bridge team maintaining a visual lookout while USCGC Stratton's rigid hull boat (RHB) recovered the man overboard during the Search and Rescue Exercise.

The crew from MSRV Bastion were hosted on USCGC Stratton during the PASSEX as part of a sea rider exchange. Assistant Operations Officer of MSRV Bastion, CPT Tay Bing Sen said, "It was an honour to have had the opportunity to embark on USCGC Stratton. The experience proved enlightening as we gained insight on their diverse operations and invaluable Search and Rescue methods."

Our sailors lined the deck to bid farewell to our friends at sea. Wishing them "Fair Winds and Following Seas!"

Such passage exercises enable the RSN to maintain warm ties, strengthen mutual understanding, and enhance interoperability with other maritime enforcement agencies. Looking forward to future partnerships at sea!

Photos courtesy of LTA Jarryl Yeo and ME1 Charlton Tan from MSRV Bastion.