Passage Exercise with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) continues to cooperate with friends at sea to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen friendships. 

Yesterday, our Formidable-class frigate RSS Intrepid and Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Sovereignty conducted a passage exercise (PASSEX) with the People's Liberation Army Navy [PLA(N)]'s destroyer Guiyang and frigate Zaozhuang in the southern reaches of the South China Sea within international waters. 

Planned virtually, the ships conducted a series of drills employing the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea. In addition to the manoeuvring and communications exercises, the two navies also worked together to respond to a simulated joint search and rescue mission. The exercise concluded with a sailpast at sea. 

(From left to right) RSN's RSS Sovereignty, PLA(N)'s Zaozhuang and RSN's RSS Intrepid during the conduct of the simulated joint search and rescue exercise. (Photo courtesy of People’s Liberation Army (Navy))

Crew of RSS Intrepid keeping a close watch during the simulated joint search and rescue mission. (Photo courtesy of 2LT Erwin Per, RSS Intrepid)

We wish our PLA(N) friends fair winds and following seas – and we hope to exercise together again in the future!