Wednesday, 5 July 2006

Singapore and New Zealand Navies conduct maritime exercises

Members of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will exercise alongside the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) during Exercise LION ZEAL over the period 10 - 14 July 2006. The exercise, which is based out of Devonport Naval Base, consists of both a sea and shore phase and will allow both Navies to develop closer ties and improve interoperability.

The aim of Exercise LION ZEAL is to strengthen the relationship and enhance mutual co-operation and understanding between the RSN and RNZN. Exercise LION ZEAL is an annual bilateral exercise and was first conducted in 1999.

Ten personnel from the RSN will participate in the exercise and will work alongside members of the RNZN on the HMNZS TE KAHA. The first phase of the exercise will be conducted on shore and will see the two Navies conduct professional exchanges and a one day planning and tactical gaming exercise. The second phase will be conducted at sea and will provide the RSN the opportunity to observe some of the RNZN capabilities including the Navy’s SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopter.

The opening ceremony, which is scheduled for 10 July at the Devonport Naval Base, will be jointly officiated by the RSN’s Commander Coastal Command, Colonel Tan Wee Beng and the RNZN’s Maritime Component Commander, Commodore David Anson.

Exercise LION ZEAL provides an excellent opportunity for the two nations to improve their inter-operability and to strengthen their professional ties. Besides interactions through exchange of courses and affiliation programmes, both forces also interact regularly through participation in the Five Power Defence Arrangement and other multilateral exercises.

ENDS

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