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RSAF NINTH CORE VALUE - TEAM SNVF. Parading in smartly starched white
EXCELLENCE uniforms, they were to witness for the first
time the raising of the new white-and-red
naval ensign that bore the nation’s crescent
moon and five stars and an eight-pointed
mariner’s star. Ensign is fluttering softly in
the wind, that day was to go down in history
as the beginning of the Singapore Navy
(although the name, Republic of Singapore
Navy, was only adopted on 1 April 1975).
Like the young nation of Singapore, the
Singapore Navy was born in tumultuous
Team Excellence was added as a ninth core times. The separation from Malaysia had just
value in the RSAF on 5 Jan 2011. It was taken place. Many did not give Singapore
announced by then Minister of State for much chance of surviving, let alone
Defence and Information and the Arts, Mr prospering. However, the government and
David Lim. Team excellence is critical to the people remained undaunted and resolute.
rd
3 Generation Air Force. The team must have They were determined for Singapore to
a good mix of seniority and experience. The succeed and to protect the independence that
three Officer Corps – Officers, Warrant was thrust upon them. With memories of
Officers and Military Experts across the World War II and Konfrontasi fresh in their
RSAF worked closely together to fulfil minds, securing the fledgling nation’s
various missions. sovereignty was never more pressing.
Security was of utmost priority. There was
hardly any defence force. All Singapore had
RSN HUMBLE BEGINNING at independence were two army battalions and
two wooden ships. There was no Air Force.
Singapore had to build its defence force from
scratch. It was a Herculean task, made even
tougher when the British announced in
January 1968 that by the end of 1971, they
would pull out of their military bases east of
the Suez. The hope that the British would stay
on to give Singapore time to build up a
credible defence force was shattered. The
nation had to defend itself on land, in the air
5 May 1967: Ensign hoisting ceremony at RSS and at sea. It had to build up its defence forces
Singapura, the headquarters of the Singapore
Naval Volunteer Force (SNVF). fast.
It was 5 May 1967. Contingents of men and With Singapore surrounded by water, the
women from the Singapore Naval Volunteer need for a Navy was clear. Aside from
Force (SNVF) stood proudly at attention at securing its sovereignty, the Republic also
RSS Singapura, the Headquarters of the had to combat threats posed by sea robbers
