1.         The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) successfully completed a five-day bilateral exercise, EX SINGAROO, with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) on 18 Jul 08.

2.         During the exercise, the RSN and RAN conducted a range of conventional warfare manoeuvres, including maritime surveillance, air defence and anti-submarine warfare. The ships involved in the exercise were the RSN's missile corvettes, RSS VIGOUR and RSS VENGEANCE; the RAN's guided missile frigates, HMAS ADELAIDE and HMAS TOOWOOMBA; and patrol craft, HMAS PIRIE. Providing anti-surface warfare support were the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and the Royal Australian Air Force's P3C Orion Long-range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

3.         There was also a shore phase of EX SINGAROO 08, which facilitated professional discussions among the participants of both countries.

4.         The opening ceremony on 14 Jul 08 was officiated by the RSN's Commanding Officer of the Missile Corvette Vessel Squadron, COL Timothy Lo, and the Commander of the RAN’s Patrol Boat Element Group, CAPT Vaughn Rixon.

5.         This year's exercise, the twelfth in the series, enhanced mutual understanding, promoted interoperability and strengthened professional ties between the two navies.

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