The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has deployed a task group in support of international counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden for the fourth time.
The 145-strong SAF task group comprises the Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class stealth frigate, RSS Intrepid, with a Republic of Singapore Air Force Sikorsky S70B Seahawk naval helicopter on board.
During its three-month deployment, the SAF task group will operate under the aegis of the multinational Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and undertake operations to disrupt piracy activities in the Gulf of Aden. The task group will be led by Colonel Frederick Chew.
At the send-off ceremony held at Changi Naval Base on Tuesday, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Ng Chee Peng emphasised the importance of the mission and Singapore’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Aden.
RADM Ng said: “The Gulf of Aden is a key waterway that sits astride one of the major sea lanes of the world. It is one of the principal routes linking North America and Europe with the Asia Pacific.”
RADM Ng also noted that the deployment would provide the SAF the opportunity to gain valuable operational experiences in a multinational setting.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 