SAF Honours its Best Units

The Singapore Army's 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn), the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s RSS Indomitable and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s 142 Squadron (SQN) have clinched the Best Combat Unit, Best Maritime Security Unit and Best Fighter Squadron awards respectively in this year's Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Best Unit Competition. In total, 18 active units and 12 National Service (NS) units are recognised for their outstanding achievements in their respective formations. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen will present the awards to the winners at the SAF Day Parade on 1 July 2024 at the SAFTI Military Institute.

1 Cdo Bn achieved the Best Combat Unit in the SAF Best Unit Competition for the 21st consecutive year, winning the award a record 38 times since the introduction of the competition in 1969. Trained to operate deep within enemy territory, the SAF Commandos are renowned for their high proficiency in specialised competencies such as airborne operations, reconnaissance, and raid missions. Commanding Officer (CO) of 1 Cdo Bn, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Kok Yi Long said, "Being a Commando means daily commitment to the culture of excellence. Everything we do, we do to the best of our abilities. We strongly believe that our people are our mission - we train our people well, and they will take care of the mission. Commando operations are tough in nature, and we get the brightest and best young men to join the Commando formation. In training, we instil the values of discipline, hard work, and camaraderie. It is in the DNA of every Commando to be motivated and competent to complete the mission.

The year's Best Maritime Security Unit goes to the Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), RSS Indomitable. This is the ship's first time winning the award. RSS Indomitable displayed high operational readiness and availability, including being deployed at sea for over 80 days in the past year. Despite the busy operational schedule, RSS Indomitable continued to maintain her innovative spirit with no less than seven safety initiatives. Two of these safety initiatives were awarded the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) Outstanding Safety Individual Award in WY23/24. The ship also took home the MSTF People Excellence Award for a second year in a row, which recognises units with strong cohesion and healthy work culture. Together with her sister ships, the LMVs conduct 24/7 patrols in the Singapore Strait to ensure maritime security and defend our maritime interests. The Commanding Officer of RSS Indomitable, MAJ Liew Hui Xin, Jaime attributed the achievement to the ship crew's dedication and professionalism. She said, " If anything, this award seals my belief that it is truly the little things that matter - the extra hour we put into training, the small acts of care we provide for each other, and a strong emphasis on family spirit, which lifts us up on difficult days and makes it possible to keep going."

The RSAF's 142 SQN has won the Best Fighter Squadron for 2024. This award marks 142 SQN's third win since its inception in 1974 - it also clinched the best fighter squadron award in 2001 and 2019. 142 SQN, operating the F-15SG, conducts a wide spectrum of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, and maintains a high state of operational readiness and standards to support Singapore's 24/7 air defence operations. Beyond the daily training and operational duties, 142 SQN also participates in various local and overseas exercises to sharpen its combat edge, strengthen integrated operations across the SAF, and hone its personnel's professional competencies. The fighter squadron also responded expeditiously to the alleged bomb threat on Scoot flight TR16, where two F-15SGs were activated and escorted the flight to land safely in October 2023. Commanding Officer of 142 SQN, LTC Wilson Wee, said, "We are deeply honoured to be awarded the best fighter squadron title. This is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and team spirit of each member in our squadron. As we celebrate this achievement, the squadron will continue to strive for excellence and serve with a sense of purpose towards the defence of the nation. We are grateful for the strong support from 7 Air Engineering and Logistics Group and the wider Paya Lebar Air Base, whose support have been inspiring and unwavering."

The annual SAF Best Unit and Best NS Unit Competitions were introduced in 1969 and 1993 respectively to recognise units which have excelled in the areas of combat readiness, operational proficiency, and administrative excellence. The units are assessed based on a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process over the past year. The competitions also serve to enhance mission excellence, professionalism, and camaraderie among servicemen in the SAF units.