The Australian Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral (VADM) Mark Hammond, was honored with Singapore’s prestigious military award, the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to VADM Hammond at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening ties between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
During VADM Hammond’s leadership, both navies engaged in various activities such as high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses, and professional exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing operational readiness. The bilateral and multilateral exercises, including Exercise Singaroo, Exercise Trident, and Exercise Kakadu, further solidified the cooperation between the two navies.
VADM Hammond’s unwavering support for Singapore-hosted information-sharing initiatives, like deploying an Australian International Liaison Officer to the RSN’s Information Fusion Centre, significantly contributed to regional maritime security efforts. His visit to Singapore from 13 to 16 October 2024 included meeting with Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, calling on Dr Ng, and engagements with Chief of Defence Force VADM Aaron Beng.
As part of his itinerary, VADM Hammond addressed students at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College at the SAFTI Military Institute and visited Tuas Naval Base and Changi Naval Base. These interactions not only recognized VADM Hammond’s achievements but also highlighted the strong military cooperation between Australia and Singapore, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in maritime security and defense.
The Meritorious Service Medal (Military) reflects VADM Hammond’s dedication and commitment to fostering relationships and enhancing operational capabilities between the RAN and RSN. His visit underscored the shared values and strategic interests that underpin the defense ties between the two countries, setting a positive tone for future collaborations in the maritime domain.
Overall, VADM Hammond’s receipt of the prestigious military award serves as a testament to the enduring partnership and mutual respect between the Australian and Singaporean navies. The recognition symbolizes the shared commitment to regional security and stability, showcasing the vital role of military diplomacy in strengthening international relationships and safeguarding maritime interests.
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