The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) plays a vital role in protecting the country. Better yet, it gives its servicemen the rare chance to see the world.

By Cheryl Lim

Staff Sergeant William Neo, a Naval Systems Specialist, was drawn to the Navy by its television commercials featuring the sun, sand, and sea. But more so, he was looking to widen his horizon.

“I wanted to go places. My interest was to see the world,” he enthused.

Of course, it helped that he had been awarded the SAF-ITE Sponsorship Scheme (SISS) during his second year at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). This programme not only gave him a monthly allowance and paid for the remainder of his school fees; it even paid him back for the fees incurred before signing on with the scheme.

“This really brought me through. It was tough managing work and studies,” William shared.

From strength to strength
After graduating with a Higher NITEC in Electrical Engineering in 1999, William joined the Navy and was assigned to the gunnery section.

Over the years, he has advanced from being an On-The-Job Trainee (OJT) to a Junior Rating, and finally a Petty Officer (PO) today.

“As an OJT, I didn’t know much about guns or machinery. It was the first time I had come into contact with these things, so I had to learn from scratch,” William shared.

However, with each progression, he had the chance to take on bigger duties and responsibilities. When he became a Junior Rating, he worked closely with his seniors, and came into contact with more varieties of ammunition.

“Slowly, I moved on to become a PO, where I took on more responsibilities and learned to delegate my duties. We’re trained to be leaders here,” said William, who spends about eight hours a day onboard the ship. “This is a period where I’ve seen a big change in me. Growing from taking orders, I now have to be responsible for a handful of people under me.”

Of arms and ammo
As a Naval Systems Specialist onboard the RSS Vigour, a RSN Missile Corvette, William manages a team of people, he conducts system checks and maintenance works. He even gets to operate weaponry when the RSS Vigour goes out to sea.

Overseas trips ranging from two to three days up to a whole week are a norm for Navy personnel. The length of each trip varies, depending on the exercises conducted, as well as the vessel’s training and operation schedule.

Meanwhile, overseas trips to regional countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand take less than a month while trips that involve a month of sailing are usually to further destinations such as India or Australia. Regardless of each trip’s duration, the purpose is clear—to hone servicemen’s skills, increase their proficiency levels and to learn the best practices from other navies of the world.

An old Viking tradition
Besides ensuring the security of Singapore’s sea lines of communications, the Navy also conducts a variety of maritime security operations to protect Singapore’s waters from potential terrorist attacks.

However, unbeknownst to many, there is an equally strong sense of camaraderie and appreciation for good humour amongst the Navy’s servicemen.

Take for instance a “regular” trip out at sea.

“We have this ‘Equator Crossing Ceremony’ which everyone gets to celebrate. Those who have not crossed the equator before have to dress up and go through an “initiation ceremony‘’ by seniors who have. It’s rather fun, and is one of the interesting things the Navy has but few know of,” William revealed.

This ceremony has its roots in an old tradition from the age of the Vikings, who believed that King Neptune’s kingdom lie just beneath the equator. Sailors believed that the ceremony would appease King Neptune and ensure them a safe voyage as they crossed the equator.

Of course, for the Navy, the ceremony is really about fun and games, being similar to initiation rites at a college fraternity.

However, don’t be too quick to scoff. These ceremonies are not frivolously impromptu. Planned in advance, they are often a highlight for all servicemen. Plus, you get a recognised certificate for being amongst the minority who can say they have literally crossed the equator before!

Personal growth: a surety
In line with its core values of enhancing leadership and professionalism, the Navy gives all servicemen equal opportunities for growth. Personal development courses such as “Speaking with Confidence” and “Understanding Body Language” are offered to all, regardless of level or rank.

Plus, besides giving servicemen the luxury of choosing which courses to attend, the Navy also provides such development courses as a constant, ongoing facet of each person’s career.

Ultimately, a naval career is neither desk-bound nor ship-bound. Servicemen who are inclined towards particular areas have options to pursue it in their vocation. For instance, someone whose strength lies in technical work can be a technician in the workshop. The Navy makes it a point to discover their servicemen’s talents and assigns them to relevant assignments—a win-win turnout for all.

Family onboard
William, married with two children aged two and four, finds time for his family after work and on weekends. However, his second “family” is, undeniably, his fellow servicemen on the RSS Vigour.

In the harbour, everyone works together for the good of the unit. Out at sea, each person, from the Commanding Officer to the most junior OJT, has his fair share of work and seeing the world.

“We always tell people we’re a family. Not a unit, not a battalion, but a family,” he said emphatically. “This is because when we sail, we’re responsible for each other’s life. This is how close-knit we are.”

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