Commandos named Best Combat Unit 40th time

SINGAPORE – Since the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) introduced a competition in 1969 to recognise its best units, one battalion has consistently clinched top honours, with its latest victory earning it the title of Best Combat Unit for the 40th time.

The 1st Commando Battalion, which has now won the accolade for 23 consecutive years, will be among 18 active units and 12 national service (NS) units receiving awards from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing at the SAF Day Parade on July 1 at the SAFTI Military Institute.

In a statement from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on June 28, the unit’s commanding officer, Major Marcus Cheong, said the win reflects the “commitment of every serviceman” who has given his best to defend Singapore.

He added: “The men of 1st Commando Battalion understand the weight of the responsibility entrusted to us in defending the nation, and we do not take this achievement, or the peace and security Singapore enjoys, for granted.”

The elite unit, whose members wear the distinctive red beret, is trained for a range of missions, including airborne operations, reconnaissance and raids.

A commando smashes the window of a building at SAFTI City during an urban operations exercise on June 25. — A commando smashing the window of a building at SAFTI City during an urban operations exercise on June 25.

PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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Other active units that clinched awards include the RSS Punggol, which was named Best Maritime Security Unit, and 145 Squadron, which was named Best Fighter Squadron.

Crew members of the RSS Punggol, a mine countermeasure vessel, launching a K-STER on June 23. The K-STER is a remotely operated underwater mine disposal vehicle that can neutralise sea mines without putting personnel in danger.

PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

RSS Punggol commanding officer Major Chen Qinghe (middle) with underwater system operator Second Sergeant Goh Song Heng (left) and marine system supervisor Military Expert 2 Mukunthan Subramaniam in front of the vessel. RSS Punggol was named Best Maritime Security Unit. — RSS Punggol commanding officer Major Chen Qinghe (centre) with underwater systems operator Second Sergeant Goh Song Heng (left) and marine systems supervisor Military Expert 2 Mukunthan Subramaniam in front of the vessel. RSS Punggol was named Best Maritime Security Unit.

PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

An F-16 fighter jet from the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s 145 Squadron preparing to take off from Tengah Air Base on June 24. The squadron was named Best Fighter Squadron for the fifth time, having last won the title in 2014.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Weapon systems officer Captain Cheong Kah Fai (right) and pilot Major Ng Cheong Leong preparing for a flight in a kit room at Tengah Air Base on June 24. The two men are F-16 aircrew from 145 Squadron and also serve as instructors. — Weapon systems officer (Fighter) Captain Cheong Kah Fai (right) and pilot Major Ng Cheong Leong preparing for a flight in a kit room at Tengah Air Base on June 24. The two men are F-16 aircrew from 145 Squadron and also serve as instructors.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Among the NS units that will be honoured are the 9th Signal Battalion, which clinched the award for Best NS Signals Unit, and the 476th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment, which was named Best NS Armour Unit.

The competitions recognise units that have excelled in combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative excellence, said MINDEF.

They also serve to enhance mission excellence, professionalism and camaraderie among servicemen in the SAF units, it added.

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