#8
My visit to the recent Navy Open House 2013
The moment I saw the advertisement for the Navy Open House 2013 while on the way to work, I knew there and then, that I just HAD to make my way to Changi Naval Base for this annual event. Sure enough, they didn't disappoint.
Although the long queue wore us out before we even got to our destination, both Lina and I had a great time spent discovering what it takes to be behind the controls and the demanding duties of a Navy officer. The extremely hot day started with a tour of the "Experiential Zone" where we both got a chance to experience the inside of a submarine, put on the provided Navy uniforms and even perform our own surgical procedures! We also had a crash course in tying a Monkey's fist knot which was relevant in the Navy to be used as weight at the end of a heaving line. Countless of demonstrations were given by the hardworking Navy officers on duty on that day; be it for the actual technique of throwing a heaving line, to the shooting of military guns used in the battlefield. Our curiosity turned into awe while admiring the skills of our Singapore Navy's officers showing their prowess in their own separate fields.
We then made our way to the "Viewing Area" where a flock of vessels where docked magnificently one after another. Taking our time capturing pictures with our phones and admiring their beauty, we also managed to get sufficient information regarding the vessels and the purpose of each of them. The astounding number of people clambering in and out of the queue waiting to board and catch a glimpse of the vessels were the reason we decided to not take the time off to queue and rather, we placed our ballots for the sea cruise and by luck, were offered tickets!
The highlight of my day; the sea cruise on the Kallang-Class Mine Counter-Measure Vessel (MCMV). It was a heavenly and exhilarating 30 minute trip along the Singapore border. The guided tour served as an important reminder to us that these officers were basically guarding the Singapore seas with their lives. We also had the chance to go up close and personal with a 40 mm BOFOR gun.
After a whole 4 hours in the hot sun, we went off to find some shade and headed to the "Mission Zone" where we managed a ton of important knowledge and information regarding the weapons used on board the vessels and at base. Different types of missiles and guns were displayed thus, setting the visitors into a "picture-taking" frenzy (including us). Numerous others were also geared up to take photos with the fully-geared Navy officers, posing with the provided weapons of choice. As we left the area, we bumped into a female Navy officer and grabbed the opportunity to interview a seasoned female officer in the flesh. After a successful afternoon, we made our way to the end of the Open House and managed to (finally) have some refreshments before leaving. What better way to end the visit than to have some Ice Ball (or Air Batu Kepal), a traditional 50s/60s dessert!
At the end of the day, as we walked down the pathway, past the numerous tanks and heavily armed vehicles, we realized that we discovered the actual value of the defense sector in Singapore; how much defense plays such an important role in the security of Singapore in so many ways. This, made possible by the brave men and women of the Singapore Navy and other branches of Singapore's defense system. So much so, that there is a crucial need to develop awareness among the public to step up and respect the amount of effort put in to safeguard Singapore.
P.s.: we had a look at the foreign ships docked at the end of Changi Naval Base and found out the need to strengthen ties over the naval units.
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| A US Navy Seal with a visitor, on board the Kri Frans Kaisiepo. |
Till here then,
POSTED BY
AMALINA
MB1201