June 20, 2025
SINGAPORE – The Singapore and US navies on June 18 concluded a 12-day bilateral exercise that was held in Guam and its surrounding waters.
This was the fifth edition of Exercise Pacific Griffin, which began on June 7, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on June 19.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) took part in the exercise with the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, and the Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Sovereignty.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) participated with two Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and six F-16 fighter aircraft.
The United States Navy (USN) participated with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS William P. Lawrence, the T-AKE oiler USNS Charles Drew and a P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
Naval divers from both navies also took part.
During the exercise, the two navies conducted a series of advanced naval warfare serials, including live missile and gunnery firings, as well as a simulated air defence exercise and simulated encounter exercises.
The RSAF aircraft engaged in a series of sea-air missions, aimed at strengthening sea-air integration.
Meanwhile, naval divers from the RSN participated in maritime explosive ordnance disposal and maritime counter-terrorism operations training.
The commander of the RSN’s First Flotilla, Colonel Daniel Ng Kok Yeng, said that Exercise Pacific Griffin is “a valuable opportunity” for both navies to enhance their mutual cooperation and understanding.
“The vast training space in the waters off Guam provides us with the opportunity to hone our war-fighting capabilities,” he added.
Deputy Commodore of the USN’s Destroyer Squadron 7, Captain John Baggett, said: “We have a firm commitment to our partners in this region and a partnership with Singapore that spans nearly six decades.
“Pacific Griffin is one of many technologically robust training opportunities we participate in throughout the year that allows us to build dynamic competencies as an integrated maritime force.”
Mindef said the exercise highlights the strong navy-to-navy relations between Singapore and the US, as well as the excellent, longstanding bilateral defence ties between both countries.
Apart from bilateral exercises, both navies engage in a wide range of activities, including professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and participation in multilateral exercises, the ministry added.