SINGAPORE, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Singapore navy frigate RSS Steadfast is leading two other warships in a multinational group sail from Japan's Okinawa to Hawaii to participate in the Rim of Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, said the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Tuesday.
The Singapore navy conducted naval warfare serials with the two other naval ships en route, in preparation for the high-intensity sea phase during Exercise RIMPAC.
RSS Steadfast, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, led the conduct of helicopter operations, surface warfare drills, gunnery firings as well as manoeuvring and communications serials. The exercise serials enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding among the naval ships, MINDEF added.
Started in 1971 and held every two years, the U.S.-led RIMPAC will be conducted in the waters off Hawaii from July 1 to August 5. This is the fifth time that the Singapore navy will be participating in the exercise.
Exercise RIMPAC, as well as the multinational group sail component, serve as important avenues for Singapore navy to sharpen its combat proficiencies and deepen professional ties and interoperability with the other participating navies, the ministry said.
