RSS Endurance in Iraq
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Seems that our sailors are doing OK down there. Let's hope it stays that way. Nice article, ChineseJunk. NDU, are you one of those down there?
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/singapore/story/0,4386,227476,00.html
Singapore forces patrol Iraqi coastline
160 RSS Endurance crew protect the Al Basra Oil Terminal as part of S'pore's efforts to help re-build Iraq
By David Boey
ABOARD RSS ENDURANCE (In the northern Arabian Gulf) - As Singaporeans get ready to usher in the new year, the crew of the RSS Endurance is gearing up for its next mission off the coast of southern Iraq.
The RSN Task Group on board this 141m-long landing ship tank, or LST, has completed three sea deployments of 10 or 11 days each since arriving in the Gulf in November.
Over the weekend, it started its fourth mission, patrolling the Iraqi coastline. Its job is to protect a vital installation at sea, patrol sea routes leading to Iraqi ports and deter smuggling.
Part of its task is to safeguard the Al Basra Oil Terminal, or Abot, just off the Iraqi coast.
This petroleum terminal can pump about US$60 million (S$102 million) worth of crude oil a day.
Concern that terrorists may try to disrupt its operations has prompted the coalition forces to assign two warships to protect the facility every day.
These guard ships maintain a safe zone around Abot, from which they stop and turn away unauthorised ships.
As the patrol area sits astride sea lanes leading to Iraqi ports, the task group also queries and inspects merchant ships and cargo dhows sailing in these waters.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sukhvinder Singh Chopra, who commands the task group, said: 'We board and inspect ships to verify that they are not contravening United Nations Security Council regulations, for example, in the area of oil smuggling and carriage of unauthorised weapons,' he said.
When a vessel is awaiting prosecution for breaching the rules, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) gives medical checks to the crew and provides water, rations and other essentials.
At the LST's rear, a helicopter deck serves as a landing platform for naval helicopters supporting the coalition's patrolling warships to land and re-fuel.
A sizeable number of Naval Diving Unit troops is on board, both to protect the task group and to search merchant vessels.
The unit's marksmen can use high-powered rifles to hit their targets precisely, while a 25mm naval gun provides greater firepower against seaborne threats several kilometres away.
RSS Endurance's presence in the Arabian Gulf is part of Singapore's contribution to the multinational effort to re-build Iraq.
Unless the Iraqi people can re-build their lives and re-integrate their country into the global community, there can be no stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East, said Singapore's Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean.
The Straits Times' visit to RSS Endurance and its 160 RSN men and women is the first time the Defence Ministry has allowed the Singapore media to witness RSN operations in the Gulf.
'The core of the crew deployed here has worked and trained together for some time. The crew was drilled in responses to small-boat threats and practised numerous drills that would prevent the spread of fire and flooding, in the event that we're engaged upon,' said Lt-Col Chopra.
During the northern winter, the sun sets at around 4.30pm and temperatures dip to as low as 10 deg C. Strong gusty winds whip up waves 2.5m high.
Winter operations here make it a real challenge when fast boats need to be launched to investigate other vessels.
RSS Endurance's commanding officer, Lt-Col Li Lit Siew, said his crew has coped well so far and their morale remains high despite the fast tempo of the operations.
Lt-Col Chopra said: 'Our task - in particular the protection of our ship, protection of the oil terminal, boarding, and health and comfort checks - is challenging and demanding, both physically and mentally.
'The crew has had to maintain round-the-clock vigilance against threats, performed in very cold wind chill as well as rough sea conditions common during winter in the northern Arabian Gulf.
'This demands the highest level of professionalism. They have shown tremendous dedication.' -
Very happy and proud to see Singaporeans and their tax money contributing directly to World Peace!!! We should have much more of this.
RSS Endurance is now operating as a Sea Control Ship? Well it's the perfect machine for the job. From what I saw on the news, it's looking somewhat exposed to terrorist attack though. Would have been better if they have a Fearless PV as company......
What's the 25mm gun mentioned in the news article? I can only recall 50 cal MGs and Mistral Simbad launcher.
This mission should see if their 65 crew manning is correct though I guess it must be proven in their round the world voyage.
Well good luck to LTC Chopra! He is probably the most experienced officer in RSN.......
Has Japan contributed any naval asset to OIF? I think RSN is the only one in Asia? If so, then we have one more big reason to be proud Singaporeans!
Wished they had better pics though? I don't know about the other members here but guys grabbing each other's chests in a steel room don't do nothing for me. -
Originally posted by Fairyland:
Would've have liked them to show some pics of our naval commandos in their crash-helmet gear, armed to the teeth
Wished they had better pics though? I don't know about the other members here but guys grabbing each other's chests in a steel room don't do [b]nothing for me.
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When ChineseJunk (D.B) returns, hope he will share some pics in this forum. -
i think they meant the 76mm OTO Melera.Originally posted by Fairyland:Very happy and proud to see Singaporeans and their tax money contributing directly to World Peace!!! We should have much more of this.
What's the 25mm gun mentioned in the news article? I can only recall 50 cal MGs and Mistral Simbad launcher.
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No, it might be the new 25mm NRWS (naval remote weapon station) from Singapore Technologies, based on the Rafael OWS on the M113 Ultras. The RSS Resilience has NRWS, and apparently so does the RSS Endurance. There are photos of the NRWS elsewhere on this forum. They are meant as a form of CIWS and for engaging small boats. It would be rather excessive to engage commercial or private shipping with the 76mm gun.Originally posted by MushyMaro:i think they meant the 76mm OTO Melera.
So, David Boey aka ChineseJunk, does the RSS Endurance also carry anti-ship missiles? That is what I am most interested in... -
i think theres a reason why there was scant mention of them and what they do, and why there were no pictures of them.Originally posted by IAF:Would've have liked them to show some pics of our naval commandos in their crash-helmet gear, armed to the teeth
When ChineseJunk (D.B) returns, hope he will share some pics in this forum. -
I understand there are torpedoes on board. But don't know if there's a triple tube or other form of launchers or maybe meant for choppers.Originally posted by dkhoo:No, it might be the new 25mm NRWS (naval remote weapon station) from Singapore Technologies, based on the Rafael OWS on the M113 Ultras. The RSS Resilience has NRWS, and apparently so does the RSS Endurance. There are photos of the NRWS elsewhere on this forum. They are meant as a form of CIWS and for engaging small boats. It would be rather excessive to engage commercial or private shipping with the 76mm gun.
So, David Boey aka ChineseJunk, does the RSS Endurance also carry anti-ship missiles? That is what I am most interested in... -
Originally posted by Fairyland:I understand there are torpedoes on board. But don't know if there's a triple tube or other form of launchers or maybe meant for choppers.
Endurance has sonar? Don't think they have torpedo launcher, not very good against oil smugglers. -
Think the 25mm RWS is the same Typhoon Gun onboard RSS Resilience.Originally posted by dkhoo:No, it might be the new 25mm NRWS (naval remote weapon station) from Singapore Technologies, based on the Rafael OWS on the M113 Ultras. The RSS Resilience has NRWS, and apparently so does the RSS Endurance. There are photos of the NRWS elsewhere on this forum. They are meant as a form of CIWS and for engaging small boats. It would be rather excessive to engage commercial or private shipping with the 76mm gun.
So, David Boey aka ChineseJunk, does the RSS Endurance also carry anti-ship missiles? That is what I am most interested in...
Also think RSS Endurance has no anti-ship missile, their job is to protect the peace not engage in a fight. That is logical with the addition of the Typhoon Gun for self protection.
Anyone knows if the Typhoon Gun is good against missile? -
I noticed there are some more fixtures either ahead or besides the radar mast.......they look like radomes?
Where is the Typhoon Gun located? On top of wheelhouse, or at top of hanger in front of HF loop antenna?
Not so clear in the pics.
Any idea what boats they brought along? I wonder if the Swiftsure class has been re-activated? Would be great if the sea is not too choppy. -
You know what would be great besides the LST and fastcraft? A RSAF Super Puma or two. Great for insertion onboard large ships or emergency medivac etc. With its large cargo capacity and flight radius and stability, I reckon the cats would enhance the operational capacity of the SAF taskforce even better.
Speaking of Super Pumas, does anyone know if the RSAF would be upgrading some of them to EC725 standard? -
It may not be economical to upgrade to EC725 std, but some form of avoinics upgrade, such as MFDs, has been in the pipeline for the RSAF. Don't know whether they have proceeded with it though...Originally posted by Laplace:You know what would be great besides the LST and fastcraft? A RSAF Super Puma or two. Great for insertion onboard large ships or emergency medivac etc. With its large cargo capacity and flight radius and stability, I reckon the cats would enhance the operational capacity of the SAF taskforce even better.
Speaking of Super Pumas, does anyone know if the RSAF would be upgrading some of them to EC725 standard? -
While, maybe we'll get some new airframes. It's high time a mature RSAF studies the feasibility of maintaining a CSAR capability with SAR specialists and all.Originally posted by warspite:It may not be economical to upgrade to EC725 std, but some form of avoinics upgrade, such as MFDs, has been in the pipeline for the RSAF. Don't know whether they have proceeded with it though...
Anyway back to the topic. Anyone knows if our LST is the only ship of its class to be operating in this role? I've always thought that most countries would use corvettes and frigates for offshore patrol and survillence. Is the LST the control ship for the coalition naval task force involved in maritime security? -
There have been a number of Super Pumas, especially some Cougars in Queensland, being fitted with FLIR. Maybe we should upgrade some of our Super Pumas with a refuelling probe for longer range SAR or CSAR.
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CSAR can be a niche role for RSAF to be a useful player in peacekeeping ops. A high risk mission that doesn't require alot of personnel - just right for Singapore!Originally posted by Laplace:While, maybe we'll get some new airframes. It's high time a mature RSAF studies the feasibility of maintaining a CSAR capability with SAR specialists and all.
Anyway back to the topic. Anyone knows if our LST is the only ship of its class to be operating in this role? I've always thought that most countries would use corvettes and frigates for offshore patrol and survillence. Is the LST the control ship for the coalition naval task force involved in maritime security?
I believe there maybe a need for an AC-130 gunship or the sorts too.
I think RSS Endurance is operating the same way that the US used to do in the Mekong? river delta with their Marines, river boats and LST as 'mother ship'.
I wonder why the Super Puma are not on board the RSS Endurance? Probably not up to the job........which leaves the NH90 or the MH70S? Will announce next month or two in AA2004? -
When I mentioned CSAR, I had the idea of rescuing our downed RSAF airmen in mind. Our pilots are very precious commodities; far more valuable than any aircraft we can buy.
As for the suitability of Super Pumas for maritime ops, I've seen an article whereby the French carried out an impressive commando raid exercise off the coast of Corsica involving Cougars, gazelles and the Foudre LSD. -
SAF is the best
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ooh today newspaper got pic of the 25mm Typhoon gun..anyone know its specifications? rate of fire, range, bla bla?
i know what is SAR but wads CSAR? -
If I am not wrong....it stands for Combat Search And Rescue.Originally posted by sgFish:i know what is SAR but wads CSAR? -
i think u shud be able to find its specs on the net easily.Originally posted by sgFish:ooh today newspaper got pic of the 25mm Typhoon gun..anyone know its specifications? rate of fire, range, bla bla?
i know what is SAR but wads CSAR? -
There you go....Originally posted by sgFish:ooh today newspaper got pic of the 25mm Typhoon gun..anyone know its specifications? rate of fire, range, bla bla?
http://www.rafael.co.il/web/rafnew/products/brochures/Typhoon_G.pdf[/url] -
Yup, that's what it stands for.Originally posted by wombat:If I am not wrong....it stands for Combat Search And Rescue.
The successful rescue of USAF F-16C pilot, Captain O'Grady by US marines is one example of CSAR. -
Originally posted by Fairyland:
From what I saw on the news, it's looking somewhat exposed to terrorist attack though. Would have been better if they have a Fearless PV as company......
What's the 25mm gun mentioned in the news article? I can only recall 50 cal MGs and Mistral Simbad launcher.
Hi All,
ChineseJunk went to see the Arab dhows.....
Coalition Warship 207 is one hard target. Take my word for it.
There's a limit to how much we can write without compromising opsec. I think it's prudent that we all not compromise the safety of the ship's company.
Even the Typhoon gun... I had to bargain for that one. That's why I could only use "25mm gun" in the first article and some of you thought I actually meant the 76mm A gun.
I somewhat suspect that anyone attempting a Tamil Tiger-style mass suicide boat attack will be in for some rather nasty surprises and will get to meet their god quickly.
All I can say is the ship is ringed with many, many weapons (typical KS Singaporeans
) and the ship has more MGs than you have fingers and toes. If you're not careful, you could trip over one while strolling on deck.
While I agree with some (only some, not all) of the sentiments expressed in the thread on Network Centric Warfare (i.e. IKC2) and the concerns in the discussion on Courageous, I think the Navy seems to have staffed and armed 207 properly this time.
Pity, can't tell the full story now. Maybe someday... who knows?
Fairyland: the request for better pix. Am working on it!
Have a great 2004.
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[quote]Originally posted by ChineseJunk:
I somewhat suspect that anyone attempting a Tamil Tiger-style mass suicide boat attack will be in for some rather nasty surprises and will get to meet their god quickly.
Amen to that! It'll be a personal pleasure to help those ragheads with this favor
Btw, thanks also for the pic of our naval commandos on pg 2 of Jan 1st 2004 straits times! -
eh? i tot db was on board that ship? is he still there?
oh um..how many of those 25mms are there on that ship? or are we not supposed to know?