As a maritime nation, Singapore is heavily dependent on the sea for her livelihood. About 1,000 vessels sail through our sea lines of communication every day, carrying with them daily necessities such as food, energy and the many things we need for survival. Keeping vigilant at the frontline of Singapore’s maritime defence are men and women from the RSN, who have dedicated their lives to preserving the integrity of our territorial waters.

Beyond defending our sea lines of communication, the RSN also flies our flag high when participating in overseas deployments and humanitarian missions, expanding Singapore’s policy space and strengthening ties with like-minded nations.

Two officers committed to the mission of the RSN are CPT Lin Dianxue and CPT Tan Yi Jun. They share with us their roles in ensuring Singapore’s seaward defence and the opportunities they have received in their respective journeys with the Navy.

Fulfilling Their Roles

As Navigation Officer of the RSS Endurance (Endurance-class Landing Ship Tank), CPT Lin is responsible for planning the ship’s sea routes towards her destination. The planning process includes conducting sufficient research on weather and sea conditions, all to ensure the ship reaches her desired point in a timely and safe manner. In addition, he conducts trainings for his team to preserve high proficiency standards, as well as regular system checks to ensure their operational readiness.

He tells us of his role, “As officers, we have to shoulder huge responsibilities. Beyond ensuring the operational readiness of my team, I also need to ensure that my crew can reach their full potential by giving them opportunities to learn and grow. While my role has its fair share of challenges, I believe in giving my best and remaining humble all the time.”

CPT Lin Dianxue
Navigation Officer,
RSS Endurance (Endurance-class Landing Ship Tank)

Bachelor of Chemical Engineering,
National University of Singapore

For CPT Tan Yi Jun, Assistant Operations Officer of the RSS Formidable (Formidable-class frigate), her role allows her to assist in the preparation and conduct of trainings, exercises and operations. She also acts as one of the aircraft controllers to take charge of relaying vital information to the naval helicopters and other aircraft during exercises and operations.

Contributing to Efforts beyond Our Waters

A career in the Navy is coloured with rich experiences. Both CPT Lin and CPT Tan have had the opportunity to gain unique insights in their careers with the Navy.

For instance, CPT Lin recalls his deployment to the Northern Arabian Gulf as part of the multinational reconstruction efforts in Iraq. The operation required him to be on board the RSS Resolution (Endurance-class landing ship tank) for three months. He tells us, “We were at the Northern Arabian Gulf off the coast of Iraq to protect the Al Basra Oil Terminal. This was Iraq’s economic lifeline which accounted for 90 per cent of Iraq’s oil output.

“As one of the fast craft commanders, I was directly responsible for a crew of about 10 personnel in an uncertain and risky operational environment. Our training had prepared us well for the operation and we were able to complete the mission successfully. The experience enabled me to appreciate the importance of peace and security, something which we take for granted most of the time.”

For CPT Tan, her most memorable experience was during her participation in Exercise Bersama Lima, a major Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) joint exercise between Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. The exercise involved 58 airplanes, 15 ships and one submarine. CPT Tan was then the Assistant Navigation Officer of RSS Victory (Victory-class missile corvette).

She enthuses, “When our ship managed to hit all targets with our main gun, the euphoria of the ship crew reverberated throughout the day. Having seen their training sessions out at sea and with diligent maintenance, I was proud to see the crew’s combined efforts pay off in the major exercise.”

The Navy stands ready at all times to respond to threats and also extend a helping hand in various humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. “This was evident when our ships were deployed for the tsunami relief effort in 2004 and more recently the search and locate operation for AirAsia Flight QZ8501. These experiences and contributions are invaluable and defining moments for many of us.”

While every operation may be inherently unique, one thing remains consistent throughout all of RSN’s missions. It is that a close-knit crew is required to render operations successful.

CPT Tan tells us, “While we may all be responsible for different tasks, we are interdependent on one another to achieve a mission’s success. Out at sea, the ship is everyone’s home and we are all literally on the same boat. We look out for each other and the family spirit in here is strong.”

Making a Difference

CPT Tan hopes to be able to play a part in educating midshipmen and junior officers in the future. “After learning and gaining so much from the Navy, I hope to pay it forward by helping to build the competency of future Naval Officers and to inspire them to adopt the right mindset and attitude so that the Navy can continue to strive forward,” she shares

For aspiring scholars, CPT Tan advises, “Demonstrate the resilience and perseverance to achieve your goals, even in times of adversity. You must have the passion to excel and the grit to see it through.”

“I also look forward to command a ship one day and to lead my crew in defending Singapore’s sovereignty,” she says.

As for CPT Lin, he offers his word of advice for those who wish to follow their footsteps. He concludes, “The work of a Navy officer hardly follows a routine. Your career here will be an adventure that will challenge you to reach your fullest potential. It is important to always do your best, and never give up even when challenges seem overbearing. A career in the Navy will definitely allow you to make a positive difference in the lives of many.”