SINGAPORE - The command of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) was handed over to Rear-Admiral (RADM) Lew Chuen Hong on Friday (June 16).

Outgoing Chief of Navy RADM Lai Chung Han, 44, passed the navy's symbol of command to RADM Lew, 41, at a change of command parade held at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base on Friday morning.

The parade was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim and attended by senior SAF officers, as well as servicemen and women from the RSN, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in a statement.

RADM Lew joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 1995 and was awarded the SAF Overseas Scholarship. During the course of his military career, some of the appointments he held included Commanding Officer of the Missile Corvette RSS Vengeance, Deputy Commander of the Maritime Security Task Force, Head Joint Manpower Department, Head Joint Plans and Transformation Department, and Fleet Commander.

He has held the appointment of Chief of Staff - Naval Staff since August last year.

Outside of the SAF, RADM Lew has served as Director of the Research & Enterprise Division in the Ministry of Trade & Industry.

RADM Lai, who joined SAF in 1992, has served as navy chief since 1 August 2014.

During his tenure, RADM Lai ensured that the RSN "maintained a high state of operational readiness and led the RSN to achieve mission success in both regional and international operations", said Mindef in its statement.

RADM Lai led the inter-agency Maritime Security Committee in enhancing measures against maritime terrorism and piracy, and also spearheaded the RSN's strategic redesign to structure, resource and deploy the RSN to meet future security challenges.