SINGAPORE – Those who have always wondered what it is like to work and live on the high seas can get a taste of navy life this November, as the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) brings back its signature community outreach event after four years.
Members of the public will get to board one of the RSN’s largest ships, and take a fast craft ride to see Singapore’s southern coastline, when Navy@Vivo23 returns to VivoCity shopping mall from Nov 17 to 19.
The 141m-long Endurance-class landing ship tank (LST), RSS Endeavour, will be berthed alongside the VivoCity Promenade for visitors to board and learn about its roles and capabilities and what it takes to operate the vessel.
An S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter will be on display on its flight deck.
Lieutenant-Colonel Leong Mingjie, who heads the sea segment of Navy@Vivo2023, said it had been eight years since an LST last sailed into VivoCity, and that the crew were very excited to invite visitors on board to understand what they do.
On board the RSS Endeavour, visitors can expect to see accommodation areas for the 81 crew members; the upper deck, where they can get a good view of the ship’s main gun, the 76mm Oto Melara; and the bridge of the ship, where the ship is commanded.
Those visiting the ship or VivoCity around sunset during the three-day exhibition can witness the naval tradition of the ceremonial sunset, with a military band and RSN personnel marching in uniform, before lowering the flag to signify the end of the day.
From RSS Endeavour, visitors can board a fast craft utility for a ride along the coastline. They can expect stunning views of the Singapore skyline as they sail past key maritime landmarks such as Tanjong Berlayer, Pulau Bukom, and the Keppel and Brani container terminals.
The fast craft utility is used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies from ship to shore.
At the VivoCity Amphitheatre, visitors can catch physical training demonstrations by the Naval Diving Unit using an inflatable boat, naval-themed performances by the SAF Central Band, and performances by the SAF Music and Drama Company.
Younger visitors can also enjoy storytelling sessions at library@harbourfront, where men and women from the navy will be reading stories from the Ahoy, Navy! series of children’s books.
While the Navy@Vivo23 event is free, members of the public will have to ballot for tickets for the LST ship visit, fast craft ride, and some activities such as the amphitheatre performances and children’s storytelling sessions.
Those without tickets have free access to exhibitions at the Central Court of VivoCity to learn more about the importance of the sea to Singapore, and the role the RSN plays in safeguarding the Republic.
This year, a new submarine exhibit will show how underwater operations are conducted, and visitors can use virtual reality simulators similar to those used by the navy for training. There will also be an immersive theatre experience for visitors to learn how the navy conducts warfare against surface, air and underwater threats.
Military Expert 7 Koh Cheok Wei, chairman of Navy@Vivo23, said the exhibition seeks to underscore the importance of unimpeded movement across the sea to Singapore’s survival, and the navy’s crucial role in keeping these sea lines of communication secure and open.
“While our mission to keep Singapore safe has remained the same over the years, the environment in which we operate is constantly evolving,” he said.
“The Republic of Singapore Navy has embarked on a journey of transformation in order to remain ready and relevant today and for the future.”
To that end, the RSN has launched new platforms such as the Invincible-class submarines, and is making inroads in unmanned technology, he said. “Aspects of this transformation will be put on display at Navy@Vivo this year.”
The event was paused during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the last edition having been in 2019. Navy@Vivo23 will be open from 9am to 9pm.
For more details on the exhibition and to ballot for tickets, go to https://go.gov.sg/NV23
Balloting closes on Oct 22.
