When one thinks of those who sail upon the sea, a handful of qualities comes to mind. Intrepid character, resourcefulness, and fortitude. Indeed, our RSN servicemen and servicewomen must possess a certain grit and strength of character, especially when Singapore’s security and sovereignty rests upon their shoulders as they carry out their tasks at sea.

The RSN never lets its guard down, safeguarding Singapore’s territorial waters even in times of peace. Should an aggressor emerge, it remains ready to secure a swift and decisive victory at sea and preserve the integrity of our maritime borders. Be it in peace or war, the RSN is always ready. The RSN maintains a vigilant watch over our waters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, never letting its guard down.

We speak to ME4 Tony Tan and ME2 Winnie Lai to find out what inspired them to serve in the Navy, and how it has provided them with innumerable opportunities and challenges to learn and grow.

An Exciting Career

As a lead engineer in the Force Readiness Squadron, ME4 Tan ensures that the RSN ships’ systems are always at the highest state of readiness. He oversees all aspects of the ships’ engineering and logistics, including requirements during the pre-deployment, in-theatre, and post-deployment phases.

He explains, “I focus on the area of systems and platform engineering, providing logistical support for the corrective maintenance of any system defects. It is also my job to make sure that all defects are promptly addressed.

ME4 Tony Tan Tiong Hock
Lead Engineer, LST/SC,
Force Readiness Squadron

Bachelor in Engineering (Honours),
University of New South Wales, Australia

Diploma in Electronics,
Computer and Communication (Merit),
Singapore Polytechnic

“My crew and I ensure that the systems and platforms are always operational through careful planning of maintenance phases. In addition, we are responsible for making sure all planned modifications and obsolescence management programmes are carried out in order to maintain the operational readiness of the ship.”

ME4 Tan started his career as a navigation specialist onboard RSS Resolution (Endurance-class Landing Ship Tank). Through hard work and determination, as well as consistently good performance at work, the RSN offered him the opportunity to be upgraded and sponsored to pursue his overseas degree in 2011. ME4 Tan shares, “I am extremely grateful to the RSN for giving me the opportunity to upgrade myself and contribute at a greater capacity. I am just one of many who have benefitted from daily work experiences and opportunities during my service in the RSN. More importantly, I also got to experience the Navy family spirit.”

As a weapon control systems supervisor on board the RSS Steadfast (Formidable-class Frigate), ME2 Lai takes care of an equally crucial aspect of the ship’s operation – its weapons systems. She shares, “As a Weapon Control Systems Supervisor on board the RSS Steadfast, my role is to teach and guide the Weapon Control Systems Operators how to operate the systems so as to ensure that the ship’s weapon systems remain operationally ready at all times. My job is both exciting and challenging and I’ve had opportunities that I would not have otherwise experienced if I had joined the private sector.”

She adds spiritedly, “Life in the Navy is like an adventure. Besides doing meaningful work, I also have the opportunity to sail to different countries, both near and far. This makes me grow up a lot faster than my peers as the exposure I can get in the Navy is both diverse and deep.”

A Close-Knit Family

While both ME4 Tan and ME2 Lai perform very different functions, neither could effectively function without the other. This interdependency epitomises one of the key aspects of the Navy for them – the camaraderie that unites all service members.

ME2 Lai says earnestly, “I’d say the most distinctive quality about the Navy is its family spirit. My ship crew are more than just colleagues. They are my friends, and I’d even go so far as to call them family. I truly treasure the bonds I have forged in the Navy.”

ME4 Tan closely echoes her sentiments, saying, “The close-knit relationships I have with my crew is such that I feel like I have an extended family. Everyone really comes together wholeheartedly to strive and achieve certain goals and to deliver their best.”

Opportunities Abound

Of course, a Navy career may be challenging, but both ME4 Tan and ME2 Lai have also received numerous opportunities in return. ME4 Tan was awarded the Military Domain Expert Scheme (Overseas) Sponsorship in 2011, after a number of years of service, which finally allowed him to fulfil his aspirations of furthering his studies.

ME4 Tan eventually went on to graduate with first-class honours in engineering from the University of New South Wales in Australia, and he is brimming with insights on how his degree helped him in his work. “In addition to the in-depth engineering knowledge and a better understanding of systems engineering and architecture, I also gained critical thinking skills that can be applied to my work in systems analysis and programme management.” he enthuses.

For ME2 Lai, she has had numerous on-the-job experiences that few people can lay claim to. She recalls, “During my first overseas deployment, my ship received a tasking to escort an oil tanker back to Singapore so as to ensure her safe return on her home-bound voyage.

“My department was asked to prepare our weapon systems and to ensure that we were well-prepared for the escort mission. It was quite an experience for my first overseas deployment, and is one that I will not forget for a long time!”

She adds, “One of the most exciting missions that I participated in was Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Singapore) exercise, an annual bilateral exercise conducted by the US and several ASEAN nations. We had to complete a firing exercise, and it remains a very fond memory for me even after so many years.”

Overseas deployments are clearly one of the many opportunities Navy personnel can look forward to, and ME4 Tan chimes in with experiences of his own. He shares, “One of the more memorable deployments was Operation Blue Orchid in 2005, where I was involved in the multinational peace support operations in support of the reconstruction effort in Iraq. We were charged with protecting both the Al Başrah Oil Terminal and Khawr al ‘Amīyah Oil Terminal, which were the main economy drivers for Iraq, for four months. It made me realise that the peace that we enjoy in Singapore cannot be taken for granted.

A Learning Journey

Having served in the Navy for many years, both ME4 Tan and ME2 Lai have crucial nuggets of wisdom to pass on to others who hope to follow in their footsteps. ME4 Tan advises, “Above all, maintain a positive attitude and aim to excel in all tasks assigned. These are all opportunities for learning and development, so do make the best of them!”

ME2 Lai agrees, concluding, “To excel in the Navy, you must also have a healthy dose of humility so that you can learn from others and face all challenges positively and with professionalism.