SINGAPORE -- Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited the Republic of Singapore May 6-8 to reaffirm the U.S. Navy's strong partnership and ties with the Singapore Armed Forces.
The visit followed leadership engagements in Indonesia, India and participation in the 75th Battle of Coral Sea commemoration in Australia.
During his Singapore visit, Swift met with the Republic of Singapore Chief of Defense Lieutenant-General Perry Lim and Chief of Navy Rear Adm. Lai Chung Han, where he stressed the U.S. Pacific Fleet's resolve as enduring sources of security and stability while highlighting the strong defense ties between the U.S and Singapore. Swift also thanked the leaders for Singapore's support in hosting the rotational deployment of the U.S. Littoral Combat Ship and P-8 Poseidon aircraft under the ambit of the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding and 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement.
"The Republic of Singapore Navy is a valued and enduring partner of the United States Navy," said Swift. "I have known Adm. Lai for many years and have great confidence in his leadership of the RSN (Republic of Singapore Navy) as one of the region's most capable navies. As the RSN celebrates its 50th anniversary, I look forward to building even stronger ties in the years to come."
Leaders from both nations said the U.S. and Singapore defense partnership is founded on a mutually beneficial relationship.
"The U.S. Pacific Fleet and the RSN are excellent partners and enjoy a high level of cooperation," said Lai. "I thanked Adm. Swift for his personal leadership and efforts, which has provided strong assurance of continued US commitment to the region. As the RSN turns 50, we look forward to working even more closely with our friends and partners to strengthen regional peace and security."
Swift also met with U.S. Navy personnel and their families during his Singapore visit, thanking them for serving their nation overseas. "Our Sailors, civil-service employees and their families serving overseas are the anchor of our Navy's forward presence," said Swift.
"They are ambassadors for our nation and their hard work ensures we can maintain strong partnerships with nations like Singapore and other countries throughout the region."
Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific is the U.S. 7th Fleet's provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships to keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled and fed.
Additionally, Task Force 73 conducts advanced planning, organizes resources and directly supports the execution of maritime exercises engagements such as Pacific Partnership, the bilateral CARAT series, the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with Vietnam and the multilateral Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.