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Acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy reaffirms strong partnership with Singapore

Top Stories | Feb 12, 2020:

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific

Acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy Thomas B. Modly made his inaugural visit to Singapore January 14-15, 2020, to reaffirm the Navy’s strong partnership and ties with the Republic of Singapore Armed Forces.

Modly met with Singaporean Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Chief of the Defence Force Lt. Gen. Melvyn Ong, and Chief of the Republic of Singapore Navy Rear Adm. Lew Chuen Hong. Modly also visited Changi Naval Base, Sembawang, and toured the littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords.

Modly praised the strong U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership and thanked the nation’s senior leaders for supporting the rotational deployments of U.S. littoral combat ships and P8 Poseidon marine patrol craft to Singapore.

“Singapore is an important strategic partner for the United States,” Modly said. “Our military, economic and diplomatic cooperation is critical to the ongoing prosperity and security of the region.”

While visiting Changi Naval Base, Modly spent time with Sailors from Destroyer Squadron 7 and USS Gabrielle Giffords, where he was briefed on missions, operations, maintenance and logistics capabilities. Modly also held an all hands call, where he recognized the crew’s two Sailors-of-the-Quarter. (Pictured: Thomas B. Modly, acting secretary of the U.S. Navy, gives remarks to the crew of the USS Gabrielle Giffords in the hangar of the ship during his visit to Singapore on January 14, 2020.)

While in Sembawang, Modly had lunch with Sailors and Marines and later met with area commands, including Logistics Group Western Pacific, Military Sealift Command Far East, Navy Medical Research Unit-2 and Singapore Area Coordinator to highlight the importance of forward presence to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“No region is more important than the Indo-Pacific,” Modly said. “Here, the balance of power, and the future of the rules-based order, will be determined through our efforts and partnerships.”

Modly’s visit to Singapore is part of a multination visit to the U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility focused on reinforcing existing partnerships and visiting Sailors and Marines providing forward presence.

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