The SAF recognises top-performing units in the 2024 Best Unit Competition, with awards presented by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has announced the winners of the 2024 Best Unit Competition, celebrating the outstanding achievements of its top-performing units. The 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn) of the Singapore Army, RSS Indomitable of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), and the 142 Squadron (SQN) of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) have been awarded the titles of Best Combat Unit, Best Maritime Security Unit, and Best Fighter Squadron, respectively. A total of 18 active units and 12 National Service (NS) units were recognized for their excellence in various categories. The awards will be presented by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the SAF Day Parade on 1 July 2024 at the SAFTI Military Institute.
1 Cdo Bn secured the Best Combat Unit award for the 21st consecutive year, setting a record with 38 wins since the competition’s inception in 1969. The Commandos are known for their high proficiency in specialised operations, including airborne missions, reconnaissance, and raids. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Kok Yi Long highlighted the unit’s commitment to excellence, stating, “Being a Commando means daily commitment to the culture of excellence. We strongly believe that our people are our mission – we train our people well, and they will take care of the mission.”
The RSN’s RSS Indomitable, an Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), won the Best Maritime Security Unit award for the first time. The ship demonstrated high operational readiness and innovation, with notable achievements in safety and personnel excellence. Commanding Officer Major (MAJ) Liew Hui Xin, Jaime, attributed the success to the crew’s dedication, saying, “This award seals my belief that it is truly the little things that matter – the extra hour we put into training, the small acts of care we provide for each other, and a strong emphasis on family spirit.”
The RSAF’s 142 SQN, operating the F-15SG, earned the Best Fighter Squadron award for the third time, having previously won in 2001 and 2019. The squadron is noted for its operational readiness and participation in various exercises, enhancing its combat capabilities. Commanding Officer LTC Wilson Wee expressed pride in the squadron’s achievement, stating, “This is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and team spirit of each member in our squadron. We are grateful for the strong support from 7 Air Engineering and Logistics Group and the wider Paya Lebar Air Base.”
The SAF Best Unit and Best NS Unit Competitions, established in 1969 and 1993 respectively, evaluate units based on combat readiness, operational proficiency, and administrative excellence. These competitions foster mission excellence, professionalism, and camaraderie among SAF servicemen.
Source – MINDEF
