Maritime Security Command

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Maritime Security Command
Maritime Security Command logo.png
Badge of the Maritime Security Command
FoundedJanuary 1988[1]
Coastal Command
19 January 2009
Maritime Security Task Force
29 June 2020
Maritime Security Command
CountrySingapore
BranchRepublic of Singapore Navy
RoleCoastal defence
Part ofSingapore Armed Forces
Motto(s)Frontline 247
Commanders
Commanding OfficerRADM Yong Wei Hsiung[2]

The Maritime Security Command (MARSEC Command) is one of six operational commands of the Republic of Singapore Navy. The command is charged with patrolling and defending Singapore's coastal waters. It was first established as the Coastal Command (COSCOM) in January 1988, restructured in January 2009 as the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and again in June 2020 as the Maritime Security Command.[3]

The 2nd Flotilla, 6th Flotilla, 9th Flotilla, Maritime Security and Response Flotilla, and 180 Squadron are grouped under MARSEC Command.

History[]

1988–2009: Coastal Command[]

Former flag of the Coastal Command (1988–2009)

2009–2020: Maritime Security Task Force[]

The Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) is a Singapore Armed Forces-level task force, formed as a result of the restructuring of the Republic of Singapore Navy's Coastal Command on 19 January 2009.[4] Its role is to ensure Singapore's maritime security and act as a co-ordinating agency for all national maritime agencies to allow for the seamless execution of maritime security operations.[5] Commander MSTF reports directly to the Chief of Defence Force (CDF), but the Chief of Navy (CNV) would have oversight over its various peacetime operations. Assets from the navy, air force and army will be assigned to MSTF as required by operations. MSTF also has the ability to co-op assets from national agencies such as the Police Coast Guard, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Singapore Customs for a unified response to maritime security threats. MSTF is based at the Singapore Maritime Security Centre within the Changi Command and Control Centre at Changi Naval Base.

The MSTF comprises three groups:

  1. The Comprehensive Maritime Awareness (CMA) Group builds and maintains a comprehensive maritime situation picture through its information sharing networks. It works closely with national agencies, international partners and the shipping community (such as ship owners, ships charterers, agents and port operators) to share maritime information. The collated information helps in deciding the allocation of MSTF assets in day-to-day maritime operations and operational responses when required.
  2. The Operations Group, comprising operations planners from the Army, Navy and Air Force, undertakes an integrated approach towards planning and execution of all maritime security operations. It conducts daily patrols, boarding and escort operations in the Singapore Strait and SLOC, to ensure maritime security and the protection of key installations and potential targets.
  3. The Inter-Agency Coordination Group comprises representatives from the Police Coast Guard (PCG), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and the Singapore Customs (Customs). This group ensures close co-ordination in the execution of maritime security operations at the national level.[6]

In February 2021, during a parliamentary session, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen reveal MSTF's plans to restructure to better deal with sea piracy.[7]

2020���present: Maritime Security Command[]

The MARSEC Command is responsible for managing RSN platforms that are used for maritime security operations.[8]

On 26 January 2021, the Maritime and Security Response Flotilla (MSRF) was inaugurated with four Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRV) and two maritime security and response tugboats (MSRT), as part of the restructured MARSEC Command.[9]

References[]

  1. ^ "Factsheet: Coastal Command (COSCOM)" (PDF). National Archives of Singapore. Ministry of Defence. 29 August 2006. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  2. ^ Min Zhang, Lim (12 December 2020). "RSN sailor recalls career on patrol vessels". The Straits Times. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Fact Sheet: A Restructured SAF to Better Meet New Security Threats" (PDF).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ "Navy News Issue 1/2009: Taken to Task!" (PDF). Republic of Singapore Navy. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 September 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  5. ^ "SAF sets up integrated maritime security task force". MINDEF. Archived from the original on 30 September 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
  6. ^ "Fact Sheet: Maritime Security Task Force". MINDEF. Retrieved 26 September 2010.
  7. ^ Auto, Hermes (4 February 2020). "Parliament: Maritime Security Task Force plans to restructure amid rise in piracy in Singapore Strait | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  8. ^ Auto, Hermes (26 January 2021). "2 refurbished RSN patrol vessels back in action as part of new flotilla | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  9. ^ "Navy unveils new maritime security flotilla with 4 armed ships and 2 tugboats". TODAY. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
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