U.S. and Republic of Singapore strengthen relationship during Pacific Griffin 2021

The U.S. Navy and the navy of the Republic of Singapore are working together during the Pacific Griffin exercise on Guam to conduct advanced maritime training through July 7, according to an announcement from the military.

The goal of the exercise is to improve combined proficiency at sea and strengthen the relationships of both navies.

This is the third time United States has worked with Singapore for the bilateral exercise. 

"Exercises like Pacific Griffin emphasize cooperation while building competencies in a complex and technologically-advanced training environment," Navy Capt. Chase Sargeant, commander, Task Force 71, said. "This exercise demonstrates the trust and expertise we have built over the years with the Singaporean Navy through increasingly complex and integrated training and live fire events.”

Pacific Griffin 2021 is composed of events ashore and at sea. Some include maritime special operations and maritime counter-terrorism training as well as anti-air defense exercises. The two navies continually join forces on many initiatives, according to the announcement.

Navy participants include the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold, a fast-attack submarine, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft, Coastal Riverine Group and Explosive Ordnance Disposal detachments.

Singapore navy participants include two Formidable-class frigates, the RSS Tenacious and RSS Stalwart, Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Fearless, training ship MV Avatar and naval divers.

Fighters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s detachment on Guam will be joining the exercise also.

This article originally appeared on Pacific Daily News: U.S. and Republic of Singapore strengthen relationship during Pacific Griffin 2021