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THE Chief of Navy of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Vice-Admiral Russell Shalders, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera), or the Meritorious Service Medal (Military), on Monday.
He received the award from Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence.
The Meritorious Service Medal (Military) was awarded to Vice-Admiral Shalders in recognition of his significant role in forging closer bilateral ties between the RAN and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), said a Mindef statement.
Under Vice-Admiral Shalders' leadership, professional interactions between the RAN and the RSN have increased in both scope and depth, said Mindef.
Both navies engage in a broad range of bilateral and multilateral activities such as the annual Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks, military exercises under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and other professional exchanges.
Such interactions have enhanced the professionalism and strengthened the mutual understanding and camaraderie among the officers and men of the two navies.
Vice-Admiral Shalders has also contributed to the RSN's operational readiness through his support for the RSN's submarine escape and naval helicopter training in Australia.
He has been pivotal in ensuring that the long-standing friendship and professional engagements between the RAN and the RSN continue to strengthen and develop.
Vice-Admiral Shalders, who ended his two-day official visit to Singapore on Monday, called on Mr Teo and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Chew Men Leong before the investiture.
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