Kopi Shop Learning
Could some of these boats be part of the Singapore heritage?
Especially the "Singapore Sampan". If you agree, appreciate you could provide the feedback in this link
Especially the "Singapore Sampan". If you agree, appreciate you could provide the feedback in this link
Vietnamese refugees
Royal Australian Navy Gun Plot
RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base
Below is the English translation of the above Chinese article:
___________________________
As a retired Navy veteran, I would like to raise a few points for kopi shop discussions regarding the addition of "RSS Singapura" before the original name "Changi Naval Base."
Firstly, in any esteemed navy, the names of historic warships hold great significance, symbolizing bravery and distinguished sea service that inspire respect and foster a true fighting spirit among navy officers and personnel. Names like HMS Terror and KD Malaya were carefully chosen for their navy shore establishments due to their colourful histories. However, it is unfortunate that RSS Singapura, despite being associated with the Navy, never sailed during its one-year-plus service. Its role was limited to being a floating platform, serving as Navy HQ, providing support for shipboard training, and accommodating crew. On the other hand, RSS Panglima, the name before Changi Naval Training Base, not only participated in the Konfrontasi operation in the mid-1960s but also served as a well-known workhorse in various operations and training tasks before its decommissioning on 9 Jul 1991. Is there a comparable story that matches RSS Singapura's significance?
Secondly, "Changi" holds immense historical importance in Singapore's history, evident from various events such as the sea battle off Changi in 1603, which had a significant impact on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Additionally, the name "Tajong Changee" appeared in a 1822 British map. There are numerous stories related to "Changi," ranging from military heritage to flora and fauna, accessible on the NLB E-Resource website. Moreover, since 2004, the name Changi Naval Base has been well-established among international military forces and Singaporeans alike. Introducing a change might cause confusion.
Thirdly, the name "RSS Singapura" carries an embedded WW2 Japanese Warship DNA (omitted by Zaobao editor). The ship was originally built in Japan and named Wakataka (若鷹), serving as a minelayer for the Imperial Japanese Navy. In remembrance of its crew's contribution during the Japanese invasion campaign in Southeast Asia, a warship monument was erected at the Sasebo Higashiyama Navy cemetery in 1990. Is it wise to evoke such historical controversies among the general public?
As we strive to build the identity of the Singapore Navy, let's steer clear of controversial names and instead, infuse positive and inspiring stories in our kopi shop discussions.
___________________________
As a retired Navy veteran, I would like to raise a few points for kopi shop discussions regarding the addition of "RSS Singapura" before the original name "Changi Naval Base."
Firstly, in any esteemed navy, the names of historic warships hold great significance, symbolizing bravery and distinguished sea service that inspire respect and foster a true fighting spirit among navy officers and personnel. Names like HMS Terror and KD Malaya were carefully chosen for their navy shore establishments due to their colourful histories. However, it is unfortunate that RSS Singapura, despite being associated with the Navy, never sailed during its one-year-plus service. Its role was limited to being a floating platform, serving as Navy HQ, providing support for shipboard training, and accommodating crew. On the other hand, RSS Panglima, the name before Changi Naval Training Base, not only participated in the Konfrontasi operation in the mid-1960s but also served as a well-known workhorse in various operations and training tasks before its decommissioning on 9 Jul 1991. Is there a comparable story that matches RSS Singapura's significance?
Secondly, "Changi" holds immense historical importance in Singapore's history, evident from various events such as the sea battle off Changi in 1603, which had a significant impact on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Additionally, the name "Tajong Changee" appeared in a 1822 British map. There are numerous stories related to "Changi," ranging from military heritage to flora and fauna, accessible on the NLB E-Resource website. Moreover, since 2004, the name Changi Naval Base has been well-established among international military forces and Singaporeans alike. Introducing a change might cause confusion.
Thirdly, the name "RSS Singapura" carries an embedded WW2 Japanese Warship DNA (omitted by Zaobao editor). The ship was originally built in Japan and named Wakataka (若鷹), serving as a minelayer for the Imperial Japanese Navy. In remembrance of its crew's contribution during the Japanese invasion campaign in Southeast Asia, a warship monument was erected at the Sasebo Higashiyama Navy cemetery in 1990. Is it wise to evoke such historical controversies among the general public?
As we strive to build the identity of the Singapore Navy, let's steer clear of controversial names and instead, infuse positive and inspiring stories in our kopi shop discussions.