On a bright Saturday morning on November 9th, two high-speed naval vessels swiftly cut through the clear waters off the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia. As the vessels halted near the shoreline, the buzz of activity began. Singaporean and Australian troops, clad in full combat gear, disembarked and organized themselves in tight formations, kicking off the final phase of Exercise Wallaby, the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) largest annual overseas exercise. Known as Exercise Trident, this joint military operation, involving over 1,900 personnel, is designed to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability, and strategic coordination between Singapore and Australia.
The early phase of Exercise Trident involved an impressive logistical feat, as troops were transported via fast craft from the Republic of Singapore Navy to the beach. Members of the media, invited to observe the joint military drills, were led down the sandy shores to board the Fast Craft Utility. The experience was less than graceful—civilian shoes sunk deep into the sand as the group waded toward the boats. Once aboard, the vessel quickly gained speed, with waves drenching anyone unfortunate enough to be stationed near the sides.
After a brisk 30-minute journey through rough waters, the media and personnel arrived at their temporary home for the night: the RSS Persistence. This 141-meter-long vessel is one of Singapore’s largest navy ships, a landing ship tank (LST) used for deploying troops, helicopters, and other resources during joint exercises. The ship’s low ceilings, narrow passages, and steep stairwells underscored its design as a practical, function-first military vessel. Despite the austere conditions, the bunks were surprisingly comfortable, and clean facilities made the stay manageable for all aboard.
Among the troops participating in Exercise Trident was a special pair: brothers Corporal First Class (CFC) Lim Shi Xian, a navy fast craft specialist, and his younger sibling, Corporal Lim Shi Rong, a platoon marksman with the army’s 3rd Battalion Singapore Guards. The brothers only realized they would both be in Australia for the exercise when they shared their plans with their family over dinner. CFC Lim was scheduled for a six-week rotation, while his younger brother would join for a two-week stint.
“It’s nice to catch up with him and see him in person,” said CFC Lim, sharing his appreciation for this unexpected reunion. His brother expressed curiosity about experiencing naval life and understanding how the navy supports army operations. “This exercise really helps me see the other side,” Corporal Lim remarked. The brothers’ reunion became a unique reminder of the family bonds that connect service members and the sacrifices they make.
For many soldiers, staying on an LST during Exercise Trident provided a rare glimpse into naval life. Second Sergeant (2SG) Bhaskar Guruprakash, a national serviceman participating in his first military exercise, found the experience to be a fascinating “eye opener.” Used to the routines and lingo of the army, 2SG Bhaskar had to adapt quickly to navy protocols and terms.
“At first, it took me a while to understand their terms, their lingo, and their systems,” the 23-year-old said. “But as the days went on, I started to appreciate their work culture and sense of safety.” For him, this experience underscored the importance of inter-service collaboration and adaptability—essential qualities for modern military operations where multi-domain coordination is increasingly common.
Another first-timer was Third Sergeant (3SG) Muhammad Nazrul Mohd Yazid, a fast craft equipment personnel coxswain who was staying on a ship for an extended period for the first time. “It’s very memorable,” he shared, “especially being here with my best boys, who I spent my national service life with.” The camaraderie with fellow servicemen and the unique training setting evoked nostalgia for 3SG Nazrul, reminding him of earlier in-camp training (ICT) days.
Onboard the RSS Persistence, members of the media were given a glimpse into the ship’s critical operations, including a night watch. In the darkened bridge, also known as the main control center, the ship’s crew monitored and navigated the vessel, with a distinctive red light setting the scene. The red lighting minimizes harshness on the eyes, explained Major Eugene Poh, the operations officer on board. For the crew, adapting to low-visibility conditions and remaining vigilant to ensure safe navigation are just part of the daily routine.
Beyond the bridge lies the Combat Information Centre (CIC), the operational heart of the ship. Equipped with surveillance and defensive capabilities, the CIC’s team monitors and engages with threats using a range of weaponry, including 12.7mm machine guns and a powerful 76mm naval gun. Although the night was quiet, the CIC serves as a reminder of the vessel’s defensive and offensive capabilities, ready to spring into action if necessary.
One of the highlights of the exercise involved watching the RSS Persistence’s flight deck in action. The large deck is capable of housing medium-lift helicopters, such as the H225M, or heavy-lift Chinook helicopters. These aircraft are crucial in ship-to-shore missions, transporting troops and supplies to designated locations. However, landing on a moving vessel introduces unique challenges. The ship’s flight deck controller serves as the key liaison between the helicopter and ship, ensuring all parties are coordinated and ready for the complex maneuver.
This collaboration between air and sea assets is integral to Exercise Trident, underscoring the importance of coordination across multiple domains. The presence of the helicopters highlighted the exercise’s amphibious nature, simulating scenarios where Singaporean and Australian forces must work together seamlessly under challenging conditions.
As the exercise drew to a close, the media contingent experienced a final memorable moment: departure via a Chinook helicopter. With safety briefings complete, life jackets on, and all loose items secured, the group boarded the aircraft on the RSS Persistence’s deck. The powerful rotor blades stirred a thunderous cacophony, and the exhaust blast created an intense heat, even with earplugs in place. Despite initial concerns about motion sickness, the ride was remarkably smooth, giving everyone a taste of the logistics required in rapid deployment scenarios.
While flying over the open water back to the shore, the reporters had a chance to reflect on the intensity and camaraderie they had observed in Exercise Trident. For them, this unique experience on the Chinook was symbolic of the unity and shared commitment to defense that underpins the long-standing relationship between Singapore and Australia.
Exercise Trident is more than a military exercise; it represents a commitment to collective security and the strengthening of ties between Singapore and Australia. Each year, Exercise Wallaby and its concluding Trident phase bring together soldiers from both nations to practice coordinated military maneuvers, joint planning, and the execution of complex amphibious operations. For Singapore, which lacks large open spaces for extensive military exercises, Australia provides an invaluable training ground where its armed forces can practice operations on a grand scale.
For Australia, joint exercises with Singapore not only strengthen regional defense ties but also align with its strategic interests in fostering stability in the Asia-Pacific. Both countries are members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), a regional defense agreement that has fostered collaboration for over 50 years. Through Trident and other joint exercises, Singapore and Australia reaffirm their commitment to maintaining peace and security in an increasingly unpredictable world.
The journey through Exercise Trident was a reminder of the incredible planning and preparation required for successful joint operations. From the logistics of coordinating naval and air support to the discipline of personnel operating in a foreign environment, each exercise builds skills and reinforces bonds that are crucial in times of crisis. Soldiers from both nations expressed gratitude for the chance to learn from each other, overcome new challenges, and forge connections that transcend borders.
Reflecting on the week, 2SG Bhaskar noted, “It’s an honor to be part of something bigger than myself.” His sentiment was echoed by 3SG Nazrul, who described the experience as not only exciting but essential for his growth as a serviceman. “These memories, these lessons—they are with me for life.”
