Midshipman 50th Anniversary
26th April 2024
This is a very special day for me. Though this is my personal travel blog but I cannot allow this special day to pass without a record.
I feel tremendously proud and happy to catch up with my fellow Midshipmen that I had walked, sailed and sweated together over 30 months in the Navy. On a personal note, to reach this milestone is truly a blessing. Using an aviation analogy, 50 years ago was my "take-off" and "airborne" moment, for a new exciting destination.
We started on 26 December 1973 doing our BMT as army recruit in Sembawang Terror Barrack. In April 1974, about 50 of us commenced the 1st local Midshipman Course which stretched over 18 months.
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The 18 months of rigorous training included 9 months ground school, 2 months sea training cruise to Aden, Outward Bound School. This was followed by on-the-job training with attachment to Navy PCs, MGBs and LST.
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Besides these, there were division games, social gatherings, formal dinners as well as some outdoor activities like camping on Seletar Island. Yes, liberty at weekend with long sleeves and ties that we look forward to.
Passing Out Parade and a Passing Out Dinner Celebration were held at Midshipman School at the end of the training.
We completed our course over 18 arduous months with a Commissiong Ceremony held at Istana. The Late Dr. Goh Keng Swee conferred Letter of Commission and Sword to us. It was a very proud moment for both my parents and me.
My first posting was a 6-month attachment on RSS Independence which I earned my COC, Certificate of Competence. This was the time I felt the responsibility of an officer. It was also real time leadership training.
The last 6 months of my NS was on RSS Endurance where I received my BWC, Bridge Watch Keeping Certificate and ONC. Ocean Navigation Certificate. I did three Starlight trips to Kaoshiung. One sailed through typhoon with the LST fully loaded with munitions. Of course, I also had a wonderful time in Taiwan.
Many of my experiences are unforgettable. How can I ever forget the living condition in the Aft Mess of Endurance. The waves over the Bay of Bengal that swallowed the bow of Endurance brought us seasickness. The storm over the South China Sea and we were "lost," arriving 4 hours late into Kaoshiung. The beautiful Singapore city skyline at night, Horsburgh Lighthouse and St John's Lighthouse while on patrol. I had a near missed, could have been fatal near St. Johns. These are forever etched in my memory. But most important of all, I can remember every member of 1st Midshipman. I will always cherish the friendship and camaraderie.
End of Jun 1976 was my ROD. Though happy to end this chapter but sad to leave the Navy as it brought back fond memories and a sense of personal achievement. Few months later, I joined Singapore Airlines. Thankfully, the naval training definitely gave me an edge over other applicants.
I came back for only 2 ICTs in RSN. I wish I could do more, but I was posted to RSAF 122 SQN and my last few ICTs was in the Army 9th Brigade. Whether I put on the blue or green uniform, the blood in my vein is forever Navy. The sea salt in the blood is forever.
To those who had stood on the bridge of Endurance, shooting stars at twilight and dusk and spent time together doing all the wonderful things, wish you all good health, and hope we meet again.
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