US Set To Further Boost Naval Presence In Asia

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, June 4 (Bernama) -- The United States is set to further enhance its naval engagement in the Asia Pacific as Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen conveyed the republic's in-principle agreement to the former's request to forward deploy up to four littoral combat ships (LCS) to Singapore on a rotational basis. US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta and Dr Ng met on Sunday in Singapore, which also marks Panetta’s first attendance at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), according to a joint statement. During their meeting, Panetta and Dr Ng discussed a wide range of regional security and defence issues. They noted that both navies would work together to finalise deployment details and arrangements. The LCS will not be based or homeported in Singapore. Its crew will live on board the LCS for the duration of their deployment. Panetta reaffirmed that the LCS deployment would strengthen US engagement in the region, through the port calls at regional ports, and engagement of regional navies through activities such as exercises and exchanges. Dr Ng welcomed the US' strong participation in regional forums like the SLD and Asean Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), which facilitated open dialogue and helped to build mutual confidence and understanding. Panetta and Dr Ng noted the important role the ADMM-Plus played in strengthening practical cooperation amongst the militaries of the ADMM-Plus members through exercises and exchanges. These interactions promote greater understanding, build confidence and help to bring about stable military-to-military relations amongst key stakeholders in the region. Panetta reaffirmed the US commitment to continue enhancing its engagement of regional countries, and work closely with partners like Singapore in strengthening regional peace and stability. Both sides were also working toward enhancing joint training opportunities, including through the use of the Murai Urban Training Facility in Singapore for more regular joint training by the US Marines and the Singapore Armed Forces, from next year. -- BERNAMA