STARTING A NEW CHAPTER OF MY LIFE
3 months after ROD, I applied for a aviation job with Singapore Airlines.
There were 3 posts available, cadet pilot, cadet flight engineer and cadet flight navigator.
I was successful in all 3 posts. Most likely is due to my NCC(Air) background couple with my
naval officer experience especially in navigation.
To be accepted as cadet pilot, I need the Singapore Air Force approval. I was not able to get
that approval and was left with the choice of being a Navigator or Flight Engineer.
I decided on being a Flight Navigator and I join SIA in December 1976.
That starts a new chapter of my life. It is to be a very long chapter.
I will dedicate my time to write my beautiful experience after my retirement.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
ROD on 25 Jun 1976
Navy and ROD
It was ‘THE’ day every NSman looked forward to. It was called ROD but today refer as ORD. For me, it’s 25 Jun 1976. To me, this chapter of my life was most defining. I knew some wish to forget, but I had cherished this period thereafter. Among the 40 of us who made it as officers, about 10 had signed on to be regulars. How they felt, I really cannot tell. Majority of us will be going to University of Singapore. Some were going for overseas university. One or two went to run their family business.
The intensive training, that never seems to end, had nurtured us from boys to men to officers. We learnt to take the challenges, overcame the obstacles, persevered and ultimately prevailed. These were the share feelings we had when we met later into our adult life. Some of us may be idealistic and naïve at the start, but most of us eventually learnt to be pragmatic and accept that not all things were fair and achievable.
The mood among us was really mixed. Sad that it had to end but happy that a new beginning awaited us. We had gone through some very tough times, in the classroom, to on–the-job-training and the unforgettable storm that tormented us over the Bay of Bengal. But we also had many fond memories of the wonderful times we had among ourselves and the ship’s crew, both officers and sailors. I dared say that unanimously; we felt tremendous pride and satisfaction when we ROD.
A few of my mates, like me were not going to university. I did really envy those who had the opportunity to continue to study. But I had made up my mind years ago, that after NS; I would be independent and looking for opportunities to build my own future.
NS had also defined my first moment of financial independence. My first pay cheque was $90 as a recruit. I gave $50 to my parents and spend the rest. When I started my officer training after 3 months, I was paid around $300. By the time I was commissioned, I was earning about $450. For someone fresh out of school, it was substantial. (Especially in the 70s). By the time I ROD, I had saved a few thousand dollars. I had intended to use this money to do part time study while I work.
So I enrolled in a private course in accountancy. My plan was to work as account trainee and study part time until I qualify as accountant. My intention was to move to the business world. At the same time, I was searching for a job. I was offered a course in nautical studies by Singapore Polytechnic. Upon graduation, I was required to be bonded a few years and teach at the Poly. I was also accepted by a shipping company as a ship officer but I had to take the relevant courses while working. I turned both down as I was not really keen to spend my entire life at sea. Finally I was accepted as Trainee Flight Navigator for B707 by Singapore Airlines. I was thrilled that my childhood dream and passion for aeroplanes was realised. The rest became history.
It had been a lot of effort trying to recollect the early part of my life. I am glad I had fulfilled my objective. This blog on my childhood and growing up years of my life will end here. The rest of my life history will be reserved for my retirement.
---------End of Chapter. Must wait long long for the next installment----------
It was ‘THE’ day every NSman looked forward to. It was called ROD but today refer as ORD. For me, it’s 25 Jun 1976. To me, this chapter of my life was most defining. I knew some wish to forget, but I had cherished this period thereafter. Among the 40 of us who made it as officers, about 10 had signed on to be regulars. How they felt, I really cannot tell. Majority of us will be going to University of Singapore. Some were going for overseas university. One or two went to run their family business.
The intensive training, that never seems to end, had nurtured us from boys to men to officers. We learnt to take the challenges, overcame the obstacles, persevered and ultimately prevailed. These were the share feelings we had when we met later into our adult life. Some of us may be idealistic and naïve at the start, but most of us eventually learnt to be pragmatic and accept that not all things were fair and achievable.
The mood among us was really mixed. Sad that it had to end but happy that a new beginning awaited us. We had gone through some very tough times, in the classroom, to on–the-job-training and the unforgettable storm that tormented us over the Bay of Bengal. But we also had many fond memories of the wonderful times we had among ourselves and the ship’s crew, both officers and sailors. I dared say that unanimously; we felt tremendous pride and satisfaction when we ROD.
A few of my mates, like me were not going to university. I did really envy those who had the opportunity to continue to study. But I had made up my mind years ago, that after NS; I would be independent and looking for opportunities to build my own future.
NS had also defined my first moment of financial independence. My first pay cheque was $90 as a recruit. I gave $50 to my parents and spend the rest. When I started my officer training after 3 months, I was paid around $300. By the time I was commissioned, I was earning about $450. For someone fresh out of school, it was substantial. (Especially in the 70s). By the time I ROD, I had saved a few thousand dollars. I had intended to use this money to do part time study while I work.
So I enrolled in a private course in accountancy. My plan was to work as account trainee and study part time until I qualify as accountant. My intention was to move to the business world. At the same time, I was searching for a job. I was offered a course in nautical studies by Singapore Polytechnic. Upon graduation, I was required to be bonded a few years and teach at the Poly. I was also accepted by a shipping company as a ship officer but I had to take the relevant courses while working. I turned both down as I was not really keen to spend my entire life at sea. Finally I was accepted as Trainee Flight Navigator for B707 by Singapore Airlines. I was thrilled that my childhood dream and passion for aeroplanes was realised. The rest became history.
It had been a lot of effort trying to recollect the early part of my life. I am glad I had fulfilled my objective. This blog on my childhood and growing up years of my life will end here. The rest of my life history will be reserved for my retirement.
---------End of Chapter. Must wait long long for the next installment----------
Thursday, December 18, 2008
MOST MEMORABLE PART OF NS
Posted to RSS Endurance
After 6 months, I was posted to LST. It was a familiar ship; I had lived there during my 2 months of sea training. This time I wouldn’t to sleeping in the crowded and hot aft mess. I was a functional and qualified naval officer. I will be having my own cabin. I was appointed Assistant Navigation Officer. I served my remaining 6 months on this ship till my ROD on 25 Jun 1976. It was the most enjoyable and memorable part of my NS Life.
Exercise Starlight
Our government had an agreement with the Taiwanese government to allow the army to train in Taiwan. As RSS Endurance was a transport carrier, naturally she was tasked to ferry all the military vehicles needed there. I could vividly remember the ship’s main deck and the tank deck were stacked with Land Rovers, 3 tonners, unimogs and ambulances. It must be about 60 vehicles in all. The ship beached at East Coast next to Bedok Jetty. This area was reclaimed land and the area was cordoned off to public. The East Coast Park and Marine Parade was not developed then. The beaching operation was exciting to execute. I was too inexperience to be directly involved and just watch from the bridge. The trip to Kaohsiung took one week. So a round trip with one week in harbour took 3 weeks.
Navigating South China Sea
Rest and Recreation
As part of the naval tradition, a port call is consider incomplete without R&R for the crew. So a tour was organised for us to visit Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Hualien and Kaohsiung. I remembered staying a night at Sun Moon Lake. It was freezing cold. We failed to see the famous sunrise from the sea of cloud due to overcast condition. Nevertheless, the other sightseeing was very enjoyable. We acknowledged that this was national service and we couldn’t have bargain for anything more.
Kaohsiung
2nd Taiwan trip. Most scary
The second trip to Taiwan was mainly loaded with ammunitions in the tank deck and utility vehicles up on the main deck. Towards the end of the cruise, we hit a storm that lasted a few days. The sky was perpetually overcast, wind was howling with rain. Because astro-navigation was not possible, we had to depend on DR (dead reckoning) or in another word, estimates. Without knowing the prevailing currents, it’s impossible to determine an accurate position. It must have been stressful for the CO and NO. On top this; the scariest part was the dangerous cargo we were carrying. The ship was really tossing up and down, rolling too much to left and right. We worried the cargo may broke loose and explode on impact or collision. I don’t really think anyone onboard where ready for that kind of emergency. The storm passed and the CO and XO must be really relieved.
4 hours late
We messaged our HQ with primitive radio using morse-code of our ETA based on our estimation. But alas, we were late by 4 hours. We subsequently heard that the Head of Army with his Taiwanese counterparts were waiting at the wharf for our arrival. Imagine how embarrass he was when we were 4 hours late. My CO had a trashing and we really felt sorry for him. We were thinking, how to explain to an army bloke about the storm, loss of navigation, primitive navigation and communications equipment. How to let the army guys appreciate the ship cruise at 6 to 10 knots and if we were out by 30 miles, it meant 4 hours! Under the circumstance, an error of 30 miles over a trip distance of 1350 was not really unacceptable. Unfortunately this error can only be confirmed by the ship’s radar within 50 miles of landfall. The CO must have learnt a hard lesson. On hindsight he could have given a later ETA and hold the ship over water to achieve a punctual arrival.
When the job was done, it was time for R&R. The sailors brought their secret weapons of apples and coffee, ready to impress. We all had our shopping lists this round. I couldn’t remember which tour I took.
3rd Taiwan trip
By now, we were familiar with the operation. But this operation was special. It was to ferry our tanks and armour vehicles. To watch the ship beached, then the tanks rolled into the ship was like a set from the movies. The cruise to and fro was really uneventful and routine. Onboard, the officer after so many months together had also bonded. We often played cards in one of a diehard gambler’s cabin. During the R&R, together with my fellow officers, we went to Tainan and Chiayi by rail.
A few weeks after return from Kaohsiung, I ROD with mixed feeling.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
SERVING OUT MY TIME IN THE NAVY
6 Months on RSS Freedom
I was posted to RSS Freedom P70. The ship had 4 officers and about 20 men. The officers were the CO, XO, NO and GO. I was the additional officer. I was not given any specific duties as all the key appointments were already assigned to well qualified officers. I was merely there to learn and get my competency in harbour and shore duties and keep watch as understudy at sea. I was thrown all the administrative duties as well as to handle the ship’s correspondence.
I was posted to RSS Freedom P70. The ship had 4 officers and about 20 men. The officers were the CO, XO, NO and GO. I was the additional officer. I was not given any specific duties as all the key appointments were already assigned to well qualified officers. I was merely there to learn and get my competency in harbour and shore duties and keep watch as understudy at sea. I was thrown all the administrative duties as well as to handle the ship’s correspondence.
Unlike a midshipman, an officer was accorded due respect by the other ranks. Rank truly have its privileged. I was truly happy that due respect and recognition as accorded to a young man fresh out of school. Of course, I too was very conscious of my responsibilities that came with it.
During free time, the CO would gather the entire officers to play his favourites games, Poker Dice. It was quite addictive but we enjoyed it very much and we played for very small stakes. As time passed, we became better acquainted with each other and enjoyed the time together. We talked all things under the sun and shared our hope and aspiration. One of their major frustration and complaint was that they made a mistake joining the navy and wanted out. I was glad it did not ‘sign on’.
Living on Pulau Brani
I also became a member of the Brani Wardroom, (a naval officer mess). We were invited by some senior officers for drink. On one occasion, I was coerced to drink so much I became drunk and puked in the toilet. I remembered that terrible feeling and the heartbeats so fast liked it was exploding anytime. I learned and was more careful when caught in the group of drinkers.
I was also given a room in the officer block on the hilltop of Pulau Brani. It was a very small room and sparsely furnished. During the evening, while off duties, I learnt to roller blade. But most of the time, we spend time playing card. Sometimes we booked our self out for ice-skating or just hang out.
Qualified as Naval Officer
After 3 months on this ship, I was given the ‘Certificate of Competency’ which qualifies me to be Officer of the Day in harbour. I would be responsible for the safety of the ship and crew when in harbour in the absence of the CO, conduct the sunrise and sunset ceremony.
From time to time, while on duties, the ship crew will report of any system failure. I had to learn fast and need to decide if there was a need to inform the CO. There were also time when some crew will try to wrangle the way to get a night off for their personal reason. But sometimes they were genuine and I need to show compassion and accommodated their request.
On the 5th month, I was awarded the Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate’. This meant I was competent to discharge my duty as ‘Officer of the Watch’ day or night, during operations such as patrol, SAR etc. It was a heavy responsibility especially keeping watch a night in the busy sea lane along the Straits of Singapore.
Close call
During a patrol around St John’s Island, I had a near miss with a large tanker. It was frightening experience seeing a big mass passing so close. I must have been complacent and misjudge but was really a good wake up call.
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Friday, December 5, 2008
COMMISSIONING CEREMONY AT ISTANA
Commissioning CeremonyAfter 18 months of training, I was told I have passed and will be going to Istana to attend the commissioning ceremony. The sad thing was a few of my mates never made it.
We were to wear the ceremonial dress for this event. Parents were also invited. The day arrived and all of us were ferried to the Istana. As usual, in any military events, we were hours ahead of schedule. My Mom and Dad hired a car and I remembered, they were to enter Istana from Sophia Road entrance. From there they were ushered to their seats.
Dr Goh Keng Swee
The Defence Minister was the guest of Honour. One by one, our names were called and we proudly walked up to receive our sword and certificate from Dr Goh. It was a moment of tremendous pride and satisfaction for me. It also meant responsibility as a commissioned officer. Of course there was the speech which I cannot remember followed by 10 course Chinese dinner.
Proud Father and Mother
My father was very happy and proud. He must be profoundly aware that not many parents had the opportunity to be invited to the Ist
ana for dinner as only a small percentage of young men made it to officer grade. My mother was rather stressed and anxious; maybe the event was rather overwhelming for her. For me, it was one way to repay and show gratitude to the struggles and hardship my parent gone through to bring me up.
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Saturday, November 29, 2008
TRAINING ON OPERATIONAL SHIPS
RSS Freedom, 'A' Class Patrol Craft
My first posting was to RSS Freedom. The captain has the reputation of being the ‘most on’ in the navy. The XO was highly intelligent. Apparently he scored straight ‘A’s at “O” Level but didn’t want any further study. From the time I stepped on board, I was asked questions after questions. Of course I couldn’t answer most and was humiliated to the dogs. It was ragging of sort or could have been the navy way of ‘initiation’ to be an officer. I felt terrible but deep in my heart I had made up my mind to persevere, especially after going through the storm over the Bay of Bengal. I learnt the hard ways but didn’t mind all the hurts; I was focus to be commission as officer.
Most of the training was keeping watch on the bridge, when the ship conducted patrol on the busy lanes in the Straits of Singapore between Horsburgh Lighthouse, St. John Islands and to the west, Raffles Lighthouse. Here we applied Rules of the Seas, either by taking avoiding actions or stay the course. It was more complex at night when you only see the lights of the ships. I also familiarised myself with the sea boundaries between the littoral states of Indonesia and Malaysia and learned to recognise the types of ships. Here I learnt that Indo custom boats we call ‘BT’ often went after our fishing boats for money.
RSS Dauntless
My second posting was to a ‘B’ class patrol craft. I couldn’t remember much what happen during those 2 months. I can only deduce that it was uneventful. Perhaps the captain must be rather ‘switch off’.
RSS Dragon
This was a Missile Gun Boat or MGB, the most important and v
aluable asset in the navy. It was commanded by a senior officer. The ship can speed up the 45 knots. When she did that, she was like skiing on the s
My first posting was to RSS Freedom. The captain has the reputation of being the ‘most on’ in the navy. The XO was highly intelligent. Apparently he scored straight ‘A’s at “O” Level but didn’t want any further study. From the time I stepped on board, I was asked questions after questions. Of course I couldn’t answer most and was humiliated to the dogs. It was ragging of sort or could have been the navy way of ‘initiation’ to be an officer. I felt terrible but deep in my heart I had made up my mind to persevere, especially after going through the storm over the Bay of Bengal. I learnt the hard ways but didn’t mind all the hurts; I was focus to be commission as officer.
Most of the training was keeping watch on the bridge, when the ship conducted patrol on the busy lanes in the Straits of Singapore between Horsburgh Lighthouse, St. John Islands and to the west, Raffles Lighthouse. Here we applied Rules of the Seas, either by taking avoiding actions or stay the course. It was more complex at night when you only see the lights of the ships. I also familiarised myself with the sea boundaries between the littoral states of Indonesia and Malaysia and learned to recognise the types of ships. Here I learnt that Indo custom boats we call ‘BT’ often went after our fishing boats for money.
RSS Dauntless
My second posting was to a ‘B’ class patrol craft. I couldn’t remember much what happen during those 2 months. I can only deduce that it was uneventful. Perhaps the captain must be rather ‘switch off’.
RSS DragonThis was a Missile Gun Boat or MGB, the most important and v
aluable asset in the navy. It was commanded by a senior officer. The ship can speed up the 45 knots. When she did that, she was like skiing on the s
ea, leaving behind the ship an awful wake from the 4 powerful engines.
The captain left us to the ship’s XO to train us. I was treated with more respect and given duties on the bridge under the supervision of the other officers.
Rammed a Fishing Boat.
One night, a suspicious boat was detected on the radar. I said suspicious because, her lights were all switched off which should not be the case. The captain was awakened and decided to investigate. That night my assigned duty was to manage the throttle control (like accelerator on a car). The captain manoeuvred the ship by giving commands to advance or reverse the engines through 4 throttle levers. As the spotlight shone on the boat, I noticed it to be an Indonesian wooden fishing boat as the crew spoke Malay. The captain wanted to get nearer the boat and gave a series of command on the throttle. Instead of pushing the lever backward, I inadvertently advance it, causing the ship to surge forward and rammed the fishing boat in the right bow (front). I remembered dreadfully a few pieces of planks broke. The damage was not very serious. I was relieved of my duties immediately. The captain spoke to the fisherman but I was too dumbfounded to follow the conversation.
Taking responsibility
The fishermen were warned to stay off Singapore water and left without further incident. I was reprimanded for my mistake and was very remorseful but I felt he was far too lenient to me. For the next few hours, I was totally dazed, sad and worried as the reality sank in. What happen if that boat was badly damaged? What if he reports me to my superiors? Will my officer training be terminated and my aspiration destroyed? I saw him next day but I dare not raise any questions. Weeks passed and nothing happened and I was relieved.
I appreciated that as a captain, he has taken the responsibility for someone else mistake. He was forgiving and wasn’t hard on me. It is lesson of humility for me. Be firm, kind and understanding to your men under your charge and you will earn eternal respect from them.
Steep Learning Curve
The last 5 months of on-the -job training has exposed me to actual duties I was expected to confront in the future. I had observed the styles and mannerism of many officers and it’s for me to emulate the good and avoid the bad. It was really a steep learning curve. I was 19 and soon I had to handle men double my age. Some men literally “eaten more salt” than me. I still need to improve and develop my interpersonal skill. Indeed, learning will never end. That is a fact of life.
Soon I will receive my commission and this chapter of my life will closed and new chapter will begins
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Friday, November 28, 2008
OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
Outward Bound School
After the sea cruise, we had some days off. Our next phase of Midshipman Training was to attend the 3 weeks Outward Bound School in Pulau Ubin. The purpose of this training was confidence building as well inculcating other qualities such as teamwork, discipline, resourcefulness and leadership. We had heard of this course so many times. To us, it’s another 3 weeks of adventure and we were raring to go.
Welcome and Introduction
From Punggol Point we were ferried there buy bumboats. We assembled at OBS School and met with other eager trainees sponsored by various organisations. We were allocated to billets and was as to changed and begin our training. This time we were introduced to all our trainers. We were divided into group and played some games as ‘ice-breaker’, to get to know the other members. One of the first activities was to bend down, spin 50 round and run straight which we discovered was impossible. We had good laugh when some just ran amok. Our final welcome activity was to walk across the stream. To the uninitiated, this wasn’t a stream; it was a swamp with 2 feet deep of smelly mud. I waded through with little difficulties as I have done this scooping fish from a stream near my house. For those who never did it before, it was sure hell especially when the shoes were stuck and had to put their hand in the mud to salvage the shoes. After that, it must be the best and longest shower for some.
So Many Activities
We did the ‘Fire Fox’, sliding down a few hundred feet on the rope on the fireman chair. Other activities include basic rock climbing and abseiling, walking about 30 feet on tight rope and many more I cannot remember. It was really fun and enjoyable for me.
Canoeing
This was one of the toughest courses for me. Firstly, my arm muscle was my weakest link, secondly my partner was an SIA admin officer, and he was even weaker than me. We set off in a group from Ubin, followed by a safety boat and rowed all the way to the Causeway. From there, we canoed back. We camped for the night on a smaller island off Tekong. We had to cook and eat our ration provided. The next morning, we canoed again and my canoe was always the last of the pack. I felt it provided 3 quarters of the muscles as my mate just couldn’t coup. My arms were real sore after 3 days of canoeing. But it was really satisfying to complete the relay. That I think was the essence of the course. Focus, discipline, determination and sheer hard work make all thing impossible possible.
Solo Nights.
We were each given rations and tent and discarded on an isolated spot and live there for the next 3 days. I was a kampong boy, well acquainted with darkness and noises of night creatures. This place was no different except it didn’t have a roof. So for the next 3 days, while some of my mates suffered in fear and anxiety, I enjoyed doing nothing, just relaxing, eating and sleeping.
Topo March
This was a team effort to go from one point to another. It was here one can show leadership. The participants from other organisations took it seriously. We took a step backward and let them run the show as we don’t need to prove any leadership. At the same time, we had done this so many times since our days in school.
End of Course
We were graded but it was not relevant to the navy. We earned our OBS badge and certificate. I thoroughly enjoyed this course as it was an adventure as there wasn’t any regiment involved in all the daily activities. No fall in and fall out and no flag rising.
It’s back to Midshipman school to prepare for next phase of the training. We will be posted to various ships for on the job training before commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant. But prior to ship posting, we had leave. Together with a few friends, we went to Kuala Lumpur and Penang for a couple of days.
It’s back to Midshipman school to prepare for next phase of the training. We will be posted to various ships for on the job training before commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant. But prior to ship posting, we had leave. Together with a few friends, we went to Kuala Lumpur and Penang for a couple of days.
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Sunday, November 23, 2008
PHUKET
Phuket
We were met by the Royal Thai Navy off Phuket.Thai naval officers boarded and help guided our ship alongside the jetty with the assistance of a tug boat. The jetty was small and look neglected and damaged. The place doesn’t look like a naval base, rather a smaller fishing village.
We were met by the Royal Thai Navy off Phuket.Thai naval officers boarded and help guided our ship alongside the jetty with the assistance of a tug boat. The jetty was small and look neglected and damaged. The place doesn’t look like a naval base, rather a smaller fishing village.
Painting the shipside
As usual, they were always duties and training planned for the midshipman. One of the major jobs here was painting the shipside. This was quite dangerous and tedious. We had to use the bosun ladder, lowered from the main deck, with long pole and brush, paint the side of the ship with navy grey. I didn’t have to do it as I was assigned other duties. But there were plenty of chores as we were preparing the ship to return to Singapore in shipshape condition.
As usual, they were always duties and training planned for the midshipman. One of the major jobs here was painting the shipside. This was quite dangerous and tedious. We had to use the bosun ladder, lowered from the main deck, with long pole and brush, paint the side of the ship with navy grey. I didn’t have to do it as I was assigned other duties. But there were plenty of chores as we were preparing the ship to return to Singapore in shipshape condition.
Going Ashore
We took the local cab to town. As usual, we bought some souveniors. I was with an avid photographer and we went sightseeing in the island. Not much to see other than some temple and a panoramic view of Phuket from the hill top.
We took the local cab to town. As usual, we bought some souveniors. I was with an avid photographer and we went sightseeing in the island. Not much to see other than some temple and a panoramic view of Phuket from the hill top.
The night scene
Inche Wee, our fatherly officer who had been with us for 1 year now insist he wanted to show us around and see the ‘must see’. He rounded up about 10 of us, less all the ‘holy’ guys. He took us to a bar. It was dimly lighted and was crowded guests and many young hostesses. We took our seats and ordered beers. In the centre of the bar, was a stage. On the stage were many young girls, skimpily dress dancing around vertical poles. Late into the night, there was the famous “tiger show”. It was one hell of a captivating scene for most of us. We were bewildered, excited, confused and even enlightened. It was also quite a dilemma for some of us as we wondered whether we should be in such place at all. Nevertheless, it was an eye opener and we learned to view life from another perspective.
Sailing home
It had been a very long two months for us midshipman. In the days of no internet or mobile phones, we really haven’t any idea how were our families as well as any news at home or around the world. I was sure my parents must have worried for me but I don’t remember feeling homesick. But I did look forward to share my tales with all my peers and friends. I suppose it was my time to tell my stories, boast a bit rather than listening to other people’s tales.
Home n End of Cruise
The ship berthed at Bedok Jetty. We packed all our belongings into the army issued ‘Ali Baba’ bag. It was really a long way home from Bedok to Chong Pang, lugging the heavy bag. I lost weight and turned black from the constant sunburn. These two months had been a baptism of life, experiences that are not available in any textbooks. Mentally, I grew up a lot. I must admit that I had been lucky with life so far as thing were going my way, my aspirations realised.
Inche Wee, our fatherly officer who had been with us for 1 year now insist he wanted to show us around and see the ‘must see’. He rounded up about 10 of us, less all the ‘holy’ guys. He took us to a bar. It was dimly lighted and was crowded guests and many young hostesses. We took our seats and ordered beers. In the centre of the bar, was a stage. On the stage were many young girls, skimpily dress dancing around vertical poles. Late into the night, there was the famous “tiger show”. It was one hell of a captivating scene for most of us. We were bewildered, excited, confused and even enlightened. It was also quite a dilemma for some of us as we wondered whether we should be in such place at all. Nevertheless, it was an eye opener and we learned to view life from another perspective.
Sailing home
It had been a very long two months for us midshipman. In the days of no internet or mobile phones, we really haven’t any idea how were our families as well as any news at home or around the world. I was sure my parents must have worried for me but I don’t remember feeling homesick. But I did look forward to share my tales with all my peers and friends. I suppose it was my time to tell my stories, boast a bit rather than listening to other people’s tales.
Home n End of Cruise
The ship berthed at Bedok Jetty. We packed all our belongings into the army issued ‘Ali Baba’ bag. It was really a long way home from Bedok to Chong Pang, lugging the heavy bag. I lost weight and turned black from the constant sunburn. These two months had been a baptism of life, experiences that are not available in any textbooks. Mentally, I grew up a lot. I must admit that I had been lucky with life so far as thing were going my way, my aspirations realised.
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
COLOMBO TO PHUKET
Back to Colombo
We sailed back to Colombo. We stayed in Colombo for another week whiles the ship underwent some maintenance as well as to take care of the logistics. We spend some times ashore relaxing in Colombo but didn’t do much.
We sailed back to Colombo. We stayed in Colombo for another week whiles the ship underwent some maintenance as well as to take care of the logistics. We spend some times ashore relaxing in Colombo but didn’t do much.
Naval Reception
The ship organised a reception on board for the senior officer of the Ceylon Navy. It was held on the main deck. The wives were also invited. We had plenty of liquor and finger food prepared by the ship’s cooks. I was mingling around with some of our guests. And I realised some of the wife were barefooted. I found it rather unbelieving as they were wives of senior officers. I found out their Navy only had a few patrol crafts. The favourite finger food was cheese. In fact all the food and drink were clean out.
Setting course for Phuket
Mother Nature was kinder to us on the return journey. The sea was calmer over the Bay of Bengal. Perhaps we were accustomed to the pitch and roll. By now were we comfortable living onboard the ship. Most of us can even doze off any hidden corners. About two of my cohorts suffered from chronic sea sickness. After their return from this cruise, they were grounded for shore duties. Most of our training was completed by this leg. On calm day, we played volleyball. Now a new game was added to ship’s sport. We played deck hockey, with puck made from rope into a ring and similar in shape and size like a donut. In the evening, we had sing-a-long session. The camaraderie had been established and we really enjoyed the company of our fellow mates.
Phuket sighted
As usual, we see the mountain peaks in the distant. Then the coast line becomes visible. What made the difference was the colour of the sea as we approached the jetty. It was green and indicated that the water was clear over coral or sand. No wonders this was a tourist delight. And this stopover was purely an ‘R & R’ approved by the Navy. The seasoned sailors were all looking forward for this stop and were really very excited. We were escorted by Thai Navy ship to the jetty. It was a small jetty used by meant for small ship and we seem to be rather big for it. They were many local on the jetty watching and welcoming us.
The ship organised a reception on board for the senior officer of the Ceylon Navy. It was held on the main deck. The wives were also invited. We had plenty of liquor and finger food prepared by the ship’s cooks. I was mingling around with some of our guests. And I realised some of the wife were barefooted. I found it rather unbelieving as they were wives of senior officers. I found out their Navy only had a few patrol crafts. The favourite finger food was cheese. In fact all the food and drink were clean out.
Setting course for Phuket
Mother Nature was kinder to us on the return journey. The sea was calmer over the Bay of Bengal. Perhaps we were accustomed to the pitch and roll. By now were we comfortable living onboard the ship. Most of us can even doze off any hidden corners. About two of my cohorts suffered from chronic sea sickness. After their return from this cruise, they were grounded for shore duties. Most of our training was completed by this leg. On calm day, we played volleyball. Now a new game was added to ship’s sport. We played deck hockey, with puck made from rope into a ring and similar in shape and size like a donut. In the evening, we had sing-a-long session. The camaraderie had been established and we really enjoyed the company of our fellow mates.
Phuket sighted
As usual, we see the mountain peaks in the distant. Then the coast line becomes visible. What made the difference was the colour of the sea as we approached the jetty. It was green and indicated that the water was clear over coral or sand. No wonders this was a tourist delight. And this stopover was purely an ‘R & R’ approved by the Navy. The seasoned sailors were all looking forward for this stop and were really very excited. We were escorted by Thai Navy ship to the jetty. It was a small jetty used by meant for small ship and we seem to be rather big for it. They were many local on the jetty watching and welcoming us.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
EDEN
Eden
We had shore leave for Eden. The ship officers had warned us to be careful with what we do and say. We were not allowed to take photograph. The place seems lifeless. There was nothing of interest to see or do. As such, I cannot recall how the place looks like as there was nothing impressive to give me a lasting memory.
We had shore leave for Eden. The ship officers had warned us to be careful with what we do and say. We were not allowed to take photograph. The place seems lifeless. There was nothing of interest to see or do. As such, I cannot recall how the place looks like as there was nothing impressive to give me a lasting memory.
The Mission
The ship now received permission to enter the harbour and berth alongside the wharf. So it was another operational job. The ship had to weigh anchor, secure the boats, the gantry ladder and all loose objects. The ship engineers needed at least 4 hours to warm up the engines while the ship gyro compass need a few hours to stabilise to initialise the heading. Many more routines were carried out to secure the ship for sail again. Finally under the guidance of the harbour pilot; the ship was berthed and ready to carry the ‘secret’ cargo. The cargo was a squadron to T33 Thunderbird unused RAF airplanes Singapore had bought for our RSAF. All the loading was carried out at night. The cargo wrapped in canvas was loaded in the tank deck through the hatch on the main deck with heavy cranes.
Goodbye to Eden
The next day, we set sail for Colombo again. I didn’t miss this place but nevertheless was a good experience. So we said goodbye to Eden. We steamed back to Colombo. Training and living on the ship became routine and the excitement had finally worn off.
The ship now received permission to enter the harbour and berth alongside the wharf. So it was another operational job. The ship had to weigh anchor, secure the boats, the gantry ladder and all loose objects. The ship engineers needed at least 4 hours to warm up the engines while the ship gyro compass need a few hours to stabilise to initialise the heading. Many more routines were carried out to secure the ship for sail again. Finally under the guidance of the harbour pilot; the ship was berthed and ready to carry the ‘secret’ cargo. The cargo was a squadron to T33 Thunderbird unused RAF airplanes Singapore had bought for our RSAF. All the loading was carried out at night. The cargo wrapped in canvas was loaded in the tank deck through the hatch on the main deck with heavy cranes.
Goodbye to Eden
The next day, we set sail for Colombo again. I didn’t miss this place but nevertheless was a good experience. So we said goodbye to Eden. We steamed back to Colombo. Training and living on the ship became routine and the excitement had finally worn off.
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