Navy Success Story

Navy? Crazy?

Some people may say it takes a lot of craziness to join the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) as a career given its intense training and commitment. Is it really so?

In this issue, we spoke to MAJ Daryl Quah, a naval officer and SAFYC dinghy sailor, to find out the purpose and what keeps him going in this “crazy” career.

Share with us what sparked your interest in a career with the RSN?

MAJ Quah: As an avid dinghy sailor since my younger days, it was not surprising that I had a natural affinity with the sea and the RSN. Of course, the RSN’s advertisement about the sun, sand and the sea was another huge draw!

Can you tell us more about the life and culture in the RSN?

MAJ Quah: Life in the RSN is truly purposeful and dynamic – we are 24/7 on the front line of defence, protecting the everyday of Singaporeans. This immense sense of purpose of our job is what keeps me and my fellow sailors going. Furthermore, the opportunity to represent Singapore when we sail to the different foreign ports of call makes me feel proud to be serving in the RSN.

Apart from the daily operations, the RSN also focuses on our professional development, always preparing us to be ready for new appointments and challenges. For instance, I am currently attending the Command and Staff College course which will prepare me to take up command in the near future.

The RSN is very much like a big family - we call it the Navy family. In this close-knitted family, we watch out and take care of one another, making sure that nobody is ever left behind.

What do you find fulfilling in your everyday work?

MAJ Quah: What I find fulfilling is the purpose of our work - our efforts contribute to the overall security of Singapore and ensure that our sea lines of communication are kept open and accessible to allow trade and our economy to flourish.

What is your most memorable experience or defining moment in the RSN so far?

MAJ Quah: Some of the most memorable moments were when I was given the honour to be appointed as the reserved Contingent Commander for the RSN’s Guard of Honour contingent during NDP 2019 and the Contingent Commander for the Chief of Navy’s Change of Command ceremony in 2020. These experiences of proudly leading and marching out with the contingents reinforced my pride in wearing the RSN uniform and made me firmly believe that the RSN is the right career for me.

The most defining moment of my RSN career thus far was the opportunity to be deployed to the Gulf of Aden for counter-piracy operations under the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in 2010. This was the epitome of conducting real time maritime operations as we worked closely with foreign navies in ensuring regional safety and security. Furthermore, the RSN was handed the command of the CTF 151, giving us the chance to fly Singapore’s flag high and doing the country proud!

MAJ Daryl Quah as the Contingent Commander for the RSN’s Guard of Honour contingent during NDP 2019.

What is the craziest thing that you have done in the RSN so far?

MAJ Quah: What else can be crazier than signing on to be at the forefront of Singapore’s defence, handling maritime threats on a daily basis? It ain’t crazy, it’s the Navy!

What advice would you give to those who are looking to join the RSN?

MAJ Quah: If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging career, the RSN family welcomes you! Do not hesitate to get in touch with the Navy Recruitment Centre and clarify any doubts that you have.

MAJ Daryl Quah sailing on his dinghy with SAFYC during his younger days.