President Tony Tan Keng Yam visited the Civil Defence
Academy (CDA) earlier today. President Tony Tan was
received by Commissioner SCDF, Commissioner Eric Yap. The
visit[1] provided President Tony Tan an update of SCDF’s
Concept of Operations, its training facilities at
the academy and overseas humanitarian missions.
Accompanied by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister,
Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home
Affairs, President Tony Tan toured the CDA’s
training facilities. During the tour, President Tony Tan was
shown demonstrations of the academy's state-of-the-art
computer-controlled simulators used for fire-fighting,
rescue, HazMat mitigation and pre-hospital care management.
In addition, President Tony Tan was also shown the academy's
latest training system, the Advanced Command Training System (ACTS)
which uses a 3D immersive environment for command and control
training for senior commanders.
President Tony Tan also viewed an exhibition on SCDF’s
Overseas Missions[2] on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief. The exhibition showcased SCDF’s Overseas Operation
Lionheart missions as well as the partnerships forged with
respective international organisations such as the United Nations
Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Assistance (UNOCHA).
The exhibition also featured specialised equipment and appliances
used by SCDF’s Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) during
overseas missions.
President Tony Tan’s visit to CDA concluded
with a reception where he was invited to sign on a DART rescue
helmet to commemorate the visit. This helmet will be
displayed for public viewing at the SCDF’s Heritage
Gallery. President Tony Tan also signed the SCDF’s
Guestbook and mentioned: “…SCDF’s capability to respond to and
manage crises is crucial to Singapore’s continual growth and
prosperity. I congratulate SCDF for your professionalism in
keeping Singapore and Singaporeans safe and secure.”
[1]President Tony Tan had previously visited CDA in
2002. He was then the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Defence.
[2]SCDF has deployed the Operation Lionheart Contingent
for 13 overseas rescue missions. The most recent was in 2011
where they were deployed to Christchurch, New Zealand and Soma
City, Japan, which were hit by powerful earthquakes.
http://www.scdf.gov.sg/content/scdf_internet/en/general/news/news_releases/2012/president_tony_tankengyamvisitscivildefenceacademy.html