RSS Endurance in Iraq

tankee1981 SG

The Endurance class of ships is still considered quite new and are already undergoing upgrades. This says a lot about the commitment Mindef have towards the navy. I have recently come across an article saying that besides the new Endurance class ships,Singapore also aquire one 2nd-hand LST from another navy to replace the old American WW II ones. Can anyone confirm this? Pictures are appreciated. Very Happy

spencer99 SG

I think you are talking about the ex-RN "Sir Lancelot" class LST or something. Very very old ship. She served in the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict which was 20 years ago. And she wasn't new then.

And this is old news already. She was acquired from the RN close to 5 years ago. Probably as an interim measure when the ex-USN LST were very old and the Endurance class still not in service yet. Not that the Endurance class is in service don't know what she will do. Probably continue to use her as a support vessel. Noticed that we use to have 6 LST but only buy 4 new Endurance LST and 1 old ex-RN LST. probably in a few years time will retire the old ex-RN LST and buy 2 more new "improved LSTs"!

Joe Black SG

RSS Perseverence wasn't bought from the Royal Navy. Sir Lancelot was already sold of to civilians, in fact, it changed hands twice before landing in RSN. Prior to RSN, she was actually a floating casino. Smile

The 4 current Endurance LPDs (I like to call it rather than LST) have the cargo capacity approximately to the 6 old County class.
With the ex-Sir Lancelot, RSN actually has a higher load capacity than before.

Personally, I hope RSN convert the RSS Perseverence to an auxillary/replenish ship in support for future green water/blue water operation, or into a submarine support/rescue vessel. RSN should then add 1 LPH similar to either the Italian San Giorgio class, Korean LPX or Japanese Osumi class. This LPH can act as the command ship for any "Task force" RSN may put up.

Just my 2 cents.

spencer99 SG

I agree. Actually the Endurance is really value-added. First lower manning requirements due to more automation ship for ship. And then more cargo capacity so 4 ship equal to 6 ships. Also much faster speed so faster turn-around.

yeah with 6 frigates we will need probably have a requirement for a dedicated underway replenishment vessel to support long distance deployment.

thanks for clarifying on the origins of ex-Sir Lancelot. It is really a very old ship. I wonder what is its manning requirements.

ChineseJunk SG

Percy was ex-Lowland Lancer, a casino ship that operated off South Africa.

fyi, there's no more RSS Perseverence. She was decommissioned several years ago and was transferred to the merchant marine, under a Singapore flag (what else). Also been demilitarised.... liao.

db

spencer99 SG

Thanks for the update so they flog off the old bugger... I really have to keep up current events. Wink

Anyway, the underway replenishment vessel requirement remains once the frigates are operational. I wonder if the Endurance class can also support this requirement.

Fairyland SG

So what's the new name for the ex RSS Perserverance? What's her role in the merchant marine? Any info?

Isn't there another ship (MV Kendrick) that is fitted out for the submarine rescue and deep diving support?

Joe Black SG

aiya, so sad, this was not even made known publicly. Having browsed through the RSN website, I am amazed how little info they provide about the current ORBAT. The info about each ship is a little too brief. Sometimes, it is far better to dig out the latest Jane's Fighting Ships and some reputated military journals than to go to any of Mindef websites Sad hee hee

Joe Black SG

That is the Satcom (Satellite Communicator receiver/Transmitter), There is another "golf ball" radome above the wheelhouse could be some communication, and/or command and control thingy.

Joe Black SG

Serveral years? How can it be. Smile I found a photos (taken in July 3rd 2001) which shows RSS Endurance and the RSS Perseverance together.
See

and, I also found the RSN News on the retirement of Perseverance in Sept 2001
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/navy/navynews/archives/2001/2001_09.html

So, it was barely over 2 years ago that RSS Perseverance was decommissioned. How I wished it was converted into an auxillary/replenishment ship instead.

Anyway, ChineseJunk, do you know if RSN would expand the sealift/assault capabilities? I am thinking that perhaps it is time to reconsider introducing LCAC type vessels for the Endurance (ST Marine built a hovercraft a while ago - what happen to it), and perhaps introduce a LHD/LPH type vessel.

Fairyland SG

A couple of questions to all in the know (and I believe it's very ok to answer Very Happy ):

What is the role of the merchant marine in RSN? Ships that operate under RSN are on lease or are they owned by RSN? So if RSS Perserverance has been decommissioned and put to merchant marine, what does that mean? Sold off to a civilian operator?

Would like to understand how it works. MV Kendrick for eg, how does it work? Can RSN bring her to a 'war situation' if she doesn't own the ship?

BTW Joe Black thanks for the picture. Nice. Surprised

ChineseJunk SG

From Joe Black:
"Serveral years? How can it be. I found a photos (taken in July 3rd 2001) which shows RSS Endurance and the RSS Perseverance together.
So, it was barely over 2 years ago that RSS Perseverance was decommissioned

Percy was commercialised in August 2001. From then till now, makes it several years, right Question

tankee1981 SG

I think what is needed now is a type of support ship to provide support to the naval fleet for long range and duration deployments. During peace time we can use it to support our UN peace-keeping missions which i predict will increase with time. During peace time the ship can keep the fleet longer out at sea for the patrolling and guarding of SLOC(such as in the Straits of Malacca and the South China sea) and possible blockade of enemy territorial waters. Very Happy

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