http://www.todayonline.com/Singapor...-flood-hit-Queensland,-Mindef-tells-Australia
SAF ready to assist in flood-hit Queensland, Mindef tells Australia
05:55 AM Jan 05, 2011
SINGAPORE - Singapore has offered its assistance to help Australia combat floods in the state of Queensland, where the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has been conducting training exercises for the past 20 years.
Expressing Singapore's empathy with the Australian people, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong had offered Singapore's help to his Australian counterpart, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Angus Houston.
In particular, LG Neo told ACM Houston that the RSAF's Super Puma helicopters based in Queensland are available should there be a need.
In a letter to Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith on Monday, Mr Teo wrote: "We understand that the local authorities, with the assistance of the Australian Federal Government ... have matters well in hand, but I would just like to let you know that our soldiers and airmen are ready to render any assistance needed if only to show our empathy and support for the people of Rockhampton."
Shoalwater Bay in Rockhampton, Queensland, has been the site for SAF military training since 1990 and the annual Exercise Wallaby.
In a letter to Rockhampton Mayor Brad Carter yesterday, Mr Teo mentioned that Major Low Kay Kiat stationed in the city has been in contact. "Do let him know if there is anything that he can do to assist to bring relief to those affected," Mr Teo wrote.
The Australian authorities have expressed appreciation for Singapore's offers of assistance and have replied that they will contact Singapore should the Republic's assistance be needed, said a Ministry of Defence spokesperson. Leong Wee Keat
SAF ready to assist in flood-hit Queensland, Mindef tells Australia
05:55 AM Jan 05, 2011
SINGAPORE - Singapore has offered its assistance to help Australia combat floods in the state of Queensland, where the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has been conducting training exercises for the past 20 years.
Expressing Singapore's empathy with the Australian people, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong had offered Singapore's help to his Australian counterpart, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Angus Houston.
In particular, LG Neo told ACM Houston that the RSAF's Super Puma helicopters based in Queensland are available should there be a need.
In a letter to Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith on Monday, Mr Teo wrote: "We understand that the local authorities, with the assistance of the Australian Federal Government ... have matters well in hand, but I would just like to let you know that our soldiers and airmen are ready to render any assistance needed if only to show our empathy and support for the people of Rockhampton."
Shoalwater Bay in Rockhampton, Queensland, has been the site for SAF military training since 1990 and the annual Exercise Wallaby.
In a letter to Rockhampton Mayor Brad Carter yesterday, Mr Teo mentioned that Major Low Kay Kiat stationed in the city has been in contact. "Do let him know if there is anything that he can do to assist to bring relief to those affected," Mr Teo wrote.
The Australian authorities have expressed appreciation for Singapore's offers of assistance and have replied that they will contact Singapore should the Republic's assistance be needed, said a Ministry of Defence spokesperson. Leong Wee Keat
