Singapore and US Navies Conduct Bilateral Exercise Pacific Griffin 2025, 12-day Bilateral Exercise in Guam

23 Juni 2025

Exercise Pacific Griffin 2025 (XPG 25) ships, comprising (left) RSS Supreme, (top centre) USNS Charles Drew, (bottom centre) RSS Sovereignty, and (right) USS William P. Lawrence sailing in formation with participating aircraft flying overhead (photo: Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the United States Navy (USN) concluded the fifth edition of bilateral Exercise Pacific Griffin (XPG 25), which was held in Guam and its surrounding waters from 7 to 18 June 2025. The RSN’s participating assets were the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, and the Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Sovereignty. Two Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and six F-16 fighter aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) also participated in the exercise.  The USN participated with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS William P. Lawrence, the T-AKE oiler USNS Charles Drew and a P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The exercise also involved naval divers from both navies.

RSS Sovereignty successfully fired her MICA surface-to-air missile at a fast-moving aerial target during XPG 25 (photo: RSN)

This year's exercise saw both navies conduct a series of advanced naval warfare serials, including live missile and gunnery firings, a simulated air defence exercise, and simulated encounter exercises. The participating RSAF assets engaged in a series of sea-air missions to strengthen sea-air integration. RSN naval divers also participated in maritime explosive ordnance disposal and maritime counter-terrorism operations training.

RSS Supreme successfully fired a Harpoon Surface-to-Surface missile during the MISSILEX serial at XPG25 (photo: RSN)

RSN's Commander First Flotilla and exercise Commander Task Group, Colonel Ng Kok Yeng Daniel highlighted the value of the exercise in enhancing cooperation and professionalism between the two navies. He said, "Exercise Pacific Griffin is an important exercise, and is part of the regular bilateral interactions with our US counterparts. It is a valuable opportunity for both navies to enhance our mutual cooperation and understanding. The vast training space in the waters off Guam provides us with the opportunity to hone our warfighting capabilities."

The S-70B Seahawk firing both of its warshot A244S torpedoes during the live firing serial at XPG 25 (photo: RSN)

The USN's Deputy Commander Task Group, Commodore Destroyer Squadron 7, Capt. John Baggett added that “We have a firm commitment to our partners in this region and a partnership with Singapore that spans nearly six decades. Pacific Griffin is one of many technologically robust training opportunities we participate in throughout the year that allows us to build dynamic competencies as an integrated maritime force.”

The Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft firing a Harpoon missile during XPG 25 (photo: RSN)

Conducted biennially since 2017, Exercise Pacific Griffin highlights the strong navy-to-navy relations between Singapore and the US, as well as the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations between both countries. Apart from bilateral exercises, both navies also engage in a wide range of activities, including professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and participation in multilateral exercises. These regular interactions have enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding between the two militaries, and deepened personal and professional ties between their personnel.

(Sing Mindef)