SINGAPORE -- The Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm Bill Moran, visited Singapore Dec 12-13 to reaffirm the U.S. Navy’s strong partnership and ties with the Republic of Singapore Armed Forces.

During the two-day visit, Moran met with the Chief of the Republic of Singapore Navy, Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han, visited support facilities at Changi Naval Base and Sembawang shipyard, and spent time with Sailors assigned to the Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4).

“Our strategic partnership with the Republic of Singapore Armed Forces reflects our shared commitment to the peace and security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific,” said Moran. “We’re grateful for the cooperation and friendship with partners like Singapore that help our Navy remain forward deployed and ready to contribute to stability within the region.”

In meetings with senior leaders, Moran emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between the U.S and Singapore and thanked the nation’s senior leaders for supporting the rotational deployments of U.S. Littoral Combat Ships and P8 Poseidon patrol craft to Singapore.

Moran also said he was excited about the future of the U.S. and Singapore defense partnership that dates back more than 50 years.

“Our ties with Singapore were founded on a shared belief of a principled, rules-based order that allows all nations to rise peacefully and contribute to the security of the region,” said Moran. “We’re confident that this partnership will continue to flourish in ways that benefit both nations.”

Moran capped of his visit with a tour aboard USS Coronado, currently deployed to Southeast Asia to engage with partner navies across the region.

“You are operating at the crossroads of the global economy,” said Moran during his address to the crew. “Make no mistake, you are playing a vital role and your hard work has an impact on peace and security of the region.”

While no U.S. base exists in Singapore, the U.S. Navy presence in the island nation dates back several decades and the Navy leases facilities from the Singaporean government.

COMLOG WESTPAC/Task Force 73 was established at the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), Sembawang Terminal, in July 1992, after the command's relocation from Naval Station Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. The command provides expeditionary logistics and shore support services for the U.S. 7th Fleet and forward deployed ships.

Additionally, Task Force 73 is the U.S. 7th Fleet's Theater Security Cooperation agent for South and Southeast Asia, promoting military-to-military relations and coordinating exercises such as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) and Pacific Partnership.