UK Defence Secretary Visits HMS Echo (Singapore)

The Defence Secretary attended the 13th International Institute for Strategic Studies Asia security summit in Singapore, which provides a forum for dialogue to foster regional security co-operation.

He met with key regional allies, including ministers from Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, to discuss defence and military co-operation.

At the summit, Mr Hammond also met with his Malaysian counterpart, Mr Hishammuddin, to discuss the ongoing search on Tioman Island for missing Briton Gareth Huntley.

Mr Hammond said: “I raised the ongoing search on Tioman Island with the Malaysian government, and they assured me that they are doing everything they can to find Gareth.

“We will continue to keep in regular contact with the Malaysian civil authorities leading the search.”

Whilst in Singapore, Mr Hammond also visited HMS Echo at the UK naval installation at Sembawang. The ship is on her way back from deployment in the southern Indian Ocean, where she had been searching for missing Malaysian airliner MH370.

Mr Hammond said: “HMS Echo and the ship’s company can be very proud of the efforts put into the search for MH370.

“Along with those on board HMS Tireless, the Royal Navy demonstrated its reach and Britain’s willingness to help its friends in times of need.

“With both HMS Daring and HMS Illustrious having helped in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan last year, it is clear that the Royal Navy is playing an important role in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Commander Phillip Newell said: “”I am immensely proud of my Ship’s Company as we have had a very successful recent period helping support the Malaysian Government in searching for missing flight MH370.

“The visit from the Secretary of State for Defence to personally thank the Ship’s Company for our work has further instilled in them the pride which they all have for our part in the search.”

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Press Release, June 03, 2014