Military Expert 4 Angela Chan, a 46-year-old mother of two, is taking on a key role aboard the Republic of Singapore Navy’s newly launched Sentinel-class offshore patrol vessel.
Chan serves as the coxswain designate of Sentinel, the first of four new offshore patrol vessels designed to strengthen Singapore’s maritime security operations. The vessel was launched on Oct. 1 at the Fassmer shipyard in Berne, Germany, with Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing officiating the ceremony.
Her career in the Navy began after she decided that office work was not suited to her. She had studied electronics, computer and communications engineering and worked in the industry for about six months before choosing a different path.
An advertisement featuring the sun, sand and sea caught her attention and encouraged her to join the Navy. She has since served on several naval platforms, including a Landing Ship Tank and a Littoral Mission Vessel.
As coxswain, Chan is responsible for matters involving the crew, including manpower, welfare, discipline and training. She and the pioneer crew of Sentinel have undergone training in Singapore and Germany to prepare for the vessel’s new systems and capabilities.
The new Sentinel-class vessels will replace the existing Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels, taking on missions that include maritime security operations and protecting Singapore’s territorial waters. They will also work alongside agencies such as the Police Coast Guard and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Sentinel is significantly larger than the vessels it will replace. It measures 94.85 metres long, has a beam of 15.2 metres and a displacement of 2,700 tonnes. Despite its size, it is designed to operate with a baseline crew of about 40 through greater use of automation and advanced systems.
The vessel is also designed to respond to a broad range of maritime incidents. Its capabilities include a 76mm STRALES guided gun, a remotely controlled 30mm weapon system, laser dazzler, acoustic hailing device, less-lethal grenade launcher and water cannon system. It is also equipped with advanced sensors and systems intended to address emerging maritime threats, including unmanned systems.
Sentinel can be configured for different missions through containerised systems and can launch and recover both manned and unmanned craft using its stern-launch and recovery system. Its propulsion system is designed to balance fuel efficiency during extended patrols with higher speeds when rapid response is required.
For Chan, the introduction of the new vessel also brings a different approach to crew management. With a leaner crew operating a larger and more capable ship, she said maintaining communication, monitoring workloads and looking after the crew’s welfare will be important to sustaining operational effectiveness.
She also highlighted the role of women in the Navy, saying that sailors are expected to contribute regardless of gender and that more women are taking on leadership positions across different naval vocations.
Following its launch, Sentinel will undergo platform acceptance and sea trials to test its systems and performance before making its way to Singapore. The four new offshore patrol vessels are scheduled for progressive delivery from 2028, with the existing vessels remaining in service until the new ships are fully operationalised.
