Defender of the Seas

By Christine Teh / Photos: MINDEF

Alumnus Lieutenant Colonel Phang Chun Chieh (SBS/ 2006) has recently assumed command of the RSS Invincible, one of the first two new-generation submarines commissioned by the Republic of Singapore Navy. 

The RSS Invincible, along with RSS Impeccable, was commissioned for operational use on 24 September 2024. These state-of-the-art vessels operate silently and efficiently in Singapore's shallow waters, ensuring the nation's maritime sovereignty and security.

“I love submarining, so I’m immensely excited and deeply humbled for this opportunity to lead a wonderful crew and serve the Navy doing what I love,” he shares.

His appointment to lead a new-generation submarine came with intensive training to familiarise himself and his crew with operating the vessel. The 41-year-old Commanding Officer underwent two years of training in Germany.

He recalled: “A key challenge my pioneer crew and I faced was to develop and establish procedures to operate the new submarine effectively. We had to combine manufacturer-provided equipment training with our own 25 years of experience operating submarines in Singapore to create a new set of procedures that maximises the submarine's performance at sea. It felt like taking careful steps, with many iterations along the way to ensure that we were heading in the right direction.”

Commander and the crew of the RSS Invincible submarine.

Communicate to lead

LTC Phang signed on with the Singapore Navy in 2002 which sponsored his studies, and he graduated from NTU’s School of Biological Sciences in 2006.

As an undergraduate of the second cohort of the newly established School of Biological Sciences, he reflected that without seniors to guide the class, students had to rely on peer support to manage their studies.

He said: “Being part of a new faculty also meant that we did not have resources from previous years. Much of our learning was self-driven, facilitated through many informal discussions with our lecturers and schoolmates.”

Despite the challenges, he thoroughly enjoyed his university life and organised Orientation Programmes for Hall 1, where he stayed. Through these experiences, he honed his social skills and learned to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.

Intensive training for two years in Germany.

“That shaped the way I communicate and lead across rank groups and demographics in the Navy today,” he said.

A family of Naval Officers

LTC Phang’s enthusiasm and dedication to serving his country also inspired his younger brother to join the Singapore Navy. He met his wife, Major Josephine Ang, during his service.

As a father of two, he expressed deep gratitude to his wife for managing the home front while he was training in Germany. Describing her as his biggest supporter and source of strength, LTC Phang said that she single-handedly took care of their children during his absence. Visits from his family during the winter holidays helped alleviate his homesickness, providing much-needed comfort.

LTC Phang Chun Chieh (left) with his spouse and two boys holidaying in Germany during his break.

The camaraderie among his crew also played a vital role in his well-being. They organised meal sessions to enjoy familiar Singaporean dishes, offering a sense of home and strengthening their bonds.

LTC Phang credits the success of his mission to the patience and collaboration of his crew, as well as the steadfast support from the broader Navy community.

“With advanced submarines and a highly trained crew, we are well-positioned to protect Singapore’s maritime interests for decades to come,” he said, beaming with pride. “I look forward to many more highs with the naval family.”