Location
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island city-state in Southeast Asia located 85 miles north of the equator at the southern most tip of the Thai -Malay Peninsula. There is not a U.S. Military Base in Singapore. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC) and Navy Region Center Singapore (NRCS) are both located in building 7-4 terminal inside the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) Sembawang. PSA Sembawang is located in the Far North region of Singapore and could be considered semi-rural as it is approximately 45 minutes away from much of the excitement and entertainment of downtown. Yet, with military facilities close by, a 5 -15 minute drive to several shopping centers and easy access to public transportation, it is not isolated and basic necessities are easily attainable and affordable. PSA Sembawang is designated a restricted area by the Singapore government to other than authorized personnel. Changi International Airport is about 30 minutes east of Sembawang. There is no base operator.
History
As logistics agent for 7th Fleet, COMLOGWESTPAC plans the resupply of food, ordnance, fuel and repair parts for U.S. Navy ships deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations which includes more than 51 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian Oceans–stretching from mid-Pacific to the east coast of Africa, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south. COMLOGWESTPAC also plans and manages the funding for ship repairs at U.S. facilities in Guam, as well as at commercial repair facilities in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.
Initially established as Mobil Support Unit Foxtrot in 1968 at the height of the Vietnam War, NRCS is the oldest Department of Defense organization operating in Singapore. NRCS is a third echelon Command of Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In July 1992 COMLOGWESTPAC was established in Singapore as logistics agent for 7th Fleet. COMLOGWESTPAC is the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal logistics agent and bilateral exercise coordinator for Southeast Asia.
Mission
In its capacity as the bilateral exercise coordinator for Southeast Asia, COMLOG WESTPAC conducts advance planning, facilitates communication with host nations, promotes military to military relations, organizes resources, and directly supports the execution of training exercises with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore. COMLOGWESTPAC further serves to enhance cooperative engagement initiatives in the region.
NRCS’s mission is to lead and manage the overall coordination of military activities in Singapore. NRCS provides Fleet liaison between the Host Nation and Naval, Joint, or Coalition military units conducting business in Singapore to support PACOM regional engagement and security plans. In addition NRCS manages all ashore activities related to military family members including Fleet and Family Readiness Programs, the Navy Exchange and the Navy Federal Credit Union. NRCS MWR also provides support to the Ship Support Unit, Hong Kong.
Population Served
Other detachments and armed forces services located in the building 7-4 terminal or elsewhere in Singapore include U.S. Army Veterinarian Services, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Naval Oceanographic Office, Fleet Industrial Supply Center (FISC), Customer Support Detachment (CSD), Ship Support Unit (SSU), Military Sealift Command (MSC), Sealift Logistics Command, Far East (SEALOGFE) and Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). In all, approximately 250 permanently stationed personnel and their family members are eligible to receive support through NRCS’s services.
Base Transportation
A free shuttle van operates Monday -Friday from 6:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. between building 7-4 terminal at PSA Sembawang and the housing community. Taxis are not permitted entrance to PSA Sembawang, but it is a short walk from the front gate to building 7-4 terminal and wharves. Shuttle bus stops are clearly marked and conveniently located through out the community.
Sponsorship
You should request a sponsor through your gaining command. Your sponsor will be a big help in assisting you with information on local DoDDS approved schools, arranging for pet quarantine space, making reservations for temporary lodging and arranging transportation for you from the airport. Your sponsor will send you a Welcome Aboard Package through the U.S. Postal Service. This information may be especially helpful to spouses, so you are encouraged to have this package sent to your home mailing address. If you have not been assigned a sponsor or contacted by your gaining command, please call the Relocation Assistance Coordinator at 65-6750-2314 or DSN 315-727-3232.
Temporary Quarters
Temporary lodging is provided as available by the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (formally known as ‘The Sling Inn’) and are located within the housing area. There are two and three bedroom fully furnished apartments with a refrigerator, gas top range, microwave / convection oven, pots, pans and table setting for six. Irons (220 volts) and ironing boards are also available in each apartment; each apartment complex has laundry facilities. Pets are not allowed in the temporary lodging quarters. Your sponsor will arrange lodging for you and your family.
Relocation Assistance
Be sure to check in with the Relocation Assistance Program Coordinator to find out about scheduled New Comers Orientations. This orientation is a 4 hour orientation that covers many useful tips on settling in Singapore including local laws and health and safety concerns. Due to the lack of child care available, children are permitted to attend New Comers Orientation with their parent, however please bring quiet items to entertain your child during the orientation.
Critical Installation Information
School Aged Children – Don’t assume your child will be accepted into any local private school of your choice. You are strongly advised to inform your sponsor of any concerns regarding your school age child and to work closely with your gaining command’s School Liaison Officer. Due to the strict attendance guidelines at many schools, you are discouraged from taking extended leave during the school year prior to reporting on board. Local schools frown on excessive absences even for relocation purposes. Being affiliated with the U.S. Forces (active duty or civilian) does not guarantee acceptance to any school.
Special needs programs for children are very limited.
Pets – Unless you are coming from England/Ireland or Australia/New Zealand, your pet will be quarantined for 30 days at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS).
The following breeds are not allowed to be imported into Singapore:
Pit Bull, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Bulldog
Akita, Neapolitan Mastiff
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brazieleiro
Boerboel
Tosa
any crosses of these breeds
Please see the pets section for more detailed information. You should also visit the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority website for pet importation guidelines and policy.
Passports – Obtain a passport for every member of your family. A tourist passport is acceptable. You will find it difficult or impossible to conduct business if you arrive in Singapore without a passport.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
Dialing Information
COMM: (+65) 6750-XXXX [Replace XXXX with 4-digit deparmtment extension below]
DSN: 315-421-XXXX
POLICE: 999
FIRE/AMBULANCE: 995
Key NRCS Departments
Customer Service Desk: 2507 / 2671
Administration/Manpower: 2661 / 2341
Public Safety/Protection: 2312
Regional Business Office: 2318
Installation Management/PWD: 2573
Environmental: 2052
Office of Counsel: 2502
Information Technology: 2323
Disbursing: 2528
New Parent Support: 2316
Fleet & Family Support: 2314
Housing & Lodging: 2451
Morale, Welfare & Recreation: 2412
Public Affairs Office: 2431
Port Ops: 2527
Air Ops: 2527
Battle Watch Officer (24/7): 2594
Community Numbers
Chaplain: 2317
Fleet Gym: 2482
Navy Federal Credit Union: 2352
NEX: 2409
Post Office: 2571
SATO Travel Office: 2622
University of Maryland: 2350
Mailing Address:
PSA Sembawang Terminal
Bldg 7-4, Deptford Road
Singapore 759657
Commercial Address:
PSA Sembawang Terminal
Bldg 7-4, Deptford Road
Singapore 759657