Been busy over the last two weeks in earnest preparation for our Aster Live Firing; and the arrival of Minister, Chief of Navy, and the entire Food Chain between them and us to witness the Firing.

There was so much co-ordination, planning, co-operating, leading, to do. Also went back to Nice and Monaco over the weekend. We drove round and round the Monaco F1 track, which was really good fun. Also went to this really cool eatery in Old Nice. It's the top-of-the-list recommendation in Lonely Planet, but we stumbled upon it only because of the long queue. Top dish was the Socca which is something like roti-prata made of Chick Pea flour with a thin crust of Olive Oil. Eaten on its own, with fingers. Its a speciality of the Provence/Nice region - with both French and Italian influences. Come to think of it, every society has its own version of Roti Prata. Popiah, Roti Prata, Roti Canai, Crepes, Egyptian Bread, Pancake, Burrito...

But back to the Firing proper. I can now talk about it because it's now all over the Mindef web page and the Straits Times. See http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/apr/03apr08_nr.html. Yup, this is why we sailed all the way - through 4-6m high waves, through many weeks away from home - to Toulon, France.

(all pictures from the Mindef web page)

Aster leaving launcher!

Missile arc-ing over the ship

Post firing: Minister talking to ship crew

As noted in the Straits Times, our firing was successfully conducted. To all of us onboard - the ship crew which had sailed many miles to get here, and is spending many many weeks away from home; and the entire technical team - it was a huge relief. Really enjoyed the post-firing Champagne and Tiger Beer toast. The Yam Sengs were carried over the cold French winds 'mistrals', and echoed throughout Toulon Naval Base.

This experience really adds to the many "special moments" that I've had with the Navy. Operational time in Iraq (http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/features/2008/feb08_fs.html) , 3 missile firings, calling on the US Chief of Navy in his Pentagon office, and excellent dinner with Daryl and Say Yong in Halifax, Canada,...No, this is not an attempt at recruiting any of you to switch careers. :)

Glad to be here.