Captain (CPT) Elle Lee Xin Ying
Navigation Officer
RSS Stalwart
The things that define a meaningful career differ from person to person. For Captain (CPT) Elle Lee Xin Ying, 30, it was the opportunity to be a part of defending Singapore alongside like-minded peers. As a Naval Officer in the Republic of Singapore Navy, CPT Lee tells us about the work she does and the world of opportunities that her career has opened to her.
Why the Navy? What motivated you to pursue a military career?
I’ve always wanted a job which allows me to find meaning in what I do. While initially drawn to the allure of the sea, this career also offered an opportunity to work in teams with like-minded people and protect our loved ones by contributing to Singapore’s defence.
I decided to apply to be a Naval Officer as the opportunity to command a warship was a daunting yet exciting prospect. I also distinctly remember being intrigued by the saying of “Join the Navy, See the World”. In my four years since signing on, the Navy has taken me to many places near and far – enabling me to sail to many countries within Southeast Asia (e.g. Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam) as well as places further abroad like Korea, China, and even to Guam in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Tell us more about your current roles and responsibilities. How has it evolved since you first joined?
I am currently a Navigation Officer (NO) on board RSS Stalwart, one of our Navy’s six Formidable-class Frigates.
As a NO, I am responsible for all navigation planning and navigation systems on board this warship. I lead my navigation experts in route planning and ensuring RSS Stalwart’s safe and timely transit out at sea. I also work with the team to ensure that all navigational systems (e.g. the Global Positioning System (GPS), Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Radars) are in good working condition. On top of that, I am in charge of training and improving the professional competency of our junior bridge watch-keepers.
During the earlier part of my career, the key focus of my Naval Officer training was to qualify as an Officer-of-the-Watch. This training equipped and empowered me to make key decisions in ‘driving’ a highly complex platform through challenging sea conditions, playing a crucial role in enabling the smooth and safe passage of a 3,200-tonnes warship. Currently, the developmental focus of my job has shifted towards managing a team of my own, where I empower my servicemen and women to improve their skills and attain a higher level of navigational competency.
![Captain (CPT) Elle Lee Xin Ying](../../img/uni/06rsn/candidate.jpg)
Walk us through a typical day for you.
I am currently a Navigation Officer (NO) on board RSS Stalwart, one of our Navy’s six Formidable-class Frigates.
As a NO, I am responsible for all navigation planning and navigation systems on board this warship. I lead my navigation experts in route planning and ensuring RSS Stalwart’s safe and timely transit out at sea. I also work with the team to ensure that all navigational systems (e.g. the Global Positioning System (GPS), Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Radars) are in good working condition. On top of that, I am in charge of training and improving the professional competency of our junior bridge watch-keepers.
During the earlier part of my career, the key focus of my Naval Officer training was to qualify as an Officer-of-the-Watch. This training equipped and empowered me to make key decisions in ‘driving’ a highly complex platform through challenging sea conditions, playing a crucial role in enabling the smooth and safe passage of a 3,200-tonnes warship. Currently, the developmental focus of my job has shifted towards managing a team of my own, where I empower my servicemen and women to improve their skills and attain a higher level of navigational competency.
How has the Navy helped you to develop your skills?
The RSN has helped me to grow in many ways. The RSN has a structured training programme that sees us go through systematic upgrading from the Midshipman Course, Naval Junior Officers’ Course and the Naval Advanced Officers’ Course. These courses impart naval traditions, equip us with navigational knowledge and instil warfare skills through realistic training.
More importantly, these opportunities nurture us as leaders. When on course, the Naval Officers have to learn to juggle academic expectations with time constraints and people management. Upon graduation, we are placed in charge of a team and are accountable for their training, welfare, discipline and personal development. Whether on course or on the job, every situation that a Naval Officer encounters requires a team effort.
Travelling abroad has also become more than just sights and sounds – I was fortunate to be a part of the ASEAN Young Officers Interaction Programme held in Myanmar three years ago and to participate in the Republic of Korea Navy’s International Fleet Review in Jeju island last year. These allowed me to learn from our counterparts across the region and better understand how the Navy plays a part in bridging cultural differences and establishing robust defence relations through making a real, human connection.
Share some of the highlights of your career so far, particularly memorable incidents or challenges.
One of the most fulfilling moments of my naval career was the first time I completed my arduous and comprehensive training as a Bridge Watch-keeping Officer and led the ship as a qualified Officer-of-the-Watch. There was an indescribable feeling of fulfilment standing watch and holding the sole responsibility for my Bridge Team for the first time; I felt genuinely proud to earn my Commanding Officer’s trust in keeping the ship and her crew safe. Another memorable highlight for me was having our ship swarmed by pods of excited dolphins whilst in transit through the Pacific Ocean.
What qualities do you feel are important to pursue a career in the Navy?
One of the most important qualities of a Naval Officer is adaptability. Ours is a fast-paced career that requires you to not only take up different roles and responsibilities on short notice – but also to perform and excel in them. Wherever you are in the Navy, the team will depend upon your leadership and effort to achieve the larger mission.
Commitment to a higher purpose is also an important trait. Naval Officers must be prepared to spend time away from their families and do their duty regardless of the challenges of the environment at sea. At times, unpredictable operational conditions may push us to our limits, but as long as we trust the commitment of our teammates, we will persevere together to accomplish the mission.