Members of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) march during the commissioning ceremony held in Singapore's Changi Naval Basw on May 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

SINGAPORE, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Singapore celebrated the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Golden Jubilee which commemorates 50 years of the RSN being the maritime force on Friday, the Ministry of Defence said.

In conjunction with the celebration, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officiated the commissioning of the RSN's first-of-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), RSS Independence, at Changi Naval Base.

The RSS Independence is the first of the RSN's next-generation warships to be completely designed and built in Singapore, in close collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Agency.

According to the ministry, the warship "pushes the boundaries of engineering and design in delivering a more capable, faster and mission-flexible ship with better seakeeping and endurance that can be manned with a leaner crew."

In a speech delivered at the commissioning ceremony, Lee emphasized the RSN's vital role as the frontline of Singapore's maritime defense and its vital mission in protecting Singapore's sovereignty.

Lee also said that it is apt for the LMV to be named RSS Independence.

"It is a significant and historic name. Significant because protecting Singapore's independence has always been a core mission of the RSN. Historic because the name Independence carries the legacy and spirit of the navy's pioneers," he said.