Republic of Singapore
FULL SPECTRUM . INTEGRATED . READY
Issue No. 140
2016
RSAF Best Units OTHER FEATUREs: saf day 2016 | ex red flag — alaska
ISSUE NO. 140 / 2016 AFN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Chairman
COL Lim Kok Siong
Members
LTC Cindy Chua LTC Lily Foo LTC Koh Boon Tih LTC Cecilia Ong LTC Tan Giam LTC Michael Wong Ms Heng Ai Buay Ms Loh Seok Chen
Editors
LTC Kenneth Chiong LTC Charles Chua
PG 4 SAF Day 2016
RSAF Best Units
PG 6
Assistant Editor Ms Lynette Lee
Staff Writers & Photographers CPL Marcus Teng LCP Samuel Chua LCP Christopher Tan LCP Augustine Yuen PTE Randy Chia PTE Elgin Chong
PG 14 EX Red Flag — Alaska
The opinions and views herein are those expressed by the writers and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) or the Ministry of Defence. The material in Air Force News is not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the RSAF.
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Insight — SHIKRA RADAR
PG 18
Pg 20 RSAF - TNI AU JAFTWG
Pg 19
Reaching Out to the Community
FEATURED WRITERS
Pg 20 A
Pg 23
Pg 25 Pg 4 — 5 Pg 6 — 13 Pg 14 — 17
Presidential Garden Reception
MINDEF/SAF, RSAF & DXOs/ Civilian Promotion Ceremony
Pg 27
SAF Day 2016
A
RSAF Best Units EX Red Flag — Alaska
Pg 18
Insight — SHIKRA RADAR
Pg 19
Our Valued Partners
Pg 19 — 23
Happenings in the RSAF
Pg 24 — 27
Awards & Ceremonies
Pg 28 — 29
Developing Our People
Pg 30
MINDEF/SAF Scholarship Awards Ceremony
My Air Force Story
– CPL Marcus Teng –
ir Force News has been a great platform for me to have experiences that are otherwise hard to come by. From being deployed to Alaska for Exercise Red Flag to flying in a Chinook helicopter during one of the National Day Parade previews, my National Service has been nothing short of exciting. My time in Air Force News has truly been enjoyable and I look forward to having more unique experiences for the remainder of my journey with the RSAF.
Pg 20 Pg 28
– PTE Elgin Chong –
s someone who loves writing, being part of the Air Force News team has truly been a boon for me. In the past ten months, I have been given countless opportunities to witness, capture and write about our airmen and women’s unwavering dedication towards defending our skies. I will never forget these experiences and they will serve as fond memories for my National Service days in the years ahead.
Developing Our People 3
SAF DAY 2016
Story by Randy Chia Design by Augustine Yuen
SAF Day, formerly known as Armed Forces Day, has been celebrated on the first of July since 1969. This special day has been set aside for our armed forces to rededicate themselves to bear true faith and allegiance to the President and the Republic of Singapore; support and defend the Constitution; stay loyal to the Country, People and Government, and defend the honour and independence of the Republic of Singapore. To commemorate SAF Day, a parade was held at SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI) on 1 Jul 16 and was officiated by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. The parade served as a reminder of the important role the SAF plays in the defence of our nation. The parade was attended by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen; Senior Ministers of State for Defence, Mr Ong Ye Kung and Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman; Permanent Secretary (Defence), Mr Chan Yeng Kit; CDF, LG Perry Lim; Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), Mr Ng Chee Khern; the three Service Chiefs, and more than 3,000 SAF Regulars, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and Full-Time National Servicemen.
▲President Tony Tan inspecting the RSAF Guard-of-Honour
Following President Tony Tan’s inspection of the parade, LG Lim, along with the Service Chiefs, led the recital of the SAF pledge, a reaffirmation by the servicemen and women of their loyalty and service to the nation. A minute of silence was then observed — a solemn tribute to the servicemen and women who had laid down their lives in the line of duty. Dr Ng then presented the Best Unit and Best NS Unit awards to 29 SAF units, of which seven were from the RSAF. ▲CDF leading the recital of the SAF pledge
“On this SAF Day, the men and women of the SAF reaffirm their individual pledge to perform their duty to the best of their ability and to faithfully and diligently protect Singapore with their lives. I ask all Singaporeans in turn to support the SAF, with their hearts, encouragement and solidarity. What we inherited from our founding generation — our home, our Singapore — is precious and our way of life worth defending together.” Dr Ng Eng Hen Minister for Defence SAF Day Message 2016 The Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) for the parade’s Colours Party was ME3 Vinod, an Air Force Engineer from the RSAF’s 805 SQN. For him, being able to participate in this year’s parade was something he had been looking forward to. “I am honoured to be selected as the RSM for this year’s SAF Day Parade. Having been the reserve RSM for past parades, the experiences have helped me tremendously and I am proud to show the efforts of our rigorous training.” he shared. 4
ME3 Vinod (third from left) at the SAF Day 2016 Parade
After the parade, a reception and interaction session was held. At the session, Dr Ng presented SAF NSman of the Year awards to 18 SAF NSmen, of which two were from the RSAF, ME2 (NS) Loh Soon Beng from 817 SQN, and CFC (NS) Donovan David from 163 SQN. ▲President Tony Tan, Dr Ng and CDF with the COs of the SAF Best Unit and Best NS Unit Award winners
▲President Tony Tan interacting with CO 140 SQN, LTC Tan Hwee Roy, and his family
▲Dr Ng interacting with the COs of the RSAF Best Unit Award winners
Combined Rededication Ceremony Three other CRCs were also held all over Singapore — the CBD/South Zone CRC held at Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, officiated by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen; the North/Northeast Zone CRC held at SAFRA Punggol, officiated by Minister for Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong, and the West Zone CRC held at Singapore Institute of Technology, officiated by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Grace Fu. The CRCs were held to recognise the importance of SAF and NS as long term investments in the security, survival and success of Singapore. ▲Mr Wong, CAF, senior SAF Officers, employers and NSmen reciting the SAF pledge
The SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony (CRC) 2016 for the East Zone was held on 1 Jul 16 at the Matrix @ Biopolis. The Guest-of-Honour was Minister for National Development, Mr Lawrence Wong. CAF, MG Mervyn Tan, was also present at the East Zone rededication ceremony.
Organised by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation and assisted by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command, this year’s CRC for the East Zone saw 101 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 77 participating companies reaffirm their commitment to the defence of the nation.
▲Mr Wong delivering the SAF Day Message 2016 at the East Zone CRC
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RSAF
BEST UNITS
140 SQN BEST FIGHTER SQN
Story by Elgin Chong Design by Augustine Yuen
121 SQN BEST AIR COMBAT SUPPORT SQN
208 SQN BEST CONTROL SQN
707 SQN BEST AIR LOGISTICS UNIT
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The RSAF prides itself as a First Class Air Force with World Class People who are always ready to put their lives on the line to protect Singapore’s sovereignty. These stalwart airmen and women remain on stand-by round the clock to safeguard the skies that we sleep under. This year, seven SQNs and units were singled out for their outstanding performances that uphold the RSAF’s operational edge. As a form of recognition for their achievements, the Commanding Officers (COs) of the respective SQNs received awards from Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, during the SAF Day Parade on 1 Jul 16. From scrambling for an emergency activation to showing unwavering dedication when answering the call of duty, we look at the seven winners’ operational readiness and proficiency, and what made them deserving of the prestigious RSAF Best Unit Award.
127 SQN BEST HELICOPTER SQN
6 DA BN BEST GROUND-BASED AIR DEFENCE UNIT
807 SQN BEST AIR ENGINEERING UNIT
140 BEST FIGHTER SQN SQN The siren wailed. LTA Chen Yixin, a SQN Pilot, geared up and raced towards the F-16C fighter aircraft. With the aircraft already armed and loaded by ME3 Yuen Khoong Onn, an Air Force Engineer, with his team of Flight Line Crew (FLC), LTA Chen swiftly conducted his pre-flight checks. In less than five minutes, he was ready to take off for his mission. Charged with the duty of defending Singapore’s skies since its inception in 1970, 140 SQN has fulfilled its mission and more by clinching the Best Fighter SQN award for a record 13th time. CPT Kenneth Cheng, a SQN Pilot who is also a Qualified Flying Instructor, attributed the SQN’s success to its closeknit personnel. He said, “In 140 SQN, we take care and look out for one another, and we believe that lessons need to be shared across all ranks no matter who they are. Hence, we are able to share lessons very easily as everyone is encouraged to speak up to make any wrongs right.” ME3 Yuen felt that esprit de corps is the primary reason for the SQN’s victory. “We work as a team and family, which is very important because we can motivate, inspire and take care of one another to minimise the possibility of errors. Individually, we are one drop of water, but together, we are an ocean,” he added.
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▲FLC arming the F-16C fighter aircraft
▲LTA Chen conducting pre-flight checks alongside 3SG Zaccheus Tan, an Air Force Technician
140 SQN really has that X factor, the desire to win, and I think that’s a very powerful motivator that drives us to excel as a team. We have one another’s backs and take steps to help everyone above and beyond our individual responsibilities. — LTC Tan Hwee Roy CO, 140 SQN
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BEST HELICOPTER SQN MAJ Jimmy Neo, a Pilot from 127 SQN, navigated the Chinook helicopter through the thick, black haze emitted by the relentless forest fire. With visibility reduced to a mere three kilometres, 2WO Sukhwinder Singh, an Air Crew Specialist (ACS), worked together with Singapore Civil Defence Force personnel to identify and direct MAJ Neo to the hotspots. Upon arriving at a hotspot, MAJ Neo expertly controlled the Chinook helicopter’s cruise speed and altitude while 2WO Sukhwinder peered intently through the utility hatch, operating the 5,000-litre heli-bucket rigged beneath the helicopter to quickly extinguish the spreading wildfire. With teamwork and dedication, the roaring blaze was soon reduced to crackling embers. This was what transpired during the SQN’s aerial firefighting operations in Palembang, Indonesia last year. For constantly upholding high standards in its operational capability and readiness, 127 SQN was recognised for its efforts and declared the Best Helicopter SQN. Clinching this title for the second time, the SQN’s other roles include airborne insertions of troops and vehicles, Search and Rescue, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions — all of which require a high level of teamwork and operational edge. MAJ Neo attributed the SQN’s success to the team spirit and cohesiveness among its personnel. He shared, “Each of us cannot do without the others, so we work tenaciously in our own job scopes and as a team so as not to let our team members down. As the saying goes, we are only as strong as our weakest link.”
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127 SQN
▲ An ACS collecting water with the heli-bucket
▲A Chinook helicopter discharging water from the heli-bucket
2WO Sukhwinder echoed similar views. “We all have our own specialisation, so we have to integrate to execute our missions. We worked hard together in the previous year and always looked at areas where we can improve, and I believe this was why we received the award,” he said.
Everyone in the SQN believes that what they do is meaningful and important for the country, so they put in the extra mile to achieve high standards in operations. As a team, the SQN also has a very strong cohesive spirit, and are always ready for operations when called upon. — LTC Liao Ming Hao CO, 127 SQN 8 8
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121 BEST AIR COMBAT SUPPORT SQN SQN CPT Seow Feng Chang piloted the Fokker-50 aircraft above the ocean during a Search and Locate (SAL) mission. In the cabin, CPT Pan Huishan, a Tactical Coordinator, and her crew of Sensor Operators (SOs) conscientiously analysed the information on their radar screens to spot any abnormal activities that may indicate the survivors’ location.
Agreeing, CPT Pan said, “The SQN personnel not only carry out their own roles and responsibilities in their daily work, they will also go beyond what they have to do to help one another should anyone require assistance.”
Meanwhile, MSG (NS) Lee Jun Hao, an Air Crew Specialist, complemented the search with a pair of binoculars. Once the survivors were located, he deployed a smoke marker through the universal chute to mark their location and to aid other supporting aircraft and ships in conducting the rescue. Apart from SAL missions, 121 SQN also conducts maritime air surveillance and airlift operations. On top of achieving the Best Air Combat Support SQN, the personnel’s proficiency and strong safety culture has led them to achieve more than 150,000 Accident-Free Flying Hours. CPT Seow attributed the SQN’s success to the camaraderie among its personnel. “Although our SQN comprises personnel from RSAF and RSN, our culture is such that everyone treats one another like family, and there are no barriers to communication among us. Our strong team ethic of not wanting to let the SQN down also pushes all of us to perform to the best of our ability,” he shared.
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▲MSG (NS) Lee launching a smoke marker through the universal chute of the Fokker-50 aircraft
▲CPT Pan; ME3 Samynathan and ME3 Ng Cheng Wee, SOs; operating on their mission systems during a SAL mission
Our uniqueness of being a SQN that is equally made up of RSAF and RSN personnel engenders a strong sense of pride and belonging. We also have strong family-like bonds that, in turn, motivate our personnel to give their best and to advance the interest of the SQN and the SAF. — LTC Clement Wee CO, 121 SQN
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BEST GROUND-BASED AIR DEFENCE UNIT
6 DA BN
Under the sweltering heat, 2SG (NS) Neo Siong Hoon, an Air Defence Systems Specialist (ADSS) from 6 DA Bn, worked in concert with his fire unit to transport the RBS-70 GroundBased Air Defence (GBAD) system components up the V200 Armoured Fighting Vehicle. After locking the stand in place, 2SG (NS) Neo secured the sight and missile atop the pedestal. Perspiring profusely, he gazed earnestly through the weapon system’s sight while his fellow gunners scanned the skies for aerial intruders. Together, they stood ready to take down any hostile threats that came within view.
▲A fire unit tracking a target with the RBS-70 GBAD system
Aside from the RBS-70 GBAD system, 6 DA Bn also operates the Mechanised IGLA GBAD system to augment air defence in both peace and wartime operations. To ensure that its personnel remain vigilant and operationally capable, the battalion has been honing its skills through local and overseas exercises such as Exercise Wallaby and Exercise Brightfire. 2SG (NS) Neo felt that the battalion’s operational edge stems from the proactivity and team spirit among its personnel. He said, “Everyone knows that teamwork is very important, so we work together as a team without being asked to. It is impossible to carry out our roles alone as everyone has to contribute to complete the tasks on hand.”
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▲ 6 DA Bn personnel working together to load a missile up the Mechanised IGLA GBAD system
3SG Lim Meng Choon, a Vehicle Technician, explained that teamwork is the essence to clinching the Best Unit Award. “With an individual’s effort alone, achieving the best GBAD Unit will not be possible. Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team works,” he said.
This success is attributed to the strong team excellence, spirit and dedication demonstrated by everyone in the unit. Everyone in the unit, be it Regulars, Full-Time National Servicemen or Operationally Ready National Servicemen, understands the importance of their roles and are always ready to defend our skies. — LTC Ang Lay Keng CO, 6 DA Bn
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208 BEST CONTROL SQN SQN Upon being notified of an emergency landing, CPT Fok Yan Ho, an Air Warfare Officer (Command, Control and Communications) and 3SG Mark Lee, an Air Operations Specialist, immediately jumped into action in the control tower to ensure the aircraft’s smooth arrival. CPT Fok quickly grabbed a pair of binoculars and surveyed the runway for crossing vehicles and foreign objects while 3SG Lee deconflicted the day’s flight programme. After ascertaining that the runway was free from hazards, CPT Fok picked up his headset and cleared the Pilot for landing. With impeccable coordination between the control tower personnel, the aircraft was able to safely land at Changi Air Base (East) in the shortest time possible. This was part of the SQN’s training routine to ensure its operational readiness. 208 SQN’s role is to provide safe and expeditious Air Traffic Control services and airport management. Over the past year, the SQN demonstrated its efficiency through the successful launch and recovery of both time-sensitive and emergency flights. It also oversaw the take-off and landing of all participating aircraft during Singapore Airshow 2016. CPT Fok shared that teamwork helps the SQN personnel surmount difficulties that come its way. “We work together as a team to give a good coverage of all preparation aspects and support one another during execution. We have faith in one another to cover our backs and contribute in our own ways to the overall team success,” he said.
To 3SG Lee, the SQN feels like an extended family. “During challenging times, it is very reassuring to know that people are always willing to help out one another whenever they can. Working together to achieve a common goal undeniably helps me in overcoming any difficulties,” shared 3SG Lee.
▲3SG (then CPL) Lee (right) informing CPT Fok about a hazard on the runway
▲CPT Fok giving clearance to an aircraft for landing
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This achievement would not have been possible without the drive, commitment and dedication of the strong culture of family in the SQN. While we push one another hard to strive for excellence, we treat everyone sincerely with care and respect, enabling us to do more together, especially during demanding tasks. — MAJ Cyril Chong CO, 208 SQN
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807 BEST AIR ENGINEERING UNIT SQN Crawling through the F-15SG’s air intake trunk with a torchlight in hand, ME2 Shaun Tay meticulously scanned the fighter aircraft’s turbofan engine for defects, while his fellow Flight Line Crew, ME2 Chua Choon Seng checked the cockpit systems. Meanwhile, ME3 Sivakumar scanned the exterior of the fighter aircraft to ensure that everything was in order. The three Air Force Engineers worked together as a team to generate and sustain the fighter aircraft, so that the Pilot can execute his missions effectively without worry.
▲ME2 Chua inspecting the F-15SG fighter aircraft cockpit systems
The trio is part of a team of dedicated engineers in 807 SQN responsible for conducting pre-flight checks on the F-15SG fighter aircraft before every sortie. The SQN ensures that its personnel perform at their best at all times by constantly reinforcing the sense of purpose and mission in them, contributing to them clinching the Best Air Engineering Unit for the third consecutive year. ME3 Sivakumar shared that the SQN believes every individual can make a difference, which paved the way to its victory. “We understand the importance of our roles as the aircrew’s lives ultimately depend on how we carry out our tasks,” he said. “We also work closely with one another as we all have a common intent and purpose, which is to achieve mission success in all that we do.”
▲ME2 Tay conducting an intake inspection on the F-15SG fighter aircraft to ensure the serviceability of the air intake and engine fan blades
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This accolade is a collective achievement of all members of my SQN. The SQN’s sense of mission, strong fundamentals in sustaining professionalism and team excellence played a key role in helping us to win this award. It also serves as an important reminder to continue to uphold our standards. — ME6 Sreekanth Shankar CO, 807 SQN
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ME2 Chua believes that teamwork is an important factor in helping the SQN to overcome difficulties. “There are times when we have to work under tight time constraints as we have to recover the aircraft in time for the next sortie, and it is teamwork that helps us to expedite the recovery work,” he said.
707 BEST AIR LOGISTICS UNIT SQN A voice with urgency sounded through the speakers, “CPL Chia Zhen Mi and CPL Triston Pang, report to Operations Room (OR) now. I repeat, CPL Chia Zhen Mi and CPL Triston Pang, report to the OR now. There is a medical emergency.” CPL Chia, an Ambulance Transport Operator, and CPL Pang, a Combat Medic, ran with all their might to the OR upon hearing the announcement. In medical emergencies, every second counts and the duo wasted no time in grabbing their medical equipment. After being briefed on the medical emergency, the two of them sprinted to the ambulance parked outside and drove towards the emergency location. 707 SQN’s role is to sustain and meet the operational demands at Paya Lebar Air Base by providing ground transport and supply, primary health care and catering. Over the year, the SQN’s camaraderie and operational capabilities allowed it to triumph as the Best Air Logistics Unit. CPL Chia shared that comprehensive training and mutual trust contributed to the SQN’s victory. “We are trained to be familiar with the base as we have to move from one point to another to evacuate the casualty safely and swiftly. When we face difficulties, our superiors will be there to guide us. This, along with mutual trust among the people in my SQN, gives me confidence to carry out my roles.”
▲CPL Hong Wenyang (centre), a Combat Medic, briefing CPL Chia (left) and CPL Pang (right) on a medical emergency
▲CPL Pang scrambling to an ambulance during a medical emergency
CPL Pang explained that teamwork is of utmost importance in 707 SQN. “With so many flights of different skillsets under our SQN, our medical flight must work together with the ground transport, ground support and catering flights to perform efficiently and effectively as a SQN. Hence, winning this award would have been impossible without the camaraderie forged among the people with whom I work daily,” he said.
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The SQN believes that what we do makes a difference. It pushed us to demand high standards from ourselves, and this success is testament to what we can achieve collectively and collaboratively. — ME5 Myker Foo CO, 707 SQN
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EXERCISE RED FLAG
ALASKA Story and Design by Marcus Teng
The sun gleamed on the F-16C/D fighter aircraft as the Air Force Engineers (AFEs) prepared them for the mission. Minutes later, the Pilots scrambled to the fighter aircraft and started them up. Soon, the roars of the war machines reverberated throughout the compound as they took off to the skies, ready to tackle any challenges faced in the impending mission.
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xercise Red Flag — Alaska (RFA) is a quarterly large-scale air combat exercise hosted by the United States Air Force (USAF) at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, USA. Conducted from 1 to 17 Jun 16, RFA #16-2 saw the participation of the RSAF, USAF and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF), and involved 105 RSAF personnel from its Peace Carvin ll (PC ll) Detachment at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, USA. The RSAF also deployed 10 F-16C/D fighter aircraft from its detachment to engage in this multilateral exercise together with more than 100 other aircraft from USAF and JASDF.
Scan this QR code for more photos of RFA!
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â–˛An AFE marshalling an F-16C fighter aircraft
Realistic Combat Training In the exercise, participants are organised into ‘Blue’ coalition forces and ‘Red’ aggressor forces, with ‘Blue’ forces comprising units from all three participating nations, and ‘Red’ forces comprising USAF’s 18th Aggressor
DEDICATED AGGRESSORS
SQN (AGRS). The ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ forces then meet in a simulated hostile environment as they carry out various missions as part of a mock war. Through the provision of scenarios using common worldwide threats
and simulated combat conditions to augment training realism, this premier air combat exercise is a valuable learning platform for participants to experience their first taste in warfare.
Flying the F-16 fighter aircraft, 18th AGRS adds to the realistic combat training of the ‘Blue’ forces by presenting a realistic look at enemy aerial tactics and weapons systems expertise to better prepare them for combat.
“We aim to provide a professional Red Air that can be customised to form any threat or aircraft that the Blue Air wants to experience. We train every single day to make sure we are capable of providing whatever situation they want to be immersed in, whenever they want to,” said CPT Lloyd Wright, an 18th AGRS Pilot. “We try to make it as difficult and evolving as possible for the Blue Air, therefore factors such as the weather, the target area that we are defending, and even if the sun is going to be shining against us, go into the planning.” To provide an even more challenging experience, the aircraft of 18th AGRS are given unique paint schemes to blend into the different terrains during the exercise.
Blue and Grey Blends with the sky
Black and White
Blends with the mountains, rocks and snow
Brown and Green Blends with the ground
The Red Flag series of exercises allows the RSAF to train in an environment that is both challenging and “ realistic. It combines the skills of individual participants and requires them to synchronise and coordinate their planning and execution efforts so as to achieve mission success. ” — LTC Kenneth Lim
RSAF’s Exercise Director
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With available airspace of over 240 times the size of Singapore, RFA allows the participants to execute air defence and strike missions in an operationally limited and realistic training environment to strengthen their combat readiness and operational capabilities.
LTA Kent Leong, a Pilot, was a Mission Commander for one of the missions and was thankful for the golden opportunity given. “Being a Mission Commander was a challenging and rewarding experience. I worked with other coalition partners to integrate our forces to formulate an effective game plan, which allowed us to fight through an overwhelming force of air adversaries employing electronic warfare and a field of advanced surface-to-air weapons systems.” ▲LTA Leong giving a mission brief
ME2 Tang Wei Jie, an AFE, shared that participating in the exercise was a fruitful experience. “Throughout the exercise, the participating Air Forces
▲Pilots and AFEs shaking hands with one another after a successful mission
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got to observe and learn from one another’s best practices. This allowed us to gain invaluable knowledge that we can apply to our operations.”
my first time participating in this exercise, and I am thankful “for Itthewasopportunity as I got to observe how the RSAF operates and excels in missions of such extraordinary scale. ” — ME1 Thelagavathy
AFE, PC ll Detachment
Integrated Air Forces RFA serves to enhance the professionalism and interoperability among the participating forces, and it provided the RSAF with an opportunity to showcase our capabilities and benchmark ourselves against other leading air forces.
CPT Mark Lim, a Pilot from PC II Detachment, spoke about his experience in RFA. “To step into the aircraft, look left and right, and see so many different kinds of aircraft on the flight line, knowing that we are fighting alongside Pilots from all the different countries who are there for one another, it was a surreal experience,” he said. ▲COL Shoemaker interacting with ME2 Chua Pong Wee, an AFE
During the exercise, Vice Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Base, COL David G. Shoemaker, took the opportunity to fly alongside RSAF personnel and carry out various missions together as a formation. This allowed him to witness first-hand the professionalism and proficiency of our airmen and women in operation. ▲RSAF and USAF personnel working together to transport a fighter aircraft missile
Being able to fly in formations led by RSAF Majors and Captains has been extremely satisfying and I am “ proud to be a part of it. I have worked with many Air Forces around the world, and there are very few that are able to perform at such a high level,” he shared. “The RSAF is definitely a top tier Air Force worldwide when you watch the way that they integrate with these international coalitions and what they bring to the fight. It is the people that make it such an incredible Air Force.
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DID YOU
KNOW
?
— COL David G. Shoemaker Vice Commander, 56th Fighter Wing
Exercise Red Flag — Alaska was originally known as Exercise Cope Thunder. Initiated in 1976, Exercise Cope Thunder was devised to provide aircrew their first taste of warfare and was held at Clark Air Base, Philippines, with the RSAF’s first participation in 1984.
The venue of the exercise was shifted to Eielson Air Force Base in 1992 after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, which forced the curtailment of operations. The exercise was then re-designated Exercise Red Flag — Alaska in 2006 and enhanced to provide complementary training on the same level as Exercise Red Flag — Nellis.
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Insight Our Valued Partners
SHIKRA RADAR
Design by Samuel Chua
On
On 11 Feb 14, the System for Hybrid Interceptor Knowledge of Recognised Air (SHIKRA) RADAR made its public debut at the RSAF45 @ SA (Singapore Airshow). The SHIKRA RADAR is a three-dimensional mobile RADAR which provides low level RADAR coverage as part of the RSAF’s Recognised Air Situation Picture. The high update rate of the system provides high fidelity and accuracy of aerial targets within its coverage area. The SHIKRA RADAR was acquired as part of the RSAF’s force transformation efforts and is networked with the Air-Land Tactical Control Centre to enhance the SAF’s ability to identify potential threats early and execute a decisive response. Mounted on an 8X8 High Mobility Cargo Transporter, the SHIKRA RADAR can be deployed in a matter of 10 minutes with a crew of four operators. During operations, the SHIKRA RADAR is manned by just two operators within the cabin.
DID YOU KNOW?
Technical specifications of SHIKRA RADAR sYSTEM PERFORMANCE
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INAUGURAL PARTICIPATION The SHIKRA RADAR participated in Exercise Wallaby 2014, for the first time, from 18 Sep to 15 Nov 14. It has the ability to bring enhanced Air Surveillance Capabilities to the table regardless of the environment it is in.
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Range
100km
Altitude
25km
Scan Rate
40rpm
Deployment Time
10 minutes
Platform
8 X 8 High Mobility Cargo Transporter
CREW Deployment
4 Operators
Operations
2 Operators
Our Valued Partners RSAF-TNI AU JAFTWG
F
rom 1 to 3 Jun 16, a delegation from the HQ TNI AU, led by WADANSESKOAU (Deputy Commander) Air First Marshal (AFM) Emir Panji Dermawan, visited Singapore for the 1/16 Joint Air Force Training Working Group (JAFTWG) meeting.
1-3
JUN
The meeting, held at MINDEF, was co-chaired by AFM Emir and Head Air Training, COL Tan Yik.
AFM Emir presenting a plaque to COL Tan
COL Tan and AFM Emir with the JAFTWG
The JAFTWG is a bi-annual meeting held alternately in Singapore and Indonesia to enhance the close working relationship between the RSAF and TNI AU.
Happenings in the RSAF
MINDEF Experience Programme
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n 9 Jun 16, 90 students from various junior colleges and polytechnics participated in the MINDEF Experience Programme (MEP) held at Paya Lebar Air Base, and they were given a better understanding of the RSAF’s operations and career opportunities in the organisation.
9
JUN
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This programme gave me a much deeper insight on the RSAF’s operations, and the chance to interact with the personnel. It showed me how dedicated and passionate they are about their jobs.
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— Chan Fang Yi Student Raffles Institution (Junior College)
During the programme, COS-AS, BG Lim Tuang Liang, and other senior Officers interacted and shared their experiences with the students, giving them a deeper understanding of the RSAF. After the programme, 44 of the total of 90 students indicated interest in joining the RSAF.
BG Lim, Head Air Engineering and Logistics, ME8 Francis Cheong; Head Air Manpower, COL Lim Kok Siong, and RSAF personnel with the students
As part of the MEP, the students visited the 7 Air Engineering and Logistics Group (7 AELG) where they were briefed on the F-15SG fighter aircraft. The students went on a familiarisation flight on board the RSAF’s C-130 aircraft, and tried out various simulators at the Air Force Museum and Air Force Training Command.
COS-AS interacting with the students
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Happenings in the RSAF Reaching Out to the Community
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ersonnel from Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) engaged members of the public through three events as part of the RSAF’s Community Outreach Programme (COP), of which two were held at Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore-Towner Garden School (MINDS-TGS). These efforts allow members of the public to gain deeper understanding of the RSAF, and allow the RSAF to foster good relations with the community.
MINDS-TGS School Maintenance Day
PLAB personnel helping to clean up the drainage waste
ME5 Ethan Ng, an Air Force Engineer (AFE) from Air Engineering and Logistics Department (first from left), and Mr Chai Kong Wah from 807 SQN cleaning the garden
MINDS-TGS Racial Harmony Day
Ms S. Sarojanie from 705 SQN (on the left) and a school volunteer helping to serve food to MINDS-TGS students
ME4 Tay Yiming, an AFE from 817 SQN, giving out ice cream to MINDS-TGS students
Punggol North Racial and Religious Harmony Street Parade
LTA David Ong, a Pilot from 142 SQN, interacting with the Punggol residents
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ME2 Alice Kua, an AFE from 817 SQN, guiding the Punggol residents on the aircraft simulator
Happenings in the RSAF CAF’s SQN and Unit Visits
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n June and July 2016, CAF, MG Mervyn Tan, visited 608 SQN and held a dialogue session with 608 SQN and Air Manpower Department personnel to address their concerns.
CAF Visits 608 SQN
CAF interaction with AMD
CAF observing a demonstration by the Immediate Response Force
CAF hosting a dialogue session with Head Air Manpower, COL Lim Kok Siong
CAF interacting with 608 SQN personnel
CAF interacting with AMD personnel
DMI Visits UC
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n 5 Jul 16, Director Military Intelligence (DMI) and Chief Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I), BG Ong Tze-Ch’in, visited Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command (UC) at Murai Camp. Senior SAF Officers were also present during the visit.
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Hosted by COMD UC, COL Sim Peng Shin, BG Ong was briefed on the mission and capabilities of UC. BG Ong then visited the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Mission Training Centre to view the Heron 1 UAV simulator training. During the visit, BG Ong also viewed a static display of a Heron 1 UAV and observed a live flight.
BG Ong, COL Sim and senior SAF Officers
BG Ong concluded the visit with an engagement session with UC personnel.
BG Ong being briefed on the Heron 1 UAV simulator by LTC Chua Chee Peng
BG Ong signing the guest book at 128 SQN
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Happenings in the RSAF CAF Quarterly Safety Forum
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he CAF Quarterly Safety Forum (CQSF) was held at Changi Air Base (West) on 15 Jul 16. Organised by the Air Force Inspectorate, the forum aims to raise awareness of safety issues within the RSAF.
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Head Air Force Inspectorate, COL Philip Chionh, opened the forum with a safety review, where he provided an indepth analysis of safety issues over the past quarter.
RSAF personnel in a case study group discussion
COL Chionh presenting his safety review
The forum ended with the presentation of the CAF Safety Award which is given to deserving recipients for their alertness and initiative in safety. The recipients were MAJ Eric Lee, CPT Koh Liang Teck and LTA Darryl Woon from 116 SQN.
After COL Chionh’s presentation, two case studies were also conducted, which sparked a series of discussions about the organisation’s safety culture. During the forum, CAF, MG Mervyn Tan, and other Formation Commanders Conference members also shared their insight on how safety standards can be ensured through professionalism, discipline and vigilance.
CAF with LTA Woon (first from left), MAJ Lee (third from left) and CPT Koh (fourth from left)
CSC Senior Management Programme Visit to 163 SQN
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n 15 July 16, 37 Public Service Officers (PSOs) from the Civil Service College (CSC) visited 163 SQN as part of a sixweek Senior Management Programme. The visit aimed to strengthen and reaffirm the shared ethos and values of the Singapore Public Service and deepen leadership competencies.
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and DY COMD SAFTI Military Institute, COL Ng Wai Kit, were present during the visit. As part of the visit, the PSOs witnessed the I-HAWK Ground-Based Air Defence System Loading Drill, which gave them a better understanding of how it plays a part in the round-the-clock defence of Singapore’s skies. The visit concluded with a dialogue session with CAF, MG Mervyn Tan, BG Tan, COL Koh and COL Ng, who answered their queries on the value of the SAF and RSAF, during peacetime and wartime operations.
CAF, BG Tan, COL Koh, COL Ng, LTC Lee and the PSOs
Hosted by COMD Air Defence Group, COL Koh Ee Wen, the PSOs were briefed by COL Koh on the organisational structure of the RSAF and the role of Air Defence and Operations Command (ADOC). They were also briefed by CO 163 SQN, LTC Lee Kok Kiang on the roles and capabilities of 163 SQN. COMD ADOC, BG Tan Chee Wee 22
CAF, BG Tan, COL Koh, COL Ng having a dialogue session with the PSOs
Happenings in the RSAF Presidential Garden Reception
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n 17 Jul 16, President Tony Tan Keng Yam hosted about 550 personnel from the SAF at the Presidential Garden Reception at the Istana. Held annually since 1992, the reception serves to recognise the commitment and contributions of SAF personnel towards the defence of Singapore.
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During the reception, President Tony Tan interacted with Regulars, Full-Time National Servicemen, and Operationally Ready National Servicemen from the SAF, who shared their different experiences and contributions towards keeping Singapore safe.
Mr Ng and CAF interacting with RSAF personnel at the reception
President Tony Tan with RSAF personnel at the reception
President Tony Tan interacting with MSG (NS) Aloysius Lim, an AFE from 815 SQN and RSAF personnel
Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Ong Ye Kung; Permanent Secretary (Defence), Mr Chan Yeng Kit; CDF, LG Perry Lim; Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), Mr Ng Chee Khern; and Service Chiefs were also present at the reception.
RSAF Award Winners’ Incentive Flight
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n 23 Jul 16, nine Full-Time National Servicemen and Regulars had the opportunity to fly in a Chinook helicopter at Sembawang Air Base.
Jointly organised by Air Manpower Department and 127 SQN, which operates the Chinook helicopter, the incentive flight was a reward for the outstanding servicemen who won the Best Servicemen Awards. The award recipients boarding a Chinook helicopter
CAF, MG Mervyn Tan; Head Air Manpower, COL Lim Kok Siong, and Air Force Command Chief (AF-CC), ME6 M.A Pathi, were also present. They congratulated the servicemen and thanked them for their contributions in safeguarding Singapore’s skies.
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CAF; COL Lim; and AF-CC, ME6 M.A Pathi, with the award recipients
One of the award recipients was 3SG Edmund Ong, an Air Defence Weapon Specialist from 18 DA Bn, who shared his secret to success. “It is about identifying and reinforcing your strengths, as well as accepting your own weaknesses and learning from your mistakes,” he said.
It is thanks to my unit that I was able to receive this award. Despite us having different responsibilities, we always treat one another with the utmost respect, and this is what spurs me on to go the extra mile in my daily work. —
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— PTE Arun Vignesh Supply Assistant 705 SQN
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Awards & Ceremonies 7th JLC Graduation Ceremony
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he 7th Joint Leadership Course (JLC) Graduation Ceremony was held on 2 Jun 16 at The Chevrons. Officiating at the ceremony was CDF, LG (then MG) Perry Lim, who presented certificates and awards to 129 graduates, of which 41 were from the RSAF. Air Force Command Chief, ME6 M.A Pathi, was also present at the ceremony.
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The course leader was 3WO Wong Chu Bi, an Air Crew Specialist from 122 SQN. Among the RSAF graduates, four were awarded the Distinguished Graduate Award. They were 3WO Wong, ME2 Lim Thiam Hock, a Flight Engineer from 127 SQN, ME3 (then ME2) Kelvin Yeo, an Air Force Engineer from 815 SQN and ME2 Png Tiong Boon, an Air Operations and Systems Expert, from 200 SQN.
CDF with the RSAF Distinguished Graduates and their spouses
Conducted by the SAF Warrant Officer School, the course was held over 20 weeks for Warrant Officers and 12 weeks for Military Experts. The course is structured to hone leadership qualities, impart general military knowledge, and promote interaction among personnel from the three Services.
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The JLC allowed me to tap into the vast experiences and leadership styles of my peers from all three Services. This will help me adapt my leadership styles to different scenarios, allowing me to make better judgements and decisions for any situation that arises.
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— ME2 Lim Thiam Hock Distinguished Graduate Flight Engineer, 127 SQN
CDF presenting the Distinguished Graduate Award to ME2 Lim
RSAF Combined Graduation Ceremony 02/16
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he 02/16 RSAF Combined Graduation Ceremony was held at the Air Force Training Command (AFTC) Auditorium on 2 Jun 16. During the ceremony, COS-AS, BG Lim Tuang Liang, presented certificates, vocational badges, and ceremonial swords to 87 graduates.
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Speaking to the graduates, BG Lim said, “In order for the RSAF to achieve mission success, our Officers from the Enhanced Officers Scheme, Military Experts from the Military Domain Experts Scheme and Warrant Officers and Specialists from the Enhanced Warrant Officers Scheme must work hand-in-hand to deliver air power effectively and efficiently. It is this close partnership that forges the RSAF as One Force, One Tribe.”
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I will never forget those who worked behind the scenes to contribute to my success. There were many groups of individuals, not just my instructors, who played a huge role in my journey towards attaining this set of pilot wings. They were the administrative and logistics support team, as well as the ground crew who worked tirelessly for whom I am forever grateful.
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— CPT Conran Chia Best Trainee 158th Fighter Wings Course
COMD AFTC, COL Simon Lee, concluded the graduation ceremony with the symbolic mixing of the Air Force Spirits.
COS-AS with the graduates
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COS-AS with the Best Trainees
Awards & Ceremonies MINDEF/SAF, RSAF and DXOs/Civilian Promotion Ceremony MINDEF/SAF Promotion Ceremony
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he SAF held its annual promotion ceremonies from 24 to 30 Jun 16 to honour and recognise the dedication and abilities of its personnel. The MINDEF/SAF Promotion Ceremony was held at the MINDEF Auditorium on 30 Jun 16. A total of 541 MINDEF and SAF personnel, of which 62 were from the RSAF, were promoted at the ceremony. Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, presented certificates to personnel promoted to the ranks of SWO, CWO, ME7, COL, RADM, BG, MG and LG. CDF, LG (then MG) Perry Lim, presented certificates to personnel promoted to the ranks of MWO, ME6, LTC and SLTC. RSAF personnel promoted this year included CAF, MG (then BG) Mervyn Tan; COMD Air Combat Command, BG (then COL) Tommy Tan; and COMD Participation Command; BG (then COL) Jonathan Tan. Senior MINDEF officials and SAF Officers as well as the spouses of the promoted personnel were present at the ceremony.
CAF receiving his Certificate of Promotion from Dr Ng
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I am fortunate to be good at what I do, and recognised for my work. It is an honour to be a part of the trend of rising female leaders in the organisation.
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— COL (then SLTC) Koh Ee Wen COMD Air Defence Group
RSAF Promotion Ceremony Held at the Air Force Training Command (AFTC) Auditorium on 28 Jun 16, 186 Officers, 76 Military Experts and 28 Warrant Officers were promoted at this year’s RSAF Promotion Ceremony. In total, 290 servicemen were promoted. CAF, MG (then BG) Mervyn Tan, graced the event and presented the Promotion Certificates to the promotees.
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I am grateful to the organisation for recognising my efforts. I have had good superiors who have been really inspirational to me. And with this promotion, I will be able to give back more to the RSAF and hopefully inspire others like what my superiors had done for me.
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— MAJ (then CPT) Nair Vivek Staff Officer Air Training Department
MSG Kevin Gerard Sandhu receiving his Certificate of Promotion from CAF CAF, senior RSAF Officers and the newly promoted personnel with their families
DXOs/Civilian Promotion Ceremony On 24 Jun 16, 352 Defence Executive Officers (DXOs) and civilians were promoted during the DXOs/Civilians Promotion Ceremony, of which 34 were from the RSAF. The Promotion Ceremony was held at the MINDEF Auditorium. Permanent Secretary (Defence), Mr Chan Yeng Kit, presented the Certificates of Promotion to personnel promoted to the ranks of DX11 and above, while Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), Mr Ng Chee Khern, presented the promotion certificates to those promoted to the ranks of DX5 to DX10.
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I feel honoured to have the opportunity to be recognised for the work and contributions I’ve made thus far to the organisation. With this promotion, I will be able to contribute at a greater level to the work that I am currently doing, and also help the organisation nurture and develop people who are able to do likewise.
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— DX12 (then DX11) Ms Wendy Goh Staff Officer Air Intelligence Department
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Awards & Ceremonies 42 Newly Commissioned Officers Join the RSAF
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n 26 Jun 16, 567 cadets across the SAF, of which 42 were from the RSAF, were commissioned as Officers at SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI). Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the Reviewing Officer for the parade.
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The Sword-of-Honour (SOH) recipient from the RSAF was 2LT Laura Lee from the 25th Air Warfare Officer (GroundBased Air Defence) Course. She is the first female trainee in her GBAD vocation to receive the SOH award and was also the Best Physical Trainee for the course. “I think being a soldier encompasses a lot of pride, honour and glory, and it’s selfless to dedicate your time and life to defending the nation. It is something I feel very honoured to do,” said 2LT Lee.
PM Lee inspecting the parade at the 101/15 Officer Cadet Commissioning Parade held at SAFTI MI
Speaking at the parade, PM Lee recalled that during the first commissioning parade, founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew had said, “What we lack in numbers, we will make up for in quality; in the standards of discipline, training, dedication and leadership.” “Generations of SAFTI-trained Officers have been imbued with these values, and have passed them on to their trainees, to soldiers under their command, and to later cohorts of Regulars and NSmen. This has become part of the SAF’s ethos and spirit, and enabled the SAF to perform its duties, and keep Singapore safe and secure,” PM Lee said.
PM Lee; Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen; CDF, LG Perry Lim; COMD SAFTI MI, RADM Giam Hock Koon and former CDF, LG (RET) Ng Jui Ping witnessing the unveiling of the mural
As part of SAFTI MI’s 50th anniversary celebrations, PM Lee also unveiled a mural enshrining the images of the first batch of SAF officers on SAFTI’s grounds. The mural was donated by SAFTI’s pioneers in commemoration of the institute’s golden jubilee.
58 Graduate as RSAF Senior Military Experts The 11th Senior Military Experts (MEs) Appointment Ceremony was held on 22 Jul 16 at SAFTI Military Institute. Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Ong Ye Kung, officiated at the ceremony where 121 servicemen and women were appointed as senior MEs, of which 58 were from the RSAF. CDF, LG Perry Lim; CAF, MG Mervyn Tan, and senior SAF Officers were present at the ceremony.
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One of the graduates, ME4 Vinodthan, an Air Force Engineer from 816 SQN, spoke about the evolvement of his role after the course, and how the course prepared him for his future endeavours. “Although I’m now tasked with a higher responsibility, the course has equipped me with skills such as teamwork and personnel management which allow me to better lead my men,” said ME4 Vinodthan.
Mr Ong, CDF, CAF, senior SAF Officers and the graduates
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A strong SAF with deep expertise, especially in the strategic and critical areas that define the core capabilities of the SAF, is ever more necessary today. To go far, you must be prepared to go deep, and hence the strategic importance of the Military Experts Corps. It is a strategic capability that enables the SAF to see further, learn faster, and integrate its systems better. Today, we have strong game-changing solutions to keep our fighting edge sharp.
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CDF interacting with RSAF graduates
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— Mr Ong Ye Kung Senior Minister of State for Defence
Awards & Ceremonies MINDEF/SAF Scholarship Awards Ceremony
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he MINDEF/SAF Scholarship Awards Ceremony was held at the Istana on 27 Jul 16. Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, was the Guest-of-Honour at the ceremony and presented the SAF Scholarship to seven recipients; the SAF Merit Scholarship (SMS) to 23 recipients; the Defence Merit Scholarship (DMS) to 14 recipients, and the newly launched SAF Engineering Scholarship (SES) to three recipients. This year saw the largest batch of 47 scholarship recipients, and also the largest number of 20 female recipients to date.
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During his speech, Dr Ng highlighted the rising trend of women SAF scholars, in keeping with the rising proportion of women personnel in the SAF.
“A broader pipeline has now been opened for women to contribute more to Singapore’s defence. With the pipeline opened, more women will be expected to be leaders within the SAF and MINDEF in years to come, and this is a virtuous trend,” he said. Introduced in 1971, the SAF Scholarship, formerly known as SAF Overseas Scholarship, is a prestigious scholarship second only to the President’s Scholarship. The SMS and DMS scholarships were introduced in 1983 and 2002 respectively. The SES was newly launched this year, and aims to attract aspiring engineers to the SAF under the Military Domain Experts Scheme. All four scholarships aim to attract top graduating students to join MINDEF and the SAF.
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Dr Ng; Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Mr Eddie Teo; Permanent Secretary (Defence), Mr Chan Yeng Kit; CDF, LG Perry Lim; and Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), Mr Ng Chee Khern with the scholarship recipients
As the pioneer batch and the first female recipient of the SES, there will definitely be high expectations of me, but I believe this will drive me to perform even better, and to set the bar higher for future batches.
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— ME4T Ho Yan Jin Air Force Engineer First Female Recipient of SES
14th Air Force Advanced Course
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he 14th Air Force Advanced Course (AFAC) was conducted from 23 Jun to 29 Jul 16 at the Air Force Officers’ Advanced School in SAFTI Military Institute. A total of 36 RSAF Officers, which included six National Service (NS) Commanders, graduated from the course. COS-AS, BG Lim Tuang Liang, graced the Graduation Ceremony as the Guest-of-Honour.
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The five-week course comprised of the Leadership and RSAF Core Values Module, the Common Task Competency Module and the Officer Commanding (OC) Module. The OC Effectiveness Programme was also incorporated into the course. The six NS Commanders joined the course from 18 to 29 Jul 16, and attended it as the 6th NS OC course as part of their NS OC training.
The Top Graduate of the course was MAJ Rajpal Singh from Air Operations Department (AOD) and the Distinguished Graduates were MAJ Cumarran from Joint Intelligence Department and MAJ Nichola Goh from CAF’s Office.
COS-AS with the Directing Staff and graduates of AFAC
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AFAC serves as an excellent springboard for RSAF officers aspiring to become OCs. The thing that I appreciate the most about the course is that it took us out of our niche comfort zones and forced us to look at issues and understand them from different perspectives.
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COS-AS presenting the Top Graduate Award to MAJ Rajpal
— MAJ Rajpal Singh Staff Officer AOD
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Developing Our People
ME2 (NS) LOH SOON BENG SAF NSMEN OF THE YEAR
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“The RSAF has consistently invested lots of resources, time and effort in developing its people and I am thankful to the RSAF for providing me with countless opportunities and exposure from the start, and even after I had left the service.”
fter completing his National Service in 2002, ME2 (NS) Loh Soon Beng joined the RSAF as a Senior Technician [now known as Air Force Engineer (AFE)] in 2003, in order to pursue his interest in the military domain and utilise his electronics knowledge. After undergoing an intensive sixmonth technical training course in Air Engineering Training Institute at Air Force School (now known as Air Force Training Command), he was posted to 817 SQN to work with the F-5 fighter aircraft in Paya Lebar Air Base. “The group of Senior Technicians who were working with me willingly shared their vast amount of experiences and knowledge, allowing me to broaden my knowledge beyond electronics. I was soon ready to deal with the different potential issues the F-5 fighter aircraft could face,” he shared.
ME2 (NS) Loh receiving the SAF NSmen of the Year Award from Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen
ME2 (NS) Loh’s training was not limited to technical skills and knowledge — during his time at 817 SQN, he was groomed as a team in-charge to effectively lead a group of AFEs, and was sent for the Specialist Enhancement Programme in 2008 to enhance his leadership skills and gain a better understanding of the RSAF’s operations. In addition, ME2 (NS) Loh was provided with an avenue to develop holistically in other areas such as character building and creative thinking through annual enrichment courses. 28
Developing Our People I was proud and excited to be part of the rectification team as I had the chance to put my knowledge and training into practice in a major exercise. From the exercise, I learnt that the key to achieve mission success was the seamless integrated operations between the ground crew and aircrew, and it also let me realise the importance of the support from my family, employer and unit.”
ME2 (NS) Loh (bottom row, first from left) with his 45th Senior Technician course mates in 2003
ME2 (NS) Loh left the RSAF in 2011 to join the private sector. The experience and knowledge that ME2 (NS) Loh gained in RSAF was also relevant outside the service. Currently a Maintenance Engineer for the RSAF’s helicopter simulator at ST Electronics, the aircraft avionics and system knowledge that he had gained during his service has helped him greatly when analysing the system for the root causes of any faults that surfaced. The RSAF’s strong emphasis on safety has also positively influenced his life, as he keeps a constant look out for potential hazards at his work. As part of his In-Camp Training (ICT) in 2012, ME2 (NS) Loh was sent by the RSAF to attend the F-15 fighter aircraft type course to become a qualified AFE for the F-15 fighter aircraft. “It was a challenge for us as we needed to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in a short duration. Thankfully, our past training and experience working with the F-5 fighter aircraft greatly expedited our learning process,” he recalled.
After being awarded the Air Power Generation Command Formation National Servicemen of the Year Award in 2015 for his outstanding performance in an outfield deployment exercise, ME2 (NS) Loh was awarded the SAF NSman of the Year in 2016 for his contributions to the SAF. “The NSman of the Year Award is a recognition that NSmen like me can still contribute significantly to the defence of Singapore’s skies. I am thankful to my employer, ST Electronics, for supporting NSmen during their ICTs; and my unit, for going the extra mile to ensure that NSmen are trained to complete tasks professionally and safely during their ICTs,” he said. Although he is no longer in the service, ME2 (NS) Loh feels that he can still continue contributing to the RSAF. He believes that when NSmen like him return for ICTs, they can bring in relevant knowledge and skills that they have acquired in the private sector, in order to streamline and improve the procedures in the RSAF’s operations. “Not only does the RSAF equip personnel with the knowledge and skills for them to perform effectively and efficiently in day-to-day operations, the RSAF also aims to develop their character and realise their full potential so that they will be able to face up to any challenges, and that holds true even for NSmen who have joined the private sector,” he said.
The highlight of his time with the RSAF was the exercises he was deployed for, such as Exercise Pitch Black 2014, a biennial multinational overseas exercise in Australia. Recalling his experience there, he shared, “As an NSman,
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My Air Force Story
CPT NOEL NG Air warfare officer (C3), 203 SQN
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t was night time, yet the sun was shining brightly when I landed in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA. Summer in Alaska meant that the sun only sets and rises in the wee hours of the morning. There was literally no night, only day time. That marked the start of my five-day deployment in Alaska, where I was part of a six-man team of ‘Forging-Our-Tribe’ (FOT) observers to Exercise Red Flag – Alaska (RFA) #16-2, from 6 to 10 June 16. The RSAF provides opportunities for our airmen and women to understand how the RSAF operates and fights at the system level in a realistic threat environment by sending selected personnel to visit and observe RSAF overseas exercises as FOT observers. It serves to bolster our people’s confidence in the RSAF’s warfighting capabilities and provides a platform for them to network and develop cross-Command relationships. Furthermore, it also allows our servicemen and women to better appreciate how different vocations contribute to mission success.
CPT Noel Ng (first from left) with the FOT team
when I witnessed one of our very own servicemen, LTA Kent Leong from RSAF Peace Carvin II (PC II) Detachment, taking on the role of Mission Commander. Aided by the Package Commanders, he planned and executed a highly complex mission, involving multiple aircraft types from the various participating countries to perform different roles. These observations enabled my team and I to better understand the challenges faced by our operators and appreciate the planning and hard work required to ensure mission success. Behind every successful flight stands a team of professional ground crew. The visit to the flight line helped me understand the aircraft generation as well as launch and recovery operations as I learnt to discern the similarities and differences of the RSAF’s operations in Singapore and in Alaska. Our ground crew were confident and efficient and it was heartening to see men and women from PC II Detachment flying the RSAF flag high in a foreign land.
The FOT team listening in on one of the mission briefs
Throughout the deployment, I was given the privilege of witnessing the planning and execution of Large Force Employment (LFE) missions involving up to 118 aircraft from the RSAF, United States Air Force (USAF) and Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF). My team had the opportunity to attend some of the mission briefs and the subsequent debriefs. From seeing big picture game plans to understanding the tactical level details, my team gained insight into a typical mission planning cycle for Air Defence and Strike Operations in a LFE environment. Pride swelled 30
This was my first overseas experience with the RSAF. To witness how the RSAF operates in such a complex environment and to be in the same room observing our Pilots and ground crew lead and excel in large force mission planning, brought about immense pride. I am proud to witness first-hand how the RSAF is highly capable, adaptable and ready for a full spectrum of operations. I am grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to the day when I can participate in a similarly large-scale overseas exercise. One Tribe. Above All!
SNEAK PEEKS National Day Parade 2016 AUG 2016
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eep your suspense in check as we bring you coverage on the RSAF’s participation at the Singapore Sports Hub for National Day Parade 2016. A highlight of the RSAF’s participation this year was the different flight route taken by the State Flag Flypast team, where the helicopters did a flypast above iconic Singapore Landmarks. Stay tuned for the behind the scenes action and keep an eye out for the RSAF marching contingent who has trained hard to put up a stellar performance.
Exercise Wallaby 2016 SEP — 0CT 2016
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ver at Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia, look out for the integrated operations of the Air, Land, Sea forces, as they work in unison to achieve mission success. This year’s Exercise Wallaby will be conducted from 15 Sep to 15 Nov 16, and involves more than 1200 RSAF personnel and over 40 RSAF platforms, including the F-15SG fighter aircraft, which is participating in the exercise for the first time. Look forward to our following issue, where we will bring you a piece of the Wallaby action!
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