download jan 2001 issue

Airforce Newsletter 7/2/01, 2:26 PM1

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff awarded Meritorious Service Medal

Commander Royal Brunei Air Force makes farewell visit

VISITS

General (GEN) Michael E. Ryan, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force (USAF), was conferred the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [Meritorious Service Medal (Military)] by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan in a ceremony at MINDEF on 23 Oct 2000. The award recognises GEN Ryan for his outstanding role in fostering closer ties between the RSAF and the USAF.

Under GEN Ryan's leadership, professional cooperation between b o t h a i r f o r c e s h a v e g r o w n substantially. Prior to the investiture, GEN Ryan called on Acting Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Air Force, MG Raymund Ng. He also met Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, and Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean during his stay in Singapore.

The Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, Brigadier-General (BG) Ibrahim Mohammad, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan, at MINDEF on 25 Oct 2000. He also met Chief of Defence Force, MG Lim Chuan Poh, and Chief of Air Force, MG Raymund Ng.

BG Ibrahim also visited the Singapore Discovery Centre and the SAFTI Military Institute. He was in Singapore for a farewell visit from 24 to 25 Oct 2000.

U.S. Secretary of the Air Force calls on DPM

The U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, Mr F. Whitten Peters, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan at MINDEF on 24 Nov 2000. He also met Minister of State for Defence, and Information and the Arts, Mr David Lim, and Chief of Air Force, MG Raymund Ng. As Secretary of the Air Force, Mr Peters oversees all matters other than operational issues in the United States Air Force.

Mr Peters was on his farewell visit to the region. During his stay from 24 to 26 Nov 2000, he visited Tengah Air Base, as well as a few cultural sites.

2 Air Force News

Airforce Newsletter 7/2/01, 2:31 PM2-3

Air Force News 3

General (GEN) Richard B. Myers, Vice Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan and Acting Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Air Force, MG Raymund Ng at the Ministry of Defence on 1 Dec 2000.

GEN Myers was in Singapore on a working visit from 30 Nov to 1 Dec 2000. He called on Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 30 Nov 2000 at the Istana. During his stay, he also visited Changi Naval Base.

Vice Chairman, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff,

visits MINDEF

GEN Jean-Patrick Gaviard, Head of the French International Relations Office, called on Chief of Air Force, MG Raymund Ng, on 6 Dec 2000 at MINDEF. GEN Gaviard was on a working visit to Singapore from 5 – 8 Dec 2000. He also visited Tengah Air Base on 6 Dec 2000 and the Air Defence Systems Division on 7 Dec 2000.

Bangladeshi DSCSC visits RSAF

VISITS

Air Force News 3

French General visits CAF

The New Zealand Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Don Hamilton, called on Chief of Defence Force, MG Lim Chuan Poh, and Chief of Air Force, MG Raymund Ng, on 28 Nov 2000. AVM Hamilton was in Singapore from 26 –28 Nov 2000.

Chief of Staff, RNZAF makes working visit

The Bangladeshi Defence Services Command and Staff College called on Chief of Staff (Air Staff), BG Lim Kim Choon, on 29 Nov 2000.Representing the College was its

Dy Commandant, CDRE SI Mujtaba. The entourage visited the Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) at PLAB and the Flight Simulator Centre.


4 Air Force News

OVERSEAS NEWS

Peace Prairie Detachment participates in U.S. training exercise

Peace Prairie Detachment participated in the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) 01-01 Exercise at Fort Polk, Louisiana, USA from 8 to 26 Oct 2000. This was the Detachment’s third participation, the previous occasions being in 1996 and 1997.

A force of 90 Peace Prairie personnel, 3 Chinook helicopters and numerous combat support vehicles were deployed as part of a 47-aircraft Aviation Task Force. FDS troops from SBAB participated as well, for the first time. All these forces were deployed in support of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Brigade / 25th Infantry Division (Light).

O p e r a t i n g i n d e m a n d i n g f i e l d c o n d i t i o n s , t h e detachment participated vigorously in every aspect of the campaign. Our Chinooks were steadfast in support of trooplift, casevac and underslung missions. On the ground, the tactical play included manning of defensive

4 Air Force News

gun positions at the deployment site, conduct of security patrols and countering “enemy” ground and air attacks. Our aircrew and groundcrew proved adept at doubling up as infantry whenever the situation required it!

JRTC provided Peace Prairie a unique opportunity to conduct joint air and ground operations in a realistic combat environment. Our understanding and inter-operability with the U.S. Army were enhanced through the mutual sharing of tactical and safety lessons learnt. Significantly, Peace Prairie Detachment clocked her 10,000th accident-free flying hour in the midst of this highly demanding exercise. The 10,000th hour was clocked during a night operation that involved a large gaggle of OH-58s, Blackhawks and Chinooks from the Aviation Task Force.


OVERSEAS NEWS

Two RSAF officers graduated with impressive results in the Theater Air Operations Course (TAOC) held in Jul 2000 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, United States. MAJ Tan Kok Leong and CPT Goh Foon Fong both scored highly for the two block tests, and also performed well in the simulator sessions. CPT Goh emerged as Top Graduate, while MAJ Tan was awarded the Certificate of Merit.

The TAOC is a 15-day course that introduces international officers to planning considerations and battle management skills in a multi-national environment. The training is designed for Weapon Systems Controllers w h o w i l l o p e r a t e i n c o u n t e r a i r a n d a i r d e f e n c e environments .

Air Force News 5

RSAF officers excelRSAF officers excelRSAF officers MAJ Tan Kok Leong (second from left), and CPT Goh Foon Fong (extreme right), did well

The RSAF Detachment organised an Open House in Rockhampton, Australia on 25 Nov 2000. The event included a static display of RSAF aircraft like the Chinook, Super Puma, Fennec, A4-SU, and C-130. RSAF aircraft and personnel, in Australia for Ex Wallaby, supported the static display. The Guest of Honour for the occasion was the Rockhampton Mayor, Ms Margaret Strelow.

The Open House was requested by the Rockhampton City Council at the Detachment's convenience for goodwill to the public. The event also provided an opportunity for the council to raise funds for the town’s Helicopter Rescue Services. The rescue service had suffered a major setback when their one and only helicopter crashed in late May last year. This rescue service is solely funded by the people of Rockhampton on a charity basis.

RSAF holds Open House in Rockhampton, Australia


OVERSEAS NEWS

The RSAF’s KC-135R from 112 SQN ferried three Singaporean survivors of the ill-fated SQ 006 air crash from Taipei to Singapore on 5 Nov 2000. Prior to their return, they had been undergoing treatment at a Taiwanese hospital. The aeromedical evacuation (AME) was done with the intention of reuniting the victims with their families in Singapore in the soonest time possible. It would also help their recovery process, given the moral support from their families and close ones here at home.

The team 112 SQN

2 pilots, 6 aircrew, 6 STAe personnel RSAF Aeromedical Services

4 doctors, 3 senior medics Singapore General Hospital

3 anaesthet is ts , 1 burns spec ia l is t , 1 A&E specialist, 1 ICU nursing officer

6 Air Force News

The teams from 112 SQN and the RSAF Aeromedical Services

The actionGiven the time constraint (as the team was only

informed on Friday afternoon, 3 Nov), the team quickly put their act together. Said CPT (Dr) Dale Lim, one of the team doctors, “All of us had a common goal – to bring the survivors back, well and alive.”

The aircraft was fitted with an intensive care unit at the back compartment. LTC Geoffrey Lui, pilot of the mission, added, “The boom operators had to adapt and modify other facilities of the aircraft to ensure maximum patient support in-flight.”

Throughout the journey, constant medical care was provided for the patients who were heavily sedated and put under full ventilatory support. As the patients suffered considerable burns, their ability to maintain adequate body fluids was compromised due to evaporation. The medical

team had to ensure that the patients were kept hydrated at all times.

The team leader of the mission, LTC Lui summed it up, “The air and medical crew

had all conducted similar missions in the past. Binding

everyone together for this mission was the need to provide s u p p o r t f o r t h i s d i s a s t e r . Everyone felt compelled to help out. The expertise, experience and the dedication to provide that support were the driving f a c t o r s b e h i n d t h e s a f e execution of the mission.”


EXERCISES

Air Force News 7

RSAF at EX Wallaby

Singapore, Thailand and the United States in major air exercise

From left: USAF Ex Director, COL Gregory Miller; Commander-In-Chief, RTAF, ACM Pong Maneesilpa; Chief of Air Force, RSAF, MG Raymund Ng, Commander 13th Air Force, USAF, MG Theodore W. “Bill” Lay II; RTAF Ex Director, GP CAPT Itthaporn Subhawong; RSAF Ex Director, COL Ng Chee Khern

Chief of Air Force, RSAF, MG Raymund Ng; Commander-In-Chief, RTAF, ACM Pong Maneesilpa; and Commander 13th Air Force, USAF, MG Theodore W. 'Bill" Lay II, jointly opened EX COPE TIGER 2001 in a ceremony at PLAB on 11 Dec 2000. EX COPE TIGER is an annual trilateral air exercise consisting the RSAF, RTAF and USAF. About 430 personnel from the RSAF will be taking part in this year's exercise.

The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, a Command Post Exercise (CPX), was held at PLAB from 5 to 7 Dec 2000. The second phase, the Flying Training Exercise (FTX), will be conducted in Korat, Thailand, in Feb 2001. Over 70 aircraft will execute over 1000 sorties during this phase.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conducted EX Wallaby at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia, from 22 Oct to 5 Dec 2000. About 6000 troops and some 150 armoured vehicles took part. The RSAF participated with about 30 aircraft, including the A4-SU Super Skyhawk, Chinook, Super Puma and Fennec helicopters, as well as the C-130. The aircraft were based in Rockhampton, a major town located just outside the training area.An RSAF Super Puma


Singapore and Brunei conducted a bilateral air defence exercise from 16 to 28 Oct 2000. EX AIRGUARD 7/00 is the seventh in the series of annual air defence exercises between the RSAF and RBAF since its inception in 1994.

During the exercise on 25 Oct, the Commander of Air Defence Brigade, RSAF, COL Richard Chua and the Commanding Officer of Air Regiment, RBAF, LTC (U) Napiah Bin Hj Paijan, witnessed a joint engagement drill using the Rapier Surface-to-Air Missile against a simulated air attack at Lim Chu Kang.

This year, about 100 personnel from both air forces participated in the exercise. The exercise involved the sharing of operational procedures and experiences, and the conduct of actual air defence missions.

EXERCISES

Ex Airguard

8 Air Force News

HOTSHOT 2000/01 AWARD WINNERS

Best Hotshot Squadron: 142 SQN TAB

Best Overall Hotshot Pilot: MAJ Raymond Tan

Best Hotshot Air-to-Ground Pilot: MAJ Raymond Tan

Best Hotshot Air-to-Air Gunnery Pilot: MAJ Maharaj

Best Hotshot Bombing/Strafing Team: 142-2 (142 SQN)

Best Hotshot Air to Air Gunnery Team: 149-2 (149 SQN)

Best Hotshot Specialist: 2SG Yeo Kok Kiat

Best Hotshot Weapon Loading Crew: 2SG Ang Boon Guan

Best Hotshot Logistics Flight: 142 SQN TAB

Best Hotshot Armanent Team: 142 SQN TAB

Best Hotshot Logistics Support Team: TAB-ALS A4 Support Team

Exercise Hotshot 2000/2001 closing ceremony was held on 14 Dec 2000 at Tengah Air Base (TAB). CAF, MG Raymund Ng, presented the pr izes to the winners of the respective categories. The annual RSAF Air Weapons, Logistics and Armament Loading Competition was organised by TAB. EX Hotshot serves to appraise RSAF squadrons' ability to deliver weapons accurately on targets in both air-to-air and air-to-ground scenarios in a competitive environment.

CAF, MG Raymund Ng and Comd TAB, COL Ng Chee Khern with the

Best Hotshot Squadron - 142 SQN TAB


Air Force News 9

The 31st Command and Staff Course (CSC) Graduation Ceremony was held on 19 Sep 2000 at the Istana. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan, presented certificates of graduation to 74 officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, and five foreign officers from Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States.

Finishing as Top Air Force Graduate this year was MAJ Anselm Morais. The 38 yr-old Fennec helicopter pilot saw the award as a pleasant surprise. He also felt the course had allowed him to expand his knowledge base. MAJ Morais said, "When you're with the squadron, you focus more on your professional development as a helicopter pilot. In the course, the curriculum is so diverse that you really expand your knowledge base. Being able to touch base with subjects like strategic affairs and national affairs was one big benefit of the course."

MAJ Morais was also presented the award for Best

AWARDS / GRADUATIONS

79 graduate from Singapore Command and Staff College

in Commandant's Research Paper. Three other RSAF officers received Distinguished Graduate Awards. They were MAJ Lock Kok Leong, MAJ Lim Tian Sing, and MAJ Ngooi Choong Ngee.

44 SAF personnel were presented with the SAF Overseas Service Medal in recognition of their significant contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions. 36 had participated in the United Nations Transitional

UNTAET and UNIKOM peacekeepers honoured

Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and eight in the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM). The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan, presented the medals to the personnel in a ceremony at JSOM.

The recipients included members of the 3rd and 4th SAF Medical Teams from UNTAET, and Teams VIII and IX from UNIKOM. Incidentally, the team leaders for the first three teams were all RSAF officers. MAJ (Dr) Robin Low and MAJ (Dr) Lam Pin Min were from the 3rd and 4th SAF Medical Teams respectively, while LTC Lim Chooi Seng was from UNIKOM Team VIII.

MAJ (Dr) Lam, an ophthalmologist, was the only eye surgeon in East Timor during his stint there. Most of the eye cases were referred to him. On receiving the medal, MAJ (Dr) Lam said, "It is my privilege to be sent for this mission. The experiences gained were invaluable.”

All smiles - MAJ Anselm Morais with his spouse, Caroline, at the 31st SCSC Graduation Ceremony

Dr Tony Tan and senior officers (seated), with members from the 4th SAF Medical Team


COVER STORY

Minister of State for Defence and Information and the Arts, Mr David Lim, officiated the inauguration of the new Air Force

School (AFS) in a ceremony at its premises in Paya Lebar on 5 Jan 2001. The new AFS merges four former vocational schools of the RSAF - the Systems Command Training School (SCTS), the Air

Engineering Training Institute (AETI), the School of Air Defence Artillery (SOADA), and the Aviation Flight - Flying Training School (AF-FTS) in one single location.

Aim ~

To produce RSAF servicemen equipped with competent vocation skills and imbued with the Air Force Core Values and Ethos.

AETI Wing:The AETI Wing conducts vocational and

developmental training for all specialists and off icers in the Air Logist ics community. I t a lso supports the logis t ics community b y p r o v i d i n g d e v e l o p m e n t a l c o u r s e s i n

Instructional Technique, Soldiering, Technical Management and Common Air Platform Engineering.

Air Defence Systems (ADS) Wing:The ADS Wing is divided into the Air Defence Artillery

(ADA) Wing and the Command, Control and Communication (C3) Wing.

(a) ADS ADA Wing: Organises training for both officer cadets and specialists in air defence weapon systems such as the I-Hawk, 35mm Oerlikon guns, Rapier, RBS 70, Mistral, PSTAR and the Basic Giraffe.

(b) ADS C3 Wing: Employing state-of-the-art radar and tower simulators, as well as computer-based learning packages, the C3 Wing trains officers and specialists to perform aircraft command and control duties for both air defence and air traffic functions in the RSAF.

Minister of State for Defence and Information and the Arts, Mr David Lim, officiated the inauguration of the new Air Force

School (AFS) in a ceremony at its premises in Paya Lebar on 5 Jan 2001. The new AFS merges four former vocational schools of the RSAF - the Systems Command Training School (SCTS), the Air

Engineering Training Institute (AETI), the School of Air Defence Artillery (SOADA), and the Aviation Flight - Flying Training School (AF-FTS) in one single location.

h e i n t e g r a t e d t r a i n i n g environment of the new AFS will enhance the operational readiness of the RSAF by

allowing all Air Force personnel from various vocations and different levels to train together. Said Commander AFS, COL Joe Kua, “The AFS is not just about the geographical co-location of the schools, nor is it about simply exploiting administrative efficiency that comes with being under the same roof. Our mission is to develop air force professionals committed to the values and vision of the RSAF.”

Air Force School

Vision ~

To be a premier Air Force Institute of Learning by being the focal point for continual learning of vocational skills and

c h a r a c t e r b u i l d i n g o f o f f i c e r s a n d w a r r a n t o f f i c e r s , specialists and airmen.

Mission ~

To develop Air Force professionals committed to the values and vision of the RSAF.


COVER STORY

Aviation Wing:The Aviation Wing conducts ground school

for the Air -Grading Course, the Bas ic and Advanced Wing Courses and the Flying Instructor Course. The flying portions of these courses are held in Australia. In addition, the Aviation Wing

conducts safety courses to prepare officers and specialists for positions in the Unit Safety Office. Survival training is also conducted for all aircrew. This includes wet winching, dinghy drills and para-drills.

Courses ~

Besides functional courses relevant to RSAF operations handled by the respective wings for its trainees, the School also handles general military education courses. These include l e a d e r s h i p p a c k a g e s , t e c h n o l o g y apprec iat ion courses and orientation programmes, organ ised by the Training a n d S t a n d a r d s B r a n c h o f H Q A F S .

Geared for the new millennium ~

AFS has also equipped itself well for the 21st century. The modern learning institute h a s i m p l e m e n t e d a n I T M a s t e r p l a n t h a t i n c l u d e s Computer Based Training, Tele-

training/Videoconferencing facilities, and Broadband ADSL connections in multiple locations throughout the school, amongst others.

Work hard, play hard ~

There are ample facilities for training and recreation. For classroom instruction and practical training, the School has a Water Survival swimming pool, a Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) Centre, a fully computerised library, a Radar and Tower Simulator, and training hangars, workshops, classrooms and training ground for the various vocational training. This is not to mention an Accomodation Block with 75 two-bed rooms and 45 four-bed rooms!

Recreation presents itself in the form of an All-ranks Mess, stadium with running track and a soccer field, badminton, tennis, squash, and basketball courts, recreation

room with video game machines and pool tables, mini-lounges, reading room and a gymnasium.

HQ AFS

Commander’s Office

Training & Standards Branch

RSAF Museum

AETI Wing Air Defence Systems Wing Aviation Wing

Exam ControlSection

Professional Development Flight

Tech Spec Flight

ADA Wing

C3 Wing

Aviation Flight

Safety and Survival Flight

Service Support Branch

Personnel Admin Centre

Cadets conduct an aviation dinghy drill


The 2/2000 RSAF Promotion Ceremony for officers was held on 13 Dec 2000 at the TAB Base Briefing Hall. CAF, MG Raymund Ng, was the Guest of Honour. A total of 40 LTAs received their certificates of promotion from CAF during the ceremony. 24 were promoted in grade, while 16 were promoted to the rank of CPT. The RSAF Promotion Ceremony is traditionally held twice a year, usually in June and December.

A total of 46 junior officers received their Appointment Certificates from CAF, MG Raymund Ng, in a ceremony held on 6 Sept 2000 at the ADSD auditorium. The recipients graduated from the following courses: 6th Weapon Systems Officer (ADA), 3rd NSF Weapon Systems Officer (UAV), 26th AMEO, 102nd Rotary Wing, 100th Fixed Wing, 102nd Transport Wing, and 103rd Rotary Wing. The best trainees

A total of 43 officer cadets were commissioned as officers in a ceremony held on 30 Sep 2000 at SAFTI MI. They were from the Basic Wing, WSO (ADA), WSO (UAV) and AMEO courses. They were part of 165 officer cadets who were commissioned, including those from the army. The ceremony was graced by Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong. Mr Yeo presented ceremonial swords to the three Sword of Honour recipients.

Two RSAF cadets received the Sword of Honour. They were OCT


RSAF officers promoted

3/2000 Appointment Certificate Presentation

Ceremony

for the respective courses were 2LT Chia Loy Chuan, 2LT Cher Chee Wei, LTA Koh Chin Cheong, LTA Lee Jit Sen Gabriel, LTA Toh Chee Keong, LTA Ong Chuen Hwee, and LTA Lim Kuang Hiok John.

Air Force Cadets commissionedC h i a L o y C h u a n , f r o m t h e 6 t h Weapon Systems Officer (Air Defence Artillery) course, and OCT Cher Chee Wei, from the 3rd NSF Weapon Systems Officer (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) course.

Defining stress as making the correct decision within a short period of time, OCT Chia said, "We have to keep our heads cool, know what we are doing, look at a situation and think what's going to happen next." OCT Chia special ises in the Rapier weapon system.

12 Air Force News

CAF, MG Raymund Ng with the promoted officers

CAF, MG Raymund Ng, with the best trainees

From left: OCT Cher Chee Wei

and OCT Chia Loy Chuan


The National Day Awards Investiture Ceremony was held on 24 Nov 2000 at the MINDEF Auditorium. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan, presented the Commendation Medals, the Efficiency Medals, and the Long Service Medals to 136 outstanding personnel from MINDEF and the SAF. Earlier in the ceremony, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, presented another 141 personnel with the Long Service Medals. Former Chief of Defence Force, LG (RET) Bey Soo Khiang, received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) during the ceremony.

1WO Ang Siok Tin Vinnie Susan from the RSAF received the Efficiency Medal. The S1 of 201 SQN, Air Defence Brigade, has been with the Air Force for 23 years. Of the award, 1WO Ang said, "My career has been blessed with good superiors, colleagues and friends who encourage and support me. The award is a fine recognition and I am grateful."

The Commendation Medal (Military) is awarded to any member of the SAF who has placed himself above his peers through commendable achievements in military command or staff work, or performed service over and above the call of duty. The Efficiency Medal (Military) is presented to any member of the SAF who has clearly demonstrated exceptional efficiency, devotion to duty, or produced work of special significance. The Long Service Medal is awarded to any public officer who has completed 25 years of continuous public service and who possesses irreproachable character.


Awards presented to outstanding MINDEF and SAF personnel

Air Force News 13

The RSAF held the 5th Farewell Dinner and Gift Presentation Ceremony on 17 Nov 2000 at Sir Stamford Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Singapore. The event is an occasion for MINDEF/RSAF to honour and pay tribute to personnel who had served at least 18 years.

This year's event was organised by TASC. The Guest-of- Honour was Chief of Staff (Air Staff), BG Lim Kim Choon. BG Lim thanked all the retired / released personnel for their invaluable contributions to the RSAF over the years and wished them success in their future endeavours. Thereafter, he presented farewell gifts to the 72 retired / released personnel and their spouses. The event was also attended by senior RSAF commanders.

RSAF bids a fond farewell

Receiving the Efficiency Medal, 1WO Susan Ang

COS (AS)/HAO, BG Lim Kim Choon presents a

momento to LTC (RET) Aloysius Fernandez


FEATURE

boom (for the F-16), the KC-135s will greatly increase the operational flexibility of the RSAF. Back in March, the RSAF KC-135s supported the successful deployment of the RSAF F-16s on an inter-continental journey from the United States back to Singapore.

Logistics Support:

Aside from its refuelling capabilities, the KC-135 can also provide logistics support in airlift missions. The four CFM 56-2B engines built by CFM International reduces fuel consumption, which increases the fuel offload capability and range of the KC-135. Boosted by improved avionics control systems, the KC-135 reduces operational and maintenance costs, maximises crew efficiency and simplifies the complex task of the pilots.

Specifications:Length : 41.529 mWingspan : 39.878 mHeight : 12.7 mMax Takeoff Weight : 146, 283.42 kgMax Fuel Capacity : 94, 800.728 kgMax Cruise Speed : 0.9 Mach at above 29, 500 ft

A proud moment “This is how the refuelling is done Sir…”

LTC Geoffrey Lui greets

Comd CAB, COL Kwan Yue,

upon the crew’s return from

the United States

Enter the KC-135Rs. RSAF's first tanker capable of providing air-to-air refuelling for all our fighter aircraft. A key feature lies in its ability to refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft like the F-16, via a refuelling boom.

Enter the KC-135Rs. RSAF's first tanker capable of providing air-to-air refuelling for all our fighter aircraft. A key feature lies in its ability to refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft like the F-16, via a refuelling boom.

n the afternoon of 12 Dec 2000, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Dr Tony Tan inaugurated the new squadron – 112 SQN, in Changi Air Base, home of the KC-135R. The

inauguration also signified the squadron’s achievement of its Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

The aircraft and crew had trained with the USAF under the Peace Guardian detachment based at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, United States, since Jul 98. Training is still ongoing for the crew based in the detachment.

The RSAF made its acquisition for four KC-135R tankers in Sep 97. The KC-135R will provide the RSAF with the capability to support our fighters in overseas training and exercises.

Aerial Petrol Station:

Equipped with both a Flight Refuelling Mk 32B hose and reel pods (for the A4-SU, F-5) as well as a refuelling


FEATURE

WORDS FROM THE CO, LTC GEOFFREY LUI, ON

Achieving Initial Operating Capability (IOC)"We have been training over the past two and a half years, first at our detachment in the United States, and then more recently over the past three months here. We have had a wonderful and experienced group of people to work with, both in the U.S. and also back here. Significantly, we have been able to do it (achieving IOC) over a short period of time."

The challenges ahead"We will continue to introduce this new platform back here in Singapore. There are also many units down here, which we need to begin operations with. The challenges ahead would be to ensure that we establish this capability firmly and safely in all future operations."

A squadron for the future, a photo in history - DPM, CAF and

Comd CAB pose for a picture with 112 SQN and CAB personnel

New squadron, new challenges

- CO 112 SQN, LTC Geoffrey Lui

Dr Tony Tan unveils the plaque, signalling the successful

inauguration of the new squadron


The RSAF has revised the eyesight criterion for pilot applicants from 0 - 100 degrees per eye correctable to 6/6, with no colour blindness, to 0 - 300 degrees. The revision will allow optimisation of the limited resource, especially since statistics have shown increasing trends of myopia in the national population. In line with different operational demands, candidates with eyesight of up to 150 degrees can be streamed into flying Fighters and Helicopters, and those with more than 150 degrees into flying Transport aircraft.

Since implementation, the Air Force Recruitment Centre (AFRC) has embarked on several activities to propagate, and reach out to more potential candidates. These include holding talks to BMT recruits, organising career seminars for school leavers, and updating current publicity literature. Thus far, the RSAF has managed to see 17 myopic pilot trainees recruited into the system, with a further 43 awaiting selection and shortlisting.

Members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) held a Joint Air Defence Seminar on 12 Sep 2000 at the Orchid Country Club. Personnel from the

LOCAL NEWS

New entry requirements for

aspiring pilots

Pre-entry criteria for Pilot Vocation application:Nationality: Singapore citizens onlyAge: 18-25 yrs for non-graduates 27 yrs for graduatesGender: Males and Females are welcomeEntry Edn: Full 'A' level cert / recognised diploma /

recognised university degreeHeight: 1.62m - 1.9m (standing height)Health: Must be medically fit and should not have

existing medical conditions (e.g. childhood asthma, asthma, hypertension, migraine or astigmatism)

*Eyesight: 0 - 300 degrees per eye correctable to 6/6, with no colour blindness

*the Revised Criterion

FPDA holds Joint Air Defence Seminar in Singapore

three services of each member nation met and discussed professional issues related to air defence. Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, delivered the keynote address. The seminar was organised by Headquarters Integrated Air Defence System (HQ IADS), located at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base, Butterworth, Malaysia, under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Kerry Clarke.

Key objectives of the seminar included enhancing interoperability among the member nations' armed forces and the level of professionalism among FPDA forces. About 200 participants from the five FPDA countries attended the seminar. HQ IADS is a key component of the FPDA, which comprises Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

16 Air Force News

RADM (NS) Teo (third from left) speaks to senior representatives of the FPDA. On the extreme right and left are CDF, MG Lim Chuan Poh, and CAF, MG Raymund Ng respectively


ship on the South China Sea, the M V Diamond Glory, had a crewmember with two of his fingers severed in an accident and required immediate evacuation. The job sounded simple enough,

what with the experienced and highly professional Search and Rescue (SAR) setup that the RSAF had in place.

But it was a slightly different story when MAJ Jack Yeong and his team arrived at the scene. According to another experienced heli-rescue pilot, MAJ Tan Sah Boon, also from 125 SQN, finding a particular ship in the middle of the South China Sea in a busy shipping lane area can be difficult. MAJ Tan said, "When you're out there at night, you find that the stars from the sky look like the lights from the ships. It is so dark you don't know the difference between the sky and the earth." MAJ Yeong had his co-pilot and two aircrew specialists at the back to check the height at which his aircraft was flying. Going too close to the water could have been fatal, considering the many ships on the sea, several with their masts reaching up to a hundred feet high.

MAJ Yeong was told before take-off that there was no heli-pad on the ship for the aircraft to land. The

FEATURE

information was less than encouraging. This meant that the team had to do a winching procedure, basically vertically hauling the casualty upwards onto the aircraft from the deck of the ship. Upon contact with the M V Diamond Glory, MAJ Yeong hovered perpendicular to it, finding a clear spot for a safe winch execution. The operation was complicated by the need to keep the helicopter stable under the difficult sea and wind conditions, and the near total darkness of the environment.

Doing his first real rescue mission was CPT (Dr) Cheng Tai Kin, the medical officer with the rescue team. But the doctor and his medic assistant were well prepared. Said CPT (Dr) Cheng, "We had our standard SAR equipment on board. Knowing what to expect helped, as we were able to prepare the correct equipment during the journey there." Mr Mortel Jose, a Filipino national, had two of his fingers dangling loosely from his right hand. CPT (Dr) Cheng's main preoccupation was to try and save his fingers. Said CPT (Dr) Cheng, "Winching down together with the winchman was easy. However, winching back up together with the patient was a bit more challenging. He was in a lot of pain, and was not used to being winched."

Mr Jose was eventually rushed to the Singapore General Hospital, where his fingers were sewn back. The RSAF received a plaque from Mitsui O.S.K Lines (S) Pte Ltd as a token of appreciation for the help rendered. On behalf of the RSAF, MAJ Jack Yeong See Kiat received the plaque from Mitsui representative, Mr Kek Beng, Deputy General Manager of the shipping company, on 19 Oct 2000 at Sembawang Air Base. Mr Kek Beng said, "In my many years in the shipping business, this is one of the best rescue teams I have seen in this part of the world. I am very proud of them, especially so since I am a Singaporean myself."

It was 10.30 pm on the night of 7 Oct 2000. MAJ Jack Yeong, a Super Puma helicopter pilot with 125 SQN, was on s tandby duty . It was another normal night for MAJ Yeong, who was running through his e-mails in the office. Normal that was, until a maritime distress call came through the intercom.

MAJ Jack Yeong receives the plaque of appreciation from Mitsui Representative, Mr Kek Beng

Air Force News 17

RSAF SAR team does night sea rescue

RSAF SAR team does night sea rescue


Minister of State for Defence and Information and the Arts, Mr David Lim, visited Air Logistics Squadron (ALS), PLAB and 142 SQN, TAB, on 20 Oct 2000 and 24 Nov 2000 respectively. Mr Lim was briefed on the roles, missions and capabilities of the two squadrons.

MOS visits ALS-PLAB, and 142 SQN, TAB

The RSAF organised a visit for trainee teachers from the National Institute of Education (NIE) to Paya Lebar Air Base on 7 and 8 Nov 2000. The visit was part of the Government's ongoing National Education programme. The visitors were treated to a static display of various RSAF aircraft. The tour also included simulator demonstrations, a trip to the Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI), and the viewing of RSAF's corporate videos.

18 Air Force News

Furthering National Education

The 1st Air Operation Systems Specialists (AOSS) NTC2 Accreditation certificate presentation ceremony was held at the ADSD Auditorium on 8 Dec 2000. Nine in-service AOSs were successfully converted to AOSS status. The now full-fledged AOSSs had undergone the Operator-Maintenance (OM) Tech course at the AETI since Feb 1997. Each of them had undergone a gruelling 7-month Tech conversion course in AETI, followed by a 2-month Equipment Type course and another 2 months of on-the-job training prior to sitting for the Initial Qualification Examination (IQE).

After attaining IQE status, they underwent another 19 months of consolidation for technical experience before being awarded the NTC2

Accreditation. They thus attained the prescribed on-the-job requirements stipulated by the ITE, the external Institution responsible for the standards of technical education in Singapore. The Guest-of-Honour, Comd ADSD, BG Chee Wee Kiong, congratulated the recipients, who were the pioneers of a paradigm shift from a Service to a Combat-support Technical vocation.

Our Pioneer Air Operation Systems Specialists

MOS at ALS-PLAB

MOS at 142 SQN, TAB

“See, all you have to do is press this, this, this and this…”

Comd ADSD, BG Chee Wee Kiong (centre, seated), and senior officers with the full-fledged AOSSs

BUZZ AROUND THE BASES


BUZZ AROUND THE BASES

ADSD celebrates her

5th Anniversary

Air Force News 19

FSS-PLAB – 1 Nov 2000Incoming CO: MAJ Harish Kumar KhannaOutgoing CO: LTC Liew Foon Hay

Peace Prairie Detachment – 21 Nov 2000Incoming CO: LTC Michael TeoOutgoing CO: LTC Phua Kia Wee

Oakey Detachment (126 SQN) – 8 Dec 2000Incoming CO: MAJ Loh Long SzeeOutgoing CO: LTC Vincent Ng

Change of Commands

Well done, Guys!

RSAF Group 1 surprised everyone to make it to

the SAFSA inter-formation water polo tournament final in

December. Our boys' unexpected run included beating the

Commandos in the preliminaries. They eventually lost to Navy

in the final, finishing 2nd amongst 15 SAFSA formations.

The match was held on 8 Dec 2000 at Khatib Camp.

But the loss was never an issue of concern. Guys from

the Navy should naturally be good in the water. Besides,

who wouldn't win with a whole team of national and SAFSA

players? RSAF Group 1 were virtually a bunch of unknowns.

Underdogs no less, but our fighters still managed to put

nine goals past their more illustrious counterparts.

No. 2 - Our water polo guys

The ADSD 5th Anniversary Celebrations, organised by ASB, was held on 19 Oct 2000. I t began wi th a competitive uphill run at the very scenic Site Charlie in 201 SQN. The challenging run against gravity provided a good rallying point in promoting esprit de corps among the men and officers of ADSD. It was a fun and rousing occasion for the Division's personnel to interact and share a lighter moment together.

A sumptuous buffet dinner, with entertainment from the SAF Music and Drama Company (MDC) followed at Lim Chu Kang Camp II. The Guest of Honour for the event was Comd ADSD, BG Chee Wee Kiong.

Warming up…


20 Air Force News

1 4 3 S Q N i n a u g u r a t e d i t s n e w F - 1 6 C / D s i n t o operation on 27 Oct 2000. The squadron previously o p e r a t e d t h e A 4 - S U S u p e r S k y h a w k . M i n i s t e r f o r Education and Second Minister for defence, RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, officiated at the ceremony held at Tengah Air Base. He later went on a flight in the F-16 D. The event marked another milestone in the RSAF's ongoing process of modernisation and upgrading of its hardware to fulfil its mission of defending our skies.

Falcon Facts:1. The F-16C/D Fighting Falcon is one of the most

s o p h i s t i c a t e d a n d a d v a n c e d f i g h t e r a i r c r a f t i n the world.

2. It is capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its wide range of ordnance includes the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

3. The F-16C/D can also carry the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infra-Red for Night (LANTIRN) system, which allows for night precision navigation and attack.

FEATURE

Specifications:Engine : F100-PW-229 engine from Pratt & WhitneyWingspan : 10.01 mLength : 15.06 mHeight : 4.88 mMaximum Speed : Over Mach 2Combat Ceiling : About 15, 000 mWeapons : M61 20mm cannon Approx. 7,000kg of bombs AIM-7 air-to-air missiles AIM-9 air-to-air missiles

The opinion and views are those expressed by the writers and do

not necessarily reflect theofficial views of the 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 Republic of Singapore Air Force.

AIR FORCE NEWSMANAGEMENT

COMMITTEE

ChairmanCOL Bernard Toh

MembersLTC Tan Wong Tong

LTC Clifford TanLTC Ng Heng ChongLTC Harbajan SinghMAJ Lim Boon HowMAJ Beber Stephen

MAJ Robert TanMAJ Tan Woo SingMrs Marian Tang

Mrs K Vashantha Gopal

EDITORIAL BOARD

EditorLTC Tan Wong Tong

Asst EditorMs Calyn Chan

Staff WriterBenny Fong Wing Kein

PhotographerDanny Chong Wah Teck

CO 143 MAJ Tommy Tan

takes the Oath

RADM (NS) Teo unveils the plaque

CAF, MG Raymund Ng explains the finer details to RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean

Airforce Newsletter 7/2/01, 3:15 PM20

download jan 2001 issue

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