121 SQUADRON CLOCKS 121,000 ACCIDENT-FREE HOURS

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) 121 Squadron operates in the most challenging of conditions.

From routine patrols over major sea lines of communications to special tasks like search-and-rescue missions and the air-lift of displaced people after a natural disaster, the maritime air surveillance squadron of the RSAF is operationally-ready 24/7.

121 Squadron has never suffered any major accident or incident in its 33-year history, and has recently clocked 121,000 accident-free flying hours.

Chief of Air Force Brigadier-General Ng Chee Khern signed a plaque to commemorate this achievement, and presented it to Commanding Officer (CO) of 121 Squadron, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Joachim Lee, at Changi Air Base on 21 Apr.

LTC Lee said this record was testimony to the hard work of the men and women of his squadron. Their training, discipline and professionalism played a huge part in ensuring that safety was a top priority, he said.

While it can be a challenge to balance operational-readiness with safety, LTC Lee said the squadron was not risk-averse, but took careful precautions to mitigate safety risks before all missions.

"Some of our junior personnel may not have the necessary experience to undertake complex missions, so in such cases, we deploy our more capable and knowledgeable personnel instead," said LTC Lee.

Another safety measure practised in the squadron is the philosophy that "there is no rank in safety".

Naval Combat System Specialist Staff Sergeant (SSG) Sivalingam (left) explained: "Before all flights, we always do our safety checks very thoroughly."

"If we spot any safety hazards among other crew members, we voice it out even if they are our officers. We do open reporting because safety is everyone's responsibility."

A former pilot and flying instructor with the squadron, LTC (Retired) Yang Ming Hooi, was invited back to the air base for this special occasion.

LTC (Ret) Yang, who was part of the squadron when it was first set up in 1973, said: "Over the years, the squadron's safety culture has been ingrained into a solid bedrock where everyone believes 'zero accident' is possible. All incidents or mistakes are brought up and resolved, to make sure they never happen again."

When asked how he felt about the record, LTC (Ret) Yang broke into a big smile.

"When I first heard about it, I had goose-pimples! I feel so very proud for the squadron, and this is something we have to hold on to!" he said.

Agreeing with him is the squadron's current Deputy CO, Major (MAJ) Kristin Toh (left).

She said: "This record is hard to come by and the squadron feels very happy about it. But on the other hand, it also means it is a bigger challenge for us to uphold the record in the future."

"But it is a challenge the squadron is most willing to take up."