142 SQN SOARS TO GREATER HEIGHTS

25jun19_nr2-1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/_migrated_english/25jun19_nr2-1.jpeg?sfvrsn=f1b28638_2 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/142-SQN-SOARS-TO-GREATER-HEIGHTS
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/142-SQN-SOARS-TO-GREATER-HEIGHTS
142 SQN SOARS TO GREATER HEIGHTS
25 Jun 2019 | MILESTONES

142 SQN SOARS TO GREATER HEIGHTS

// REPORT by Chia Chong Jin 

// PHOTOS by Kenneth Lin

Clinching the Best Fighter Squadron title a mere three years after being inaugurated is no easy feat, but Republic of Singapore Air Force's 142 Squadron (SQN) has defied the odds at this year's Singapore Armed Forces' Best Unit Competition.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Shewan Goh, Commanding Officer of 142 SQN, attributed this year's win to the commitment, trust and readiness of the men of the F-15SG squadron.

"In our squadron, we have a very open communication system which is crucial, and having the ability to openly speak up is beneficial for everyone," said LTC Goh. "If someone makes a mistake, they need to know that they are in an environment that they can trust, so that everyone can benefit from one's mistakes."

LTC Goh also highlighted the tough and safe training that the airmen go through, in order to uphold the high-readiness posture to defend Singapore skies.

"Safety is paramount in everything we do here in 142 SQN. We want to provide realistic training, and we want to create that environment for everyone to push the operational envelope," explained LTC Goh. "However, safety is non-negotiable and not to be compromised."

Within the past year, 142 SQN has responded twice to alleged bomb threats aboard civilian aircraft, and Captain (CPT) Chong Qiu Wei, a Weapons Specialist Officer (Fighter), was involved in both alleged bomb threats.

CPT Chong noted that they were well trained and prepared for such incidents and that "every individual did their job well, and ensured the safe interception of the aircraft on both occasions".

Air Force Engineer Military Expert (ME) 3 Shyam Rohitkumar and Air Force Technician Lance Corporal (LCP) Jovon Lim were involved in the more recent bomb threat that happened on 2 Jun and it was a surreal experience for both of them.

"When news was released to us that there was a bomb threat, everyone immediately executed their roles, and within minutes, the aircraft was airborne," recalled LCP Lim. The Full-time National Serviceman was one of the crew chiefs on duty that day, and he had to conduct pre-flight checks and marshal the aircraft out of the hangar.

ME3 Shyam reiterated that the airmen on the ground are as important as the airmen who are flying the fighter jets. He added: "The ground crew are trained to do what they're supposed to do, and they put in a lot of pride in what they do… They have high discipline and good standards, and that is what makes us efficient in this field."

When asked how he felt after winning the title, ME3 Shyam said: "I'm very proud that we have managed to clinch the Best Fighter Squadron award this year, as we set out on a goal to win this award, and we worked towards that direction. For me and the rest of the aircrew in 142 SQN, it's definitely an achievement to remember."

Suggested Reading
Cover story
WELCOME TO CAMP TILPAL
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

How do you house some 6,000 people and feed them for three months? You build a pop-up “city” – complete with accommodations and the basic comforts of home – for the thousands of SAF soldiers who train annually in Queensland, Australia.

Cover story
FIGHTING AS ONE AT EXERCISE TRIDENT
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

Singapore’s army, navy and air force work together with Australian troops to capture targets in both jungle and urban warfare.

Cover story
THEY LIFT UP OUR BIG GUNS
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

Get up close with the men and machines of 24th Battalion, Singapore Artillery (24 SA), who provide a boost to our gunners to make sure they are always on time and on target.

COMMAND & STAFF COLLEGE GRADUANDS READY TO TAKE ON SENIOR LEADERSHIP ROLES
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

1
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE & BROTHERHOOD
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

NS has left indelible memories for these SAF pioneers from the 8th Engineers Officer Cadet batch, who celebrate their 50th anniversary since they were commissioned in 1974.

Super Puma flight tales
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

Retired helicopter pilot MAJ (Ret) Robert Tan was among the first few batches of locally-trained Super Puma pilots. Sports car or smooth bus – guess which vehicle he likens the aircraft to?

Total Defence is a duty of every Singapore business
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

Having experienced the demanding commitments of National Service, LTC (NS) Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin and Mr Gaurav Keerthi share why it’s so important for every Singapore business to support their NSmen.

Feature
He scaled a volcano with OCS mates & wrote a book about NS
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

LTC (NS) Leow Kah Shin and his NS buddies go on an annual “Exercise Longwalk” as a commitment to do something adventurous together.

Charting their path in the skies
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

From passion to flight: Students Cherie Goh and Alexey Cher fulfilled their childhood aspirations to attain their “wings”.

CSL_4657
Armour visit Dad at work!
MILESTONES
25 Jun 2019

In this year’s PIONEER Kids special, MAJ Justin Tan brings his three children – Danielle, Thaddeus and Asher – on a military adventure at the Home of the Armour.