AN EXHILARATING FIRST

Second Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, had an "exhilarating" time on board an F-16 during his introductory visit to Tengah Air Base on 22 Aug.

During the hour-long flight piloted by the Commanding Officer of 140 Squadron, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Neo Hong Keat, Dr Ng witnessed an air-to-air refuelling demonstration by the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) KC-135, as well as a simulated interception of an unknown aircraft straying into Singapore's airspace.

"I think it was an exhilarating experience," said Dr Ng.

"But more importantly, I think it gives you a sense that this investment in both our fighter planes and fighter pilots is well worth it because it is not a normal state of affairs. You are flying up at high altitudes, high G-forces, a mass of instruments in front of you, inputs into your ear, and the same time, you have to be alert while actually fending for your life."

"It speaks volumes of the training that our RSAF ground crew and pilots go through, to keep our operational state so high there is great competence and great professionalism," added Dr Ng, who is also Minister for Manpower.

Just before the flight, he toured the base and saw the Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) system, a debriefing tool that provides real-time flight data during training missions.

The purpose of this visit was to familiarise Dr Ng with the air base's operations, the capabilities of the F-16 aircraft, and more importantly, for him to interact with the base personnel.

Over the next few weeks, Dr Ng, who was recently appointed Second Minister for Defence, will be visiting several Singapore Armed Forces units to learn more about their operational capabilities.