BRINGING THE FAMILY EVEN CLOSER AS DAG TURNS 30

As the Divisional Air Defence Group (DAG) celebrated its 30th Anniversary on 30 Apr, there was more in the air than festivities and the pride of contributing to the safety of Singapore's air space.

During the anniversary gala dinner held at Chong Pang Camp, Colonel (COL) Loh Kean Wah, Commander DAG, spoke of the need to anchor its young officers within the DAG family. "We want our young officers to be proud of DAG," said COL Loh.

For the veterans of DAG, this sense of pride is deeply entrenched. "I have grown professionally and personally from my time in air defence. I am proud to be a part of DAG and it is like family here," said Major (MAJ) Kenneth Chiong, from the 3rd Divisional Air Defence Artillery Battalion (3DA BN).

MAJ Chiong, who has been serving in air defence and related roles for the past 13 years, even met his wife within the Air Force when he began his career as an officer cadet!

Echoing the strong sense of community was First Warrant Officer (1WO) Devamani Narayasamy. "Over the years, DAG has grown in capabilities and technological sophistication. The path has been full of challenges but what has been always there is the sense of teamwork," said 1WO Devamani. Chief Warrant Officer of 3DA BN.

This strong bond within DAG was evident in the strong turnout at the dinner. Packing in some 500 guests, the DAG personnel present also took the time to leave behind a legacy for future "DAG-ians".

Used missile casings were filled with memorabilia and items commemorating milestones in the DAG's journey over the years, with the time capsules scheduled to be opened in 10 years.

When that happens, they will find items such as Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Subramaniam Rangasamy's cap from Operation Blue Orchid (OBO). "The cap was given to me when I participated in OBO," said 2WO Subramaniam of 18DA BN.

In 2008, he spent three months in the northern Arabian Gulf on board the RSS Resolution in support of multinational reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

The strong family spirit within the DAG was evident even among the Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). "We keep in very close contact beyond In-Camp-Training. Every so often, we get emails or phone calls informing us of events such as unit gatherings or even Change of Command parades," said Captain (CPT) (NS) Ong Bok Hui from 3DA BN.

To further cement this bond within the DAG, an online portal to connect its Regular servicemen, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), as well as alumni members, was launched at the dinner. With the portal, registered members can post messages to each other, have a centralised online space to organise events and also find former comrades whom they might have lost touch with.

The dinner was attended by Chief of Air Force Brigadier-General Ng Chee Meng, as well as former Chief Defence Scientist Lui Pao Chuen, who was instrumental in the DAG's transformation into the advanced air defence force it is today.