INAUGURATION OF F-15SG DETACHMENT - AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR 3RD GENERATION SAF

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) detachment which is training on its latest fighter aircraft - the F-15SG - in the United States, was inaugurated on 20 Nov, marking a milestone in the RSAF's development of its advanced fighter capabilities to deliver more effective air power for the 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the RSAF's Peace Carvin (PC) V F-15SG detachment at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean said: "Singapore is a small country. Faced with severe land and air space constraints at home, the SAF is grateful for the opportunities that have been provided by our friends to conduct exercises and training overseas. This has helped us build up our operational readiness and capabilities."

Mr Teo said the detachment marked an important step forward in the RSAF's development of its advanced fighter capabilities, which could not have been possible if not for the commitment and support of the US Air Force and US Air Combat Command.

"The training that the SAF has been able to conduct in the US, and the invaluable support and assistance rendered by the US Government and the US Military, are a reflection of the strong and warm bilateral relationship that the two countries enjoy," said Mr. Teo.

Similarly, Secretary of the US Air Force Michael Donley said that the inauguration mared a significant milestone in the already strong partnership between Singapore and the US.

"This is only the latest step of a long, fruitful relationship that the US Air Force and RSAF enjoy. The PC V inauguration and the training with the F-15 fighter jets provide for training and interoperability opportunities that we have always valued in our strategic partnership with Singapore," said Mr Donley.

Established in October 2008, the PC V detachment is made of of about 250 RSAF personnel comprising pilots, Weapons System Officers (WSO) and ground crew, who will operate up to 12 F-15SG fighter aircraft at the MHAFB for the next 25 years.

At a doorstop interview after the inauguration ceremony, Mr Teo said: "The F-15SG fighter jets are fully equipped with more effective fire power for the 3rd Generation SAF. They offers us a new capability, with sophisticated features such as the in-built radar and integrated systems which enables us to carry out missions more effectively."

RSAF PC V Detachment Commander Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Lim Chee Meng said that in order to operationalise the F-15SG fighter aircraft, the crew would be undergoing a series of rigorous air-to-air and air-to-ground training and development programmes with their US counterparts.

"The hands-on operation of the F-15SG validates what we ve learnt in the classroom. Our crew must undergo a robust training programme to ensure that they will be able to fully harness the capabilities of the fighter aircraft," said LTC Lim.

Elaborating on how the crew had benefited from the training at MHAB, LTC Lim said: "Our pilots, WSOs and ground crew do possess the operational experience and capabilities needed to operate the F-15SG. However, through our interactions with our US counterparts, we were able to further enhance and improve the quality of experience and skills we have."

Said Mr Donley: "Our pilots routinely marvel at the skill and sophistication of the RSAF. The seamless affordability by Singapore s employment of the F-15 fighter aircraft solidifies this great nation's standing as one of the most cherished partners in multinational exercises and operations."

20 Nov 09 - Inauguration of RSAF F-15SG Fighter Detachment in US
20 Nov 09 - News Video - F-15SG Detachment Inauguration