RSAF CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY, RAISES FUNDS FOR CHARITY

Men and women from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) gathered at the Air Force Training Command on 31 Aug to commemorate the Air Force's 44th anniversary.

In his opening address, Chief of Air Force (CAF) Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Meng highlighted the RSAF's key achievements in the past year, such as the G-550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft achieving its Full Operational Capability status as well as the Heron-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's inauguration.

He thanked the RSAF personnel for their professionalism and dedication to the Air Force, and added: "On the whole, our achievements in the past have continued to sharpen our edge and position us for the future."

He emphasised the importance of forging a strong RSAF culture which "will define who we are, where we come from and what we do to safeguard the nation's skies... It would engender a strong identification with our common values and the characteristics that distinguish us as a premier Air Force in the region... and ensure that the Air Force continues to perform well even in challenging times".

MG Ng also presented cheques amounting to about $212,000 in total to 10 beneficiaries of the RSAF Charity Drive, which was conducted from July to August. These beneficiaries included the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Benevolent Grant, the President's Challenge and the Singapore Red Cross Society.

Ms Mary Chacko, a representative from the SAF Benevolent Fund, said: "We are very appreciative of the time and effort that the RSAF has spent to support the fund, and we are heartened to see the enthusiasm of the RSAF personnel to participate and contribute to the charity drive."

She added: "This speaks very well of the RSAF as it shows that the RSAF looks beyond itself and goes beyond the call of duty."

Ms Karen Bartholomeusz, a representative from the President's Challenge, expressed the same sentiments. She said: "I think it's good that such a large organisation is taking an initiative to support a worthy cause and it sets a good example for other organisations to do something meaningful."

MG Ng also presented awards to outstanding RSAF personnel, such as the RSAF Best Serviceman Awards and the CAF CARDINAL Awards.