S'PORE'S FIRST AIR DEFENCE SQUADRON CELEBRATES 45TH ANNIVERSARY; UNVEILS HERITAGE STORYBOARD

Founded in Seletar East Camp on 1 Jun 1970, the Republic of Singapore Air Force's 160 Squadron (SQN) is Singapore's first and longest-serving air defence squadron. On 23 May, more than 400 past and present servicemen and women of 160 SQN returned to Seletar East Camp to celebrate the squadron's 45th anniversary.

On the same day, a heritage storyboard commemorating the oldest Royal Air Force (RAF) base in the Far East and the birthplace of 160 SQN was launched. Produced by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, 160 SQN, and the 160 Anti-Aircraft (AA) Alumni, the heritage storyboard traces the history of the old RAF Seletar from its beginnings in 1928 to its handing over to the Singapore Air Defence Command in the 1970s. It also tells about the origins of 160 SQN and its first home at Block 450, which was used by the squadron personnel.

Built in 1930, Block 450 was the barracks occupied by RAF personnel, and subsequently, RSAF personnel from 160 SQN. The building was gazetted for conservation in June last year. Fondly known as "alpha", it housed the operational flight of 160 SQN between 1970 and 2002.

Guest-of-Honour, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing, launched the storyboard at Block 450, in Seletar East Camp.

Speaking at the celebration, Mr Chan paid tribute to the pioneers of 160 SQN, saying: "All this (the safety that Singapore enjoys today) would not have been possible without the gumption and the fighting spirit of our pioneer generation.

"This is my tribute to the pioneer anti-aircraft community in Singapore - thank you very much, on behalf of all the Singaporeans, for allowing us to sleep well at night. Without your effort, without your sacrifices, today we would still be worrying."

Major (MAJ) (NS) Jayson Goh Swee Kang, president of the 160AA Alumni, agreed with Mr Chan. In his welcome address, he also paid tribute to the pioneers in the anti-aircraft community, such as Professor Lui Pao Chuen, who made the decision in 1968 to purchase the 35mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun.

MAJ (NS) Goh also spoke about the significance of the conservation of Block 450 and the new storyboard. He said: "With the launch ofthe heritage board, Block 450 will become a new focal point. Not only for servicemen to come back and remember the good old days, but more importantly, for a future generation of Singaporeans to come and visit, and learn more about their heritage."

Also present at the celebration was Chief of Air Force, Major-General Hoo Cher Mou.