THE DEPENDABLE MAN

When Captain (CPT) Yang Weiliang was 16 years old, his parents got divorced, and he had to take on the role of a guardian for his two younger sisters. The experience shaped his decision to join the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

"I developed this strong sense of wanting to protect those around me," said the 29-year-old, who took up a Local Study Award by the RSAF in 2003 to study electrical engineering in the National University of Singapore. Working with his pilot in an F-16D+ fighter plane, CPT Yang conducts mission planning, navigation, surveillance, and directs precision bombs to targets in airto-ground combat missions.

And while he gets a thrill from scoring direct hits in live-firing exercises, one of the most memorable moments in his career was performing in and helping to plan the 2012 National Day Parade aerial display. "The Marina Bay Floating Platform was like a glittering diamond (because of camera flashes). It was beautiful and made me feel very fortunate to be able to perform for the nation's birthday," said CPT Yang.

Away from work, he is your typical guy who likes to play sports and computer games. But these days, because of his hectic work schedule and overseas training, the devoted husband prefers to spend his weekends with his wife.