EXERCISE COPE TIGER ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE

The trilateral air exercise conducted by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) ended on 9 Feb.

Exercise Cope Tiger was conducted in two phases - a command post exercise (CPX) and a flying training exercise (FTX). The CPX was conducted at Paya Lebar Air Base last December, while the FTX was held at Korat, Thailand from 29 Jan to 9 Feb.

A total of 113 aircraft, 32 air defence units and 1,300 personnel participated in the FTX phase.

"This exercise allows the pilots as well as the air crew to exchange ideas," said Brigadier-General (BG) Gary Ang, the RSAF's Exercise Director for Cope Tiger.

"Through these exercises we will become better air forces that can better contribute to the security of this region," he added.

Major (MAJ) Brian Kilty, an F-15 pilot from the USAF, agreed with BG Ang. A first-time participant in Exercise Cope Tiger, he was "pleasantly surprised" when he found out more about the capabilities of the RSAF and RTAF.

"I'm very impressed with their professionalism, capabilities and their overall knowledge," he said.

"It has been rewarding. We learnt a lot from them, and I think they had the opportunity to learn from us as well," he said.

Despite their busy exercise schedule, the participants found time to take part in a community relations project. They contributed basic necessities like computers, sports equipment and stationery to a local school.

A medical team comprising personnel from all three forces also provided basic healthcare and dental care services on 30 and 31 Jan. The RSAF contributed two doctors, a dental officer and seven medics to the medical team.

"It has been an exciting and educational experience for all of us, working with the other two forces to help the people," said Captain (Dr) Allan Ooi.

The closing ceremony of Exercise Cope Tiger was officiated by Chief of Air Force BG Ng Chee Khern, Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF, Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk and Chief of Staff of the Hawaii Air National Guard, Major-General Darryll D M Wong.