KC-135 CREW RETURN FROM THE GULF

Family and friends gathered at Changi Air Base on 11 Dec to welcome the return of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) KC-135 tanker aircraft.

Its 35-strong contingent from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) had spent three months in the Gulf supporting coalition forces with air-to-air refuelling.

"Excellent support from the United States Air Force (USAF) helped us fit into the coalition from the very day we arrived there," said national contingent commander Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Calvin Ng.

"This detachment was a 100 per cent success and we maintained full aircraft serviceability."

This achievement did not come easily, as the crew had to work long hours in a fickle desert climate and deal with other challenges.

Said detachment commander LTC Sivaraman: "We had to be prepared for any threats, even though we were working at high altitudes."

Sensing "very strong esprit de corps" among personnel, he singled out good teamwork as a key factor to the mission's success.

For aircrew specialist First Sergeant (1SG) Ng Kok Wee, being involved in this detachment was an honour that allowed him to catch up with his friends in the USAF.

The KC-135 detachment was Singapore's latest contribution to multinational reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In previous deployments, the SAF had pitched in three Landing Ships Tank, two KC-135 tanker aircraft and a C-130 transport aircraft.

"This mission showcased the RSAF's operational readiness and Singapore's ability to be a responsible member of the international community," added LTC Sivaraman.