MEDALS AWARDED TO SAF PERSONNEL FOR AFGHAN EVAC OPS

Their mission was a complicated and sensitive one: to get to the evacuees in Afghanistan as quickly as possible, and take them from Qatar to Germany where they would be safe. And the team sprang into action.

A 29-year-old Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) air crew specialist, who holds the rank of Staff Sergeant, recalled the day he got the call: "It all started when I received a text from my superior informing me about the deployment. I immediately headed back to base, and started the preparations for flying, joining in the deployment briefs, and, preparing the logistics and equipment for the flight.

"Within 48 hours, the team was ready to deploy."

Adapting to the situation

As night fell on 26 Aug 2021, the 76-man team departed for Qatar on board the RSAF's A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

"There was a high degree of uncertainty and we had to continually adjust with new information streaming in at the 11th hour. The team tapped on their knowledge and training (in planning the mission)," said one of the MRTT pilots, a 30-year-old Captain.

The mission was a tough one, with the team enduring long evacuation flights and the very fast tempo of operations. The MRTT pilot recalled flying about 10 sorties in the two weeks he was there.

"I vividly remember looking out of the cockpit and seeing the evacuees queuing up to board the plane. Most of them carried just a small backpack, ready to start their life anew.

"Knowing that I was there, helping to make a difference for these passengers, was a reminder to me of the significance of my role in the deployment and the importance of maintaining safety and stability in a country."

Thinking ahead

Some in the team were tasked to care for specific groups of vulnerable evacuees, such as women and children. A Captain from the Army Security Team (AST), who was one of the female personnel in the mission, helped to chaperone female evacuees and young children.

Having to interact closely with the evacuees who did not speak the same language, the team had to find creative ways to communicate.

Said the 29-year-old Captain from the AST: "To overcome (the cultural difference and lack of a common language), we prepared cards for commonly-used phrases, along with pictorial signages. At times, we relied on simple sign language to direct the evacuees."

Recognition for their efforts

On 10 Sep 21, the team completed their mission and returned to Singapore, having transported more than 2,200 evacuees.

For their contributions, they were honoured with the Overseas Service Medal (OSM), presented by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen at a ceremony held on 7 Apr.

They were among eighty-two Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel who were awarded the medals in recognition of their efforts to support the multinational coalition efforts to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Middle East; and to transport Afghanistan evacuees from Qatar to Germany.

In his speech, Dr Ng expressed his thanks and congratulations to both teams. He highlighted the significance of the SAF's deployment to support counter-terrorism efforts in the Middle East since 2007, which is one of the SAF's longest overseas efforts.

However, he cautioned that the fight against terrorism was not over, and said that the SAF must continue to hone its capabilities to tackle evolving terrorism threats.

To the team involved in the evacuation of Afghanistan refugees from Qatar to Germany, Dr Ng applauded their operational readiness and professionalism.

Said Dr Ng: "Within 48 hours of the US accepting the SAF's assistance, our Multi-Role Tanker Transport and 76 SAF personnel made their way to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"Chief of Defence Force, other senior commanders and I met with them at Changi Air Base prior to their departure, and told them that we were deeply impressed with the SAF's readiness to depart for this mission at such short notice."

Deeper appreciation for defence

The air crew specialist was honoured to be awarded the OSM. He added that it was "humbling that despite coming from a small country like Singapore, we are still able to help out at places so far away."

For the Captain from the AST, this first overseas deployment gave her new insights to her role and purpose: "I learnt the importance of maintaining our high level of operational readiness so that when called upon, we will be able to respond swiftly and decisively.

"I am thankful to be given this opportunity to participate in this operation. It is my honour and privilege to play my part in this meaningful operation."