SAF'S HUMANITARIAN MISSION TEAM RETURNS HOME

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has completed its humanitarian mission to provide emergency relief to Pulau Nias, Sumatra, which was affected by the recent earthquake on 29 Mar.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) helicopter detachment, which included three Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and over 70 personnel, returned to Singapore on 11 Apr.

The SAF medical team comprising doctors, medics and logisticians returned three days earlier.

Many of these personnel had been in Indonesia since 30 Mar, a day after the earthquake stuck.

Excited spouses, anxious parents and overjoyed children greeted the servicemen and women with warm embraces and big kisses at both homecomings.

As part of the advanced crew that flew into Indonesia barely 17 hours after the earthquake struck, Captain (CPT) Geajaindren, logistics officer for the mission, had less than an hour to pack for the mission.

Despite this sudden activation, his wife was able to gather some of his personal belongings quickly to have them sent to him a day later.

Said CPT Geajaindren: "She was very supportive throughout. She knows that this is the nature of my job, and so she is fine with these 'sudden' plans!"

"But if you ask anyone involved in the mission, I think you will find that many were also activated with very short notice to fly. Perhaps mine was the really extreme case, but when activated, we were all ready. This really shows that the SAF is a ready force." he added.

Family support was also strong for Second Sergeant (2SG) Md Ariff. The transport supervisor, who was met by his mother at the homecoming, said his family trusted the SAF to take good care of him while in Indonesia.

"If I am needed again, I am ready and my family has no problems to let me go." he said.

Chief of Air Force, Major-General (MG) Lim Kim Choon, who was present at the 11 Apr homecoming, praised the humanitarian team for bringing "hope and relief to the people of Pulau Nias."

"While there is pressure to get the mission done, I am sure there is a great sense of fulfilment after the mission," said MG Lim.

"Although they worked very hard for very long hours, I think that when they went to bed every night, knowing that they have accomplished something, to raise the morale and give hope to the people, I think that must be most rewarding to our soldiers," he added.

Throughout the mission, the SAF worked closely with the Indonesian Armed Forces, further strengthening the longstanding friendship and co-operation between the two armed forces.

With reliable sea and air links to Nias re-established and major land routes within the island re-opened, as well as life returning to normal on the island, the emergency relief phase is over.

Nonetheless, Singapore's humanitarian assistance continues with the presence of Singapore volunteer groups and non-governmental organisations like Red Cross and Mercy Relief.

(Left to right)Daddy's home: These children are in safe hands, especially now that their fathers have returned.

(Left to right) We love our men and women in uniform! Be it newly-weds or families with many kids, it was a happy reunion for all.