SUPER SKYHAWKS FLY HIGH FOR ONE LAST TIME

If you spotted a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) A4-SU Super Skyhawk flying overhead on 31 Mar morning, you had actually witnessed a part of history.

After 31 years of operations, the RSAF withdrew its fleet of Super Skyhawks from operational service on 31 Mar.

The RSAF's 142 Squadron has been flying these fighter planes since 1974, and was the first RSAF squadron to be equipped with the upgraded A4-SU Super Skyhawks.

To mark this significant milestone, a special flypast was conducted over Tengah Air Base. Twelve A4-SU Super Skyhawks took to the skies for one final flight over Singapore.

Flying with the pilots were some of the top brass of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), including Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General (LG) Ng Yat Chung, and Chief of Air Force, Major-General (MG) Lim Kim Choon.

Speaking at a simple ceremony after the flight, MG Lim called the fleet of Super Skyhawks "a faithful friend", one that had accomplished many missions and achieved much throughout its nearly 300,000 hours of operational flying.

The A4-SUs' achievements included flying directly from Singapore to the Philippines, incorporating the RSAF's first air-to-air refuelling mission in 1986, as well as the excellent aerobatic display of the 'red and white' Super Skyhawks flown by the RSAF Black Knights during Asian Aerospace 1990.

Commanding Officer of 142 Squadron, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Tay Boon Chong, who flew with MG Lim, was also full of praise for the aircraft he has been flying since 1992.

He likened the planes to a Singapore "icon" for their many appearances at National Day Parades through the years.

"I think they have a place in the hearts of Singaporeans and I am sure they have inspired many to join the RSAF to become fighter pilots," said LTC Tay.

In recent months, the Super Skyhawks had continued to perform exceptionally, participating in various exercises and even coming out tops in a competition among the six RSAF fighter squadrons in February.

Said LTC Tay: "I am glad we are ending on a high note."