The RSAF Marks 25 Years of Training in Pearce, Australia
Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Flying Training Institute (FTI) Detachment in Pearce, Australia, for their 25th anniversary celebrations earlier today. This morning in Perth, Mr Heng was also hosted to breakfast by Governor of Western Australia and former Minister for Defence Kim Beazley, AC. During the breakfast, Mr Heng and Mr Beazley reaffirmed the close and long-standing relationship between Singapore and Australia. Mr Heng also thanked Mr Beazley for Australia's strong support for the Singapore Armed Force's training in Western Australia.
The visit to the RSAF's FTI detachment was hosted by Commander of the RSAF's Air Force Training Command Colonel Kevin Goh at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Pearce. During the visit, Mr Heng witnessed a combined flypast by the RSAF's and RAAF's Pilatus PC-21 trainer aircraft, unveiled the commemorative plaque, and participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Mr Heng thanked the RAAF for its support for the RSAF's training in Pearce. He said, "The Singapore Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force share a long history of military cooperation, having extensive interactions that include bilateral and multilateral exercises, mutual visits, and professional exchanges. I am especially delighted that the RSAF's presence here in Pearce has allowed people from both Air Forces to build strong friendships through professional exchanges... The progressive expansion of the RSAF's Pearce Detachment's mission is only possible because of the close relationship between Singapore and Australia."
The FTI conducts the nine-month Basic Wings Course for the RSAF's Pilot and Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) trainees. The trainees operate the PC-21 aircraft, an advanced tandem-seat turboprop aircraft trainer that allows trainees to build a strong foundation in flying fundamentals. The FTI also conducts courses for the RSAF’s flying instructors. (See full article Sing Mindef)
The RSAF Celebrates 20 Years of Training in Oakey, Australia
he Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) celebrated 20 years of helicopter training in Oakey, Australia, earlier today. Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and Australia Assistant Minister for Defence Mr David Fawcett co-officiated at the commemorative event held in Warriors' Camp, Rockhampton. The commemorative event was hosted by Commander of the RSAF's Participation Command Brigadier-General Jonathan Tan. As part of the celebrations, Mr Heng and Mr Fawcett unveiled a symbolic mural of the Super Puma and Chinook helicopters depicting the RSAF's training in Oakey.
Speaking at the event, Mr Heng said, "This anniversary celebration is yet another reflection of the deep and longstanding friendship between our two defence establishments, and between Australia and Singapore." Mr Heng also thanked the Australian Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for their long-standing support in hosting the RSAF's training in Oakey. He said, "I would like to express our gratitude to the Australian Government for being a special friend, a trusted partner and a gracious host, and on this occasion, especially for the steadfast support for the RSAF detachments in Oakey over these past 20 years… On this joyous occasion, I wish the RSAF helicopter detachment a very happy 20th Anniversary of training in Oakey. And we look forward to continued strong partnership between Singapore and Australia, MINDEF Singapore and the Australian Department of Defence, and between the SAF and the ADF."
In 1996, then-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Dr Tony Tan and Australia's then-Minister for Defence Mr Ian Mclachlan signed the Oakey agreement, which allowed the RSAF to deploy up to 16 helicopters to train its pilots in the area. The RSAF's Super Puma helicopters first arrived at Oakey Army Aviation Centre on 1 September 1998 to form the Oakey Training Centre. In 2012, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and then-Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith signed an agreement for the continued conduct of the RSAF's helicopter training in Oakey for another 15 years till 2027. (See full article Sing Mindef)