The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) excelled at Exercise Red Flag – Alaska, earning top honors in “Top Fighter Generation Squadron” and “Outstanding Mission Commander” categories.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) demonstrated its prowess at the United States Air Force (USAF)-hosted Exercise Red Flag – Alaska, held at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska from May 30 to June 14, 2024. Competing against top international air forces, the RSAF won the “Top Fighter Generation Squadron” and “Outstanding Mission Commander” awards.
The RSAF deployed a formidable contingent of 14 F-15SG and 10 F-16 fighter aircraft, along with over 300 personnel from its Peace Carvin II and Peace Carvin V detachments. Exercise Red Flag – Alaska saw participation from more than 90 aircraft, including the USAF’s F-16 and A-10, and the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s Rafale.
Throughout the exercise, participants engaged in air combat and strike training missions within a simulated combat environment. RSAF personnel took on Mission Commander roles, leading complex missions involving up to 50 aircraft at a time. The exercise provided valuable and realistic training, enhancing the operational competencies of both RSAF’s air and ground crew.
LTC Lim Jian Yang, RSAF Exercise Director, highlighted the importance of the exercise, stating, “Participating in Exercise Red Flag – Alaska has allowed the RSAF to leverage the large training airspace to hone our operational competencies in a realistic and complex training environment. Our strong performance and the awards we have attained are a testament to the professionalism and high standards of our aircrew and maintenance teams. I am proud yet humbled by their achievements, and this also enhances our confidence to defend Singapore.”
(Photo Credit: 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, USAF)
CPT Tan Yi, a first-time Mission Commander who received the “Outstanding Mission Commander” award, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honoured to have been recognised as the top mission commander. I thank my team, including the aircrew from the USAF, IAF, and RSAF, for their support from mission planning to execution and debrief. I also acknowledge the ground crew’s efforts in ensuring we had safe and airworthy aircraft.”
USAF’s Deployed Forces Commander for Exercise Red Flag – Alaska, COL Gregory G. Keller, praised the RSAF’s performance, stating, “The RSAF has performed exceptionally well. I am very impressed by the production of aircraft from the maintenance side and the professionalism of the aircrew. I have always been impressed by their capabilities.”
The RSAF’s participation in Exercise Red Flag – Alaska, formerly known as Exercise Cope Thunder, dates back to 1984. This long-standing involvement underscores the excellent defense ties between Singapore and the United States, enhancing professionalism and cooperation among the participating forces and allowing the RSAF to benchmark itself against other leading air forces.
source – MINDEF
