Sing unit arrives in SWA

Tom O’Toole, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron transportation and alert specialist, performs aircraft recovery for a Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135 here April 16. This is the the RSAF’s 112th Squadron’s fifth deployment rotation since 2004. As coalition partners, their job is to integrate with tanker operations in the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which account for more than half of the refueling support provided throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Johnny Saldivar)

Arrival of Singapore aircraft signals strong coalition relationship

Published April 21, 2008
By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The Republic of Singapore Air Force rejoined the U.S. Air Force fleet here when one of their four KC-135 Stratotankers arrived to take its place with dozens of U.S. assets on a Southwest Asia air base flightline April 16.

This is the fifth time the RSAF's 112th Squadron has rotated through SWA since 2004. As coalition partners, their mission is to integrate and synchronize with U.S. in-flight refueling missions here, supplying fuel to U.S. and coalition aircraft in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility.

"Thank you for welcoming us so warmly," said Capt. Brandon Lim, 112th Sq. KC-135 pilot. "We are looking forward to working with the U.S. Air Force and keeping the relationship good."

The team of 36 will remain for six weeks and will rotate out with another set of crew, which will also remain here for another six weeks, the captain said. They normally come for three months out of the year, total.

"We're doing our part to support the coaltion force missions," said Capt. Colin Leong, a 112th Sq. pilot.

"The partnership we share with the United States is strong," said LTC Chong Yong Nam, National Contingent Commander. "The cooperation between us makes it a very good experience, and we are very happy to be here and happy to support the missions that we fly."

Col. Larry Martin, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, on-hand to welcome the crew, has a unique history with the new arrivals. From 2000 to 2002, he was the commander of the KC-135 training squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., where the U.S. Air Force trained RSAF pilots to fly Stratotankers. He says he has a longstanding relationship with a number of the fliers who are now stationed here.

"We're all happy to welcome our partners from Singapore back as they continue to share the fight against terrorism," Colonel Martin said. "This signals that the coalition partnership remains strong. We welcome our brother airmen who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this fight."