RSAF CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF CHINOOK TRAINING IN THE US
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) celebrated ten years of Chinook training under the Peace Prairie programme in Texas, United States, yesterday. Chief of Air Force, Major-General Lim Kim Choon, officiated at the anniversary celebrations together with the Adjutant General of the Texas Army National Guard, Lieutenant-General Wayne D. Marty. The celebrations included a parade and a dinner attended by senior officers of the Texas Army National Guard and the community leaders of Dallas, Texas.
The Peace Prairie detachment has its origins in 127 Squadron, which was formed in 1995. The detachment has flown over 18,000 hours. Besides participating in US Army exercises, the detachment has also contributed to the local community in fire fighting and flood relief operations. The detachment currently operates 6 Chinooks.
Training in the United States provides the RSAF with realistic flying conditions to supplement its training in Singapore, and the opportunity to hone its operational capabilities. The longstanding Peace Prairie training detachment bears testimony to the excellent defence cooperation between the two countries.