Originally posted by Laplace:
If the new helicopters are to be manned by RSN personnel, then it would mark a new beginning in the RSN's continued growth wouldn't it.

But I think for basic helicopter training, the RSN crews would be trained by the RSAF. But for advanced ASW and landing/takeoff in rough seas, the trainees would have to be trained by other navies with proven maritime rotary-wing capabilities.
Can't see RSN having its own "Air Force". I don't think that many armed forces outside the US, Russia, China, UK and France have the capability to have more than 1 "Air Force".
US alone has 4, including USAF, US Navy (jets and helos on carriers), Army's aviators (basically helo pilots and some transport planes), and US Marines (Bugs, mainly flying from US Navy carriers) and LHDs(Harriers and helos).
Anyway, back to RSN, I believe the model they will take is similar to the MPA arrangement. They will "borrow" helo pilots from RSAF (probably even take up their payroll), the pilots are likely to be seconded to the Navy, etc. (Just my guess).