Speech by Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Inauguration of the S-70B 123 Squadron, Sembawang Air Base

Chief of Defence Force,Chief of Navy,Chief of Air Force,Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,Good afternoon.

It gives me great pleasure to be here to inaugurate the S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter in 123 Squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).The history of 123 Squadron in the RSAF reflects the transformation of the larger SAF through the years. It was formed in 1979 to provide basic rotary wing training. In 1992, as a path-finder to integrate across services, the Squadron was restructured to support the Army, with Singapore's first dedicated armed helicopter, the AS550 Fennec. These were beginnings of the SAF that fights as one integrated and potent force. In its light attack role, 123 Squadron enhanced the Army's manoeuvrability and augmented its fire power from the air. Although the Fennec helicopter has since been drawn down, it showed the potential of integrating the capabilities of different services in sea, air and land to bring about a higher level of depth and sophistication in executing SAF's operations. Today's inauguration of the S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter continues this same theme where the 123 Squadron provides interoperability between the Air Force and maritime operations.

The evolution of 123 Squadron was but a microcosm depicting the whole. In 2007, the Participation Command was set up to develop and deploy air power in support of land and maritime operations. 123 Squadron will come under this command and its experience in supporting Army's operations will provide an advantage in this new role in air-sea operations. Deeper organisational changes also reflect the depth and maturity of the one-SAF concept. The S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter will be an organic asset to the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) stealth frigates, where it will spend most of its time, at sea, strengthening the frigate's anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities.

I am told that the pilots and ground crew of 123 Squadron take tremendous pride in operating the S-70B Seahawk, as it is known to be the most advanced naval helicopter of its class, with its state-of-the-art avionics, sensors and sense-making systems. In the coming years, I look forward to witnessing the high technical capability of its people as well as, more importantly, the high operational and safety standards that you will strive to achieve in developing new concepts for air-sea operations.

Not surprisingly, many amongst you today are former Fennec pilots and ground crew who have returned to the squadron to serve with the S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter. One example is MAJ Jason Phua who, as a young Air Force Lieutenant, flew the AS550 Fennec, conducting observation and attack missions on enemy ground forces. Today, MAJ Phua pilots the Seahawk naval helicopter and commands the Air Force detachment on board an RSN frigate. His valuable experience as a Fennec pilot will go a long way towards helping the Squadron achieve similarly outstanding operational results with the Seahawk helicopter.

Other than the Seahawk pilots, the air and maintenance crew from the RSAF as well as Tactical Coordination Officers (TACCOs) and Sensor Supervisors (SENSUPs) from the RSN will also play a key role in ensuring that the Seahawk helicopters achieve their full operational potential and integrate smoothly with the frigates. In this regard, we have sent our RSAF and RSN servicemen to undergo vigorous qualification and integration training at the Peace Triton training detachment in San Diego. For six months, they were also instructed in advanced anti-surface and anti-submarine battle tactics and doctrine, and their new skills and training were put to the test in demanding exercises alongside their US Navy counterparts. By training and exercising with the more experienced US Navy, we were able to conduct our integration training more efficiently and shorten the time needed to operationalise the naval helicopter capability. We are deeply grateful for the assistance rendered by the US Navy.

To the men and women who have returned from your training in Peace Triton to set up this new 123 Squadron - well done and welcome home. You have worked hard to attain a high level of operational proficiency to bring back our Seahawks. But your responsibilities and tasks as pioneers of the RSAF's naval helicopter squadron have only just begun. You will have to create your own unique culture, one that will harness the strengths of the diverse vocations and operational experiences of both Services. I am happy to learn that both naval helicopter and crew performed well in an RSN anti-submarine exercise, which the squadron participated in for the first time, in November last year.

As a Fennec squadron, 123 Squadron has served the SAF with distinction in supporting the Army's operations. I am confident that 123 Squadron will continue to build on its tradition of cross-service integration as it embarks on a new chapter of air-sea operations. Do your best. Always strive for high standards of maintenance and flight safety, as well as the high personal standards required to operate an advanced fighting platform. You will be well positioned to set new operational benchmarks for the SAF. Congratulations and thank you.