Operation Flying Eagle (OFE) was the largest Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operation undertaken by the SAF. In the aftermath of the disaster, the SAF responded swiftly, within its means, and provided assistance to the affected country in need.

For this HADR mission that lasted over a period of two months from 28 December 2004 to 25 February 2005, more than 1,200 SAF personnel were deployed to Aceh. In addition, three RSN Landing Ships Tank (LSTs), eight Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Chinook Helicopters, four RSAF Super Puma Helicopters, six RSAF C-130s and two RSAF Fokker 50 as well as heavy equipment and engineer plants were deployed to the various affected areas in Medan, Banda Aceh and Meulaboh in Indonesia, and Phuket in Thailand. The SAF's operations included the search, locate and evacuation of victims, delivering emergency relief operations, providing logistical relief, and aiding in the reconstruction efforts.

The first C-130 transport plane with relief and medical supplies was deployed to Medan on 28 December 2004, closely followed by a Medical Task Force to Banda Aceh on 29 December 2004. The SAF also airlifted a Mobile Air Traffic Control Tower into Aceh. In total, the SAF donated S$400,000.00 worth of relief supplies which included tents, groundsheets, blankets and medical supplies. The SAF also provided reconstruction and medical assistance to affected areas with the deployment of its engineering and medical personnel.