The Commander of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) General (GEN) Terrence O'Shaughnessy called on Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung earlier this afternoon. GEN O'Shaughnessy, who is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 26 to 30 August 2017, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim and Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Mervyn Tan, as well as inspected a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence yesterday. 

As part of his programme, GEN O'Shaughnessy was also hosted by MG Tan to a visit to Paya Lebar Air Base in the afternoon yesterday, where they interacted with RSAF and PACAF personnel participating in the ongoing Exercise Commando Sling. Exercise Commando Sling is a bilateral air manoeuvre exercise with the PACAF, and hosted by the RSAF. First incepted in 1991, it is also the longest-running bilateral air force exercise between the RSAF and PACAF, and is held up to several times each year.

Speaking of his visit, GEN O'Shaughnessy affirmed the strong bilateral ties between the two air forces. He said, "Our relationship with Singapore is an absolute strength, and we look forward to continued cooperation ahead to ensure we can best leverage and enhance our respective capabilities to address the dynamic environment across the Indo-Asia-Pacific."

GEN O'Shaughnessy's visit underscores the excellent and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the United States. The RSAF and the PACAF interact regularly through professional exchanges, high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses, as well as training and exercises, including Exercise Commando Sling. Such interactions have raised the professionalism of both air forces, strengthened their interoperability, and forged strong rapport and people-to-people ties among their personnel.