We recently had a chance to speak to three of our airwomen from different vocations! Read on to find out more about their duties in the RSAF, as well as what it’s like to be part of the force!

ME1 Tong Yi Ling, 815 SQN 

I am an Air Force Engineer (Maintenance), and my daily duties include aircraft rectification and corrective maintenance of the F-16C/D fighter aircraft in Tengah Airbase. I studied Aerospace Electronics back in Polytechnic and I joined the RSAF as I wanted to serve the nation and make my family proud. Being able to work in my field of interest was an additional bonus.

Throughout my three years in service, I have learnt to become a better team player and have also become more responsible at work. As we work in a team to rectify aircraft to make them fit for flight, this allowed me to learn to be more efficient and to ensure that every problem has been rectified safely so that our aircrew can take to the skies safely.

As a female in the Air Force, there are a lot of opportunities and challenges, but do persevere and don’t give up!

CPT Thng Lizhen, 18 DA Bn

I am an Air Warfare Officer (Air Defence Weapons), and I operate the RBS 70 system. Currently, I am the Battery Second-in-Command, and my role is to assist my Battery Commander in managing the training, as well as to maintain the operational readiness, discipline and morale of our servicemen and women.

I chose to join the RSAF as I prefer to work in an outdoor environment and less of a desk-bound job. I also had friends who were in the Force and their stories of being part of the RSAF inspired me to join the Force and be part of the air defence family.

Life in the unit is dynamic, and though everything happens at a fast pace, the environment is highly empowering. It allows me to venture beyond my comfort zone regularly, with support and guidance from my peers and superiors. The camaraderie that we share as we all strive towards the same mission is nothing short of extraordinary.

My time in the Air Force has been fulfilling thus far, and I’m excited to see what the future brings. No matter what the challenge may be, I will always remind myself why I joined the Air force in the first place.
 

MAJ Gurdeep Kaur, 206 SQN

I am an Air Warfare Officer (Air Traffic Control). My team oversees the safe execution of launch-and-recovery operations of the helicopters in Sembawang Air Base on a daily basis, day and night.

I have been in the RSAF for almost 19 years. I joined because I did not want the standard, conventional jobs for ladies. I am not someone who can sit behind a desk. I wanted to try something different and exciting, and the RSAF offered me that option.

As the Chief Training Officer in the Squadron, I oversee training requirements for our Air Warfare Officers, Air Operations and Systems Experts and Air Operations Specialists. This includes the regulars, NSFs and NSmen. This working family is like a second family to me, and I am always thankful for their support.

Aspiring females who want to join the Air Force, go for it and give it a shot. Don’t think that this is a male-dominated environment, and it’s something only guys can do and ladies can’t. You’ll be surprised!

Check out our International Women’s Day video feature here!