The Commander of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) General (GEN) Charles Q Brown Jr. called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. During the meeting, Dr Ng and GEN Brown reaffirmed the strong relationship between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the PACAF, and discussed ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation such as the exploration of new training opportunities for both the RSAF and PACAF. Both sides also discussed the importance of enhancing regional counter-terrorism cooperation. 

Prior to calling on Dr Ng, GEN Brown called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and Chief of Air Force Major-General Mervyn Tan, and reviewed a Guard of Honour at MINDEF. GEN Brown, who is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 18 to 20 March 2019, also visited Changi Air Base yesterday where he viewed a static display of the RSAF's A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft.
   
GEN Brown's visit underscores the excellent and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the US. The two defence establishments interact regularly through high-level visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and seminars, as well as at numerous bilateral and multilateral exercises. This includes the bilateral Exercise Commando Sling which Singapore hosts annually, and the multilateral Exercise Red Flag – Nellis, which is ongoing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, US. These mutually beneficial interactions have enhanced the professionalism, strengthened interoperability, and forged strong camaraderie among the personnel of both armed forces.