The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Peace Carvin V (PC V) detachment celebrated 10 years of F-15SG fighter aircraft training at Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB), Idaho, earlier today. The celebration was officiated by Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and hosted by Commander of the RSAF's Air Combat Command, Brigadier-General Ho Kum Luen.

As part of the celebration, Mr Heng inspected a parade formed up by PC V personnel and unveiled a commemorative tail flash on the F-15SG fighter aircraft. The tail flash design symbolises PC V's 10 years of fighter training in the US and signifies the strong partnership between the RSAF and the United States Air Force (USAF). The event was also witnessed by senior officers from the USAF. Speaking at the event, Mr Heng said, "The PC V detachment… has been the anchor of the RSAF's F-15SG program, where we validate our warfighting doctrines, and qualify a steady flow of F-15SG pilots, weapon systems officers, and instructors. … The rapid build-up of the F-15SG and the success of the PC V detachment are only possible because of your steadfast support throughout these past ten years. Air Combat Command, Mountain Home Air Force Base, 366th Fighter Wing and the 428th Fighter Squadron – thank you very much for being such a trusted partner and a gracious host."

PC V was inaugurated on 19 Nov 2009 by then-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean. PC V was part of the Peace Carvin programme, which started in 1988 with the PC I detachment when the RSAF acquired the F-16A/B fighter aircraft from the US.   

As part of his programme, Mr Heng also met US Senator James Risch this morning. During the meeting, Mr Heng thanked Senator Risch for the US' strong support for the Singapore Armed Force's training in Idaho. Both sides also reaffirmed the excellent bilateral defence relationship between both countries, and welcomed the recent renewal of the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the US' Use of Facilities in Singapore. Mr Heng and Senator Risch also discussed key bilateral defence initiatives such as Singapore's acquisition of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.

In addition to PC V, the RSAF also conducts flying training at the PC II detachment with the F-16C/D fighter aircraft, and the Peace Vanguard detachment with the AH-64D Apache helicopter. These detachments in the US offer vast training airspace and challenging operational environments for RSAF air and ground crew to sharpen their competencies and enhance their operational readiness. The RSAF and the USAF also interact regularly through exercises such as the Red Flag series of exercises, as well as visits and professional exchanges, which deepen the excellent and long-standing ties between the two air forces.