The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Peace Carvin II (PC II) detachment celebrated 30 years of F-16 fighter aircraft training at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, earlier today. The celebration was officiated by Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and hosted by Chief of Air Force, Major-General Kelvin Khong and Commander of the RSAF's Air Combat Command, Brigadier-General Lim Kok Hong.

Established in 1993, PC II is the RSAF's longest-running overseas detachment. Conducting training in overseas detachments such as PC II allows the RSAF to overcome Singapore's airspace constraints, and hone the air combat skills and operational competencies of RSAF personnel in a realistic and challenging training environment through the partnership with the United States Air Force (USAF)'s 425th Fighter Squadron.

Speaking at the event, Mr Heng said, "The detachment… led by a joint USAF-RSAF command team, has recorded many achievements. For instance, the detachment has clocked more than 75,000 hours of flying time and participated in Large Force Employment exercises… These have allowed our aircrew the chance to train in realistic and challenging environments to sharpen their aerial combat skills and flying competencies – capabilities that are so crucial to the RSAF given Singapore's land and airspace constraints. I once again record our deep appreciation to the US Government and the USAF for your wonderful support and partnership."

As part of the celebration, Mr Heng inspected a parade and witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative tail flash on the F-16 fighter aircraft. The tail flash design symbolises PC II's 30 years of fighter training in the US and signifies the strong partnership between the RSAF and the USAF. The event was also witnessed by senior officers from the USAF as well as key members of the local US communities.

In addition to PC II, other overseas training detachments in the US include the Peace Carvin V detachment with the F-15SG 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 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.  

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Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Heng Chee How, At the Peace Carvin II 30th Anniversary Parade, At Luke Air Force Base, USA On 25 Apr 2023