Singapore's F-15 fighter jets inaugurated in US by DPM Teo
By Jeremy Koh, 938LIVE | Posted: 20 November 2009 1803 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force's new generation F-15 fighter jets will start arriving in Singapore next April.

Until then, the twin-seat fighters are at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho in the US, where RSAF pilots and ground crew are being trained.

Speaking at the F-15's inauguration ceremony on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said the jets will represent the SAF's enhanced ability to deal decisively with security challenges.

Singapore's F-15s have been streaking across the skies of Idaho as RSAF pilots undergo air-to-air and air-to-ground training. They are the most advanced strike eagle fighter jets and Singapore has ordered 24 from the US military.

The formal inauguration at the Mountain Home Air Force Base signifies the partnership between the two countries, which will span at least another 25 years as the RSAF continues to train there.

Mr Teo said: "The US has been a stabilising force for many decades in our region. The US is a very strong economic partner for all of us and the US itself is a Pacific partner.

"So we believe that in time of change and uncertainties in the Asia Pacific that a continued US presence will be very important to maintaining the stability, peace and security in the region."

Michael Donley, Secretary of the US Airforce, said: "Having the F-15 detachment here provides for mutual training and interoperability opportunities.

"We have always valued the strategic partnerships with Asia and this is just another expression of that mutual commitment to interoperability in the Asia Pacific."

For the 250 Singaporeans and their families, it has also been a mutual learning experience as they adapt to a new culture and home.

Colonel John Bird, Commander of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, said: "My wife is really enjoying working with some of the spouses and bringing them into the way we do business in the air force.

"They have spouses' coffees and they get together to talk about the local community and things that we can do to improve in the base. So it's been a great cultural experience as well."

At the same time, the 250 active duty Singaporeans, their spouses and children are also trying to adapt to a new culture and a new home in Mountain Home. - 938LIVE/vm