Factsheet - RSAF Units to be Housed at CAB (East)

The main operational units located within CAB (East) are 145 Squadron (operating the F- 16D BLK 52+), the Flying Support Squadron (FSS-CAB), the Air Logistics Squadron (ALS- CAB) and the Airfield Maintenance Squadron (AMS-CAB).

145 SQUADRON

The squadron motif depicts a valiant hornet in an attack posture to deter potential aggressors. The yellow and black strips represent speed and agility. Its blazed-green eyes and forward arching sting epitomise its readiness to strike in swift response to defend its nest, at day or night.

Established on 1 st Apr 1984 at , the Squadron first started flying the A4 Skyhawks. In 1992, 145 Squadron was the first Squadron to fly the indigenously developed A4-SUs. It has since undertaken a wide spectrum of roles that focuses on RSAF operational requirements and converting new pilots from Flying Training School to operational fighter pilots. The professionalism and operational readiness of the crew in 145 Squadron were exemplified through the achievement of numerous awards which includes the coveted Best Fighter Squadron in 1998 and 2000, and RSAF Hot Shot Competitions.

After nearly 2 decades, the squadron ended its A4-SU operations on 30 Apr 03 to prepare for

1 relocation and operation of the new F16D Blk 52 +.

On 3 Jul 2004 , 145 Squadron began operating from Air Base (East) with the induction of the F16D Blk 52 +, the latest in RSAF's inventory. The squadron will have a total of 20 F16D Blk 52 +. The F16D Blk 52 + is equipped with state-of-the-art Conformal Fuel Tanks, enhanced radar with greater detection range and improved ground mapping capabilities, and an advanced targeting pod, which will enable the Squadron to conduct precision day and night operations at a greater combat range and duration.

145 Squadron is an unique fighter squadron in the RSAF as all the aircraft are tandem-seats and every mission is flown with a Fighter Weapons Officer (WSO) in the aft seat. The expanded role of the WSO (Fighters) will enable the Squadron to take on even more complex and demanding missions, transforming the way our fighter jets operate.

FLYING SUPPORT SQUADRON

The FSS Emblem aims to identify the operating environment at CAB since Runway 3 is located in close proximity to Singapore (SCA). It indicates clearly the requirement to integrate military operations at Runway 3 with civil operations in a complex, civil airspace environment. The various features in the Emblem help to identify the environment FSS would be operating in as well as its main mission - to excel in the management of launch and recovery of air assets in peace and war. The motto "Reliable and Vigilant Always" reflects not only the squadron's commitment and drive to provide reliable services but also captures the significance of remaining vigilant when executing our mission.

- FSS CAB, like the other FSSes in the RSAF, is responsible for the effective provision of ATC services, BOC operations, airport management and meteorological services. - The squadron consists of 3 Flights; 2 military flights and 1 civilian flight: - Air Traffic Control (ATC) Flight

The ATC Flight is located at CAB (East) and is responsible for the provision of aerodrome services for aircraft operating out of Runway 3. The primary mission of the ATC Flight is to provide safe and effective control of aircraft operating from CAB (East). The ATC Flight ensures that the specifications for airfield infrastructure are compliant with international best practices. The flight also provides flight planning and Notice-to-Airmen (NOTAM) services to all flying squadrons operating out of CAB.

- Base Operations Centre (BOC) Flight

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The BOC Flight serves as an Ops Centre to co-ordinate all flying and flying-related activities. The primary mission of the BOC Flight is to co-ordinate the smooth execution of CAB's flying operations. BOC is responsible for the reservation of the necessary training airspace and to deconflict launch and recovery windows with the other Bases. Activation of contingencies, such as Search and Locate by 121 SQN, are also carried out through BOC Flight. The flight also acts as the nerve centre for the Base, as the central reporting and dissemination agency for Base Commander and the Base Principal Staff.

- Airport Emergency Service (AES) Flight

The AES - CAAS Flight in CAB (East) comprises of qualified CAAS fire fighters, sized to provide Airport Fire Category 4 coverage. They provide 24-hr coverage for both aircraft emergency as well as domestic fire at CAB (East). AES Flight also conduct fire prevention inspection of CAB buildings and endorse the fire evacuation plan. They also provide basic fire fighting training to CAB personnel.

Due to the location of the new runway within Singapore Changi Airport , it has resulted in a unique control configuration. This is the first time in RSAF that the aerodrome and approach services for an air base are not solely under RSAF control. Military controllers will provide aerodrome services into Runway 3 at CAB (East) and CAAS controllers will provide the approach services. This will require close rapport and co-ordination between RSAF and CAAS to ensure safe and efficient operations without compromise on either military or civil operations out of Singapore Changi Airport . This unique control configuration requires close co-ordination between RSAF and CAAS to ensure safe and efficient operations without compromise on either military or civil operations out of Singapore Changi Airport .

AIR LOGISTICS SQUADRON

The squadron motif depicts an aircraft flying upwards representing the squadron's constant drive to exploit technology and to remain positive and forward looking to overcome all challenges to support operational requirements. The gear and gridlines represent the Mechanical and Electronics Weapons groups of the squadron. The Black and White Background depicts the squadron's capability and sustainability to support Day and Night operations. The 3 Spiral Arcs represent the Shared Values of Pride, Passion and Professionalism which the squadron personnel will embrace to achieve logistics excellence in carrying out the squadron's mission.

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Air Logistics Squadron (ALS) is a new squadron officially established on 25 th March 2004 in (CAB). ALS was set up to provide maintenance and engineering support for the new F16D BLK 52 + fighters based at CAB (East) as well as to oversee the commercialised maintenance support of KC135R Air-to-Air Refuelling Tanker and Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The squadron is made up of highly experienced as well as newly enlisted men and women to provide aircraft maintenance support. The aircraft specialists have undergone extensive training, both overseas and locally, to equip them with the required skills and knowledge to work on the new and highly sophisticated systems on the F16D BLK 52 + fighter aircraft.

ALS comprises of 6 main Flights to provide the Organisational and Intermediate level Maintenance support for the Mechanical and Electronics and Weapons systems of the F16D BLK 52 + fighter aircraft. The Mechanical Group consists of the Aerosystems Maintenance Flight and the Propulsion Structure Flight. The Electronics and Weapons group consists of the Fire Control Electrical Instrument Flight, Communication Navigation Electronic Warfare Flight as well as the Aircraft Weapons Operations Flight. Finally, the Maintenance Control Flight under the Squadron HQ is responsible for coordinating and controlling all the Air Logistics Activities in CAB. The squadron is organised in a manner to ensure responsive, robust and comprehensive aircraft maintenance support.

The new ALS in CAB(East) has facilities to carry out maintenance, training and administration activities. These include Aircraft Maintenance shelter, Mechanical workshops, Electronics and Weapons workshops, Material Supply point as well as Munitions preparation and storage facility. The facilities are designed in a manner to ensure responsive operation support, workflow synergy as well as to provide a pleasant working environment for her people.

AIRFIELD MAINTENANCE SQUADRON

The Squadron motif depicts an aicraft icon taking off symbolising the Squadron's mission of sustaining airbase operations. The grey strips represent the multiple runways and full complements of operational infrastructure/ critical systems unique to CAB. The 3 blue rings circling along the multiple strips represents the 3 key flights of AMS, moving in unison,

4 providing all-round and continuous support to achieve our mission. The motto, "Unrivalled Support" reflects our desire to give of our best and be the best in our field.

The mission of AMS is to sustain airbase operations by ensuring the highest serviceability and availability of the air base infrastructures, platforms and critical systems; resulting in continuous and unhindered operations for the airbase.

- The 3 key Flights of AMS are Mechanical and Electrical Flight (MEF), Civil Engineering Flight (CEF) and Rapid UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) Disposal Flight (RUD). MEF undertakes the maintenance of the Airfield Systems, critical Base Operational Infrastructures and Essential Support Systems. CEF is responsible for Runway Recovery as well as ensures the expedient supply of aviation fuel, diesel, runway sweeping and other Air Specialist Vehicle Support. RUD undertakes bomb and explosive disposal work. Together, they provide all-round and continuous support to achieve AMS's mission.

The maintenance model established by AMS-CAB is unique compared to the AMS of the other formations. This is due to the differing operating environment as CAB straddles across SCA, separated 16km apart. New and innovative solutions are continuously being developed and refined to ensure seamless support to the Base regardless of the physical disposition. AMS-CAB also works very closely with CAAS to support the Base's operational needs.

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