36 FEATURES World Class People - Operational Excellence Through Quality Innovations The “Improvement of Operational Responsiveness for Aircraft Mission Support” team: 2WO Tay CAF, being briefed on one of the exhibits. Lai Heng (3rd from left), SSG Lee Chin Tiang (centre) and 1SG Quek Teng Guan (1st from left). “The evolving nature of war and security has fuelled the necessity for the Air Force to transform. Conventional warfare capabilities which formed the crux of RSAF’s development till recently might not equip us sufficiently to fight the future war…We must not let our guards down, and always demand Operational Excellence even amidst our transformation efforts. Only then will we be able to maintain high operational standards and a high state of readiness, ensuring RSAF’s fulfilment in SAF’s mission to deter aggression.” - CAF, MG Lim Kim Choon “World Class People - Operational Excellence Through Quality Innovations” was the theme for this year’s RSAF PRIDE Convention held at Air Force School on 4 Mar 03. Organised by TAB, this year’s Convention marks 16 years of the RSAF PRIDE movement. The Convention included a video presentation titled “Creativity Everyday”, displays by selected project teams and a skit about WITS (Work Improvement Themes) by the SAF Music and Drama Company. CAF also presented awards to about 180 team and individual awards for their contributions to the organisation as well as efforts in promoting productivity. Air Force News interviewed the first runner-up of Best WIT (Support) and winner of the prestigious NOVA award, the UREKA team, for their “Improvement of Operational Responsiveness for Aircraft Mission Support”. Comprising of 2WO Tay Lai Heng, SSG Lee Chin Tiang and 1SG Quek Teng Guan from ALS-PLAB, the project was cited by CAF in his opening speech as an indicator of the improvement of quality of UWMS by RSAF personnel. “We felt that the best part about the project is the team effort in overcoming all the obstacles and achieving a successful project that really benefits us and the organisation”, team leader 2WO Tay said when asked about how the team felt about winning the awards. “The Pride movement and Innovation culture in PLAB has always been strong and this has helped pave the way for our smooth project implementation.” AFN congratulates all award recipients! 17th17th MINDEFMINDEF DAYDAY MINDEF celebrates its 17th year of the PRIDE (PRoductivity and Innovation in Daily Effort) Movement. This year’s theme is “Optimising resources and Innovating for our future.” This signifies SAF’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in a rapidly changing social and economic paradigm to build the future of the SAF that we want tomorrow by best using today’s resources. The organiser, 1 PDF, welcomes all servicemen to the 17th MINDEF Pride Day. Highlights: ·Award winning exhibits · High adrenaline performances by the SAF Music & Drama Company with popular local celebrities and artistes · SAF Provost Unit precision drills performance · Concert, band and ensemble peformances by top secondary and primary schools · Games and quizzes hosted by SAFRA POWER 98 and Dongli 88.3 DJs · Attractive prizes to be won Date : 28 to 30 May 2004 Venue : Suntec City Mall Entertainment Centre Atrium (next to Carrefour) Admission is FREE. Souvenirs and Door Gifts galore! MARCH ISSUE • 1/04/88 AA StepStep CloserCloser toto PeacePeace -- RSAF’sRSAF’s C-130C-130 DetachmentDetachment toto thethe GulfGulf RegionRegion 02 CONTENTS INVESTITURES Foreign Air Force Chiefs Conferred Prestigious Military Awards 3 CALLS Asian Aerospace 2004 Courtesy Calls 4-5 AIR FORCE NEWS MANAGEMENT VISITS COMMITTEE Introductory Visit by Vietnamese Vice Minister of National Defence 6 RSAF/ RAAF Senior Officers Exchange Programme 6 Senior French Air Force Officers Visit Singapore 6 Visit by Chief of Staff, Japan Air Self Defence Force 7 Chairman 2nd Permanent Secretary (Defence) Visits TAB 7 COL Peter Wee CDF Visits PLAB 7 Members LOCAL NEWS SAF-SAFRA Sports Carnival 8 LTC Harbajan Singh Pilot Internship Programme 8 LTC Low Kheng Guat RSAF Honorary Wings for Senior Royal Thai Air Force Officers 9 Mission Accomplished! 9 LTC Lim Boon How National Day Awards Investiture 10 MAJ Chan Sian Yong Participants in UN missions recognised 10 Appreciation Dinner for NS KAH, ROVERS and Volunteers 11 MAJ Thiruthakka Devan 1st RSAF Officer graduates from the 4th NSmen Command and Staff Course 11 MAJ Sarojanie Combating the Silent Threat 12 Facing up to New Challenges 12 MAJ Mike Chua RSAF-AAIS Career Transition Scheme 13 On the FASIA track to Success 13 MAJ Ong Soon Ing Ms Lily Liew COVER STORY A Step Closer to Peace - RSAF’s C-130 Detachment to the Gulf Region 14-16 Mrs Christine Chia EXERCISES Ms Felicia Gwee RADM (NS) Teo visits Exercise Wallaby 17 A Decade of Close Co-operation 17 EDITORIAL BOARD AIR FORCE 21 VISION A Vision For Our Time - A Book Preview 18-19 Editor LTC Harbajan Singh FEATURES WOSA Enhancement Study (WES) 20 An Eye in the Sky Helps on the Ground: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) 21 Asst Editor Celebrating 100 Years of Powered Flight 22 Ms Germaine Ho Asian Aerospace 2004 23 LOCAL NEWS Staff Writers RSAF Bids Farewell to BG Chee Wee Kiong 24 Andrew Koh A Tribute to Our Retirees 24 Yen Zhao Yi World Class Human Resource Services for a First Class Air Force 25 Inaugural Air Manpower Dialogue 25 Ang Houfu Without You, Our Doors Might Be Left Wide Open 26 Photographer AWARDS Jonathan Chan Wei Ming From Specialists to Warrant Officers 26 A New Beginning for 39 Officers 27 The opinion and views are those expressed A New Stage for RSAF Officers 27 by the writers and do not necessarily reflect CAF Receives Legion d’Honneur 28 the official views of the RSAF or the Ministry The RSAF Cares 28 of Defence. The material in Air Force News Outstanding IQC Organisation Award 2003 for Air Logistics Squadron - SBAB 29 is not to be reproduced in whole or in part RSAF Warrant Officer Tops Course 29 without the written consent of the Republic And Baby Makes Three...! 30 of Singapore Air Force. RSAF Officer Tops Defence Technology and Science Course 30 BUZZ AROUND THE BASES In Appreciation: Exercise Hotshot 31 AFS Unite3rd with Pride, Passion and Professionalism 31 Air Force News extends its TAB’s 32nd Anniversary 32 Paya Lebar Air Base turns 22! 32 appreciation to MAJ Anthony Lim SBAB’s 21st Anniversary 32 for his invaluable contributions. CAB Celebrates with a Splash! 32 We wish him well in his future A Vision to Excel 33 endeavours. We would also like Bringing Glow to the Community 33 to welcome MAJ Chan Sian Yong Air Force One Lands at PLAB 33 from PLAB into the Air Force New Chief Air Force Medical Officer 34 News Management Committee. A New Commander for Paya Lebar Air Base 34 Re-designation of RSAF EOD Centre 35 Changes in Senior Appointments 35 CONTENTS FEATURES World Class People - Operational Excellence Through Quality Innovations 36 MINDEF PRIDE Day 36 INVESTITURES 03 Foreign Air Force Chiefs Conferred Prestigious Military Awards Former Australian Chief of Air Force At an investiture ceremony held at MINDEF on 21 Nov 03, Air Marshal (AM) (Retired) Earl John McCormack was conferred the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [Meritorious Service Medal (Military)]. The award was in recognition for his significant role in fostering closer ties between the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Minister for Defence, Rear-Admiral (NS) Teo Chee Hean, presented the prestigious award. In various senior appointments, AM (Retired) McCormack had played a key role in fostering closer ties between the RAAF and RSAF. Under his leadership, the RAAF provided excellent support to the RSAF for its flight training in Pearce Air Base and Tamworth. AM (Retired) McCormack had also extended his personal support to RSAF’s training and participation in exercises in Australia. Both air forces continue to enjoy a close relationship through various bilateral co-operation programmes and activities. Minister for Defence, RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, congratulating AM (RET) Earl John McCormack after the ceremony. Royal Thai Air Force Commander-in-Chief For his role in forging excellent bilateral relations between the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Kongsak Vantana, was conferred the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [Meritorious Service Medal (Military)]. Minister for Defence, RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, presented the prestigious military award to ACM Kongsak during the investiture ceremony held at MINDEF on 13 Dec 03. In various senior appointments, and as Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF from October 2002, ACM Kongsak has actively encouraged and promoted closer interactions between the two air forces. Under his leadership, both air forces signed an Air-to-Air Refueling Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which further promotes professional interactions between the two air forces. ACM Kongsak has also extended Minister for Defence, RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, congratulating ACM Kongsak his personal support to RSAF’s training in Korat and Koke Vantana after the ceremony. Kathiem and RSAF’s participation in exercises in Thailand. Commander Royal Brunei Air Force The Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF), COL Haji Mahmud bin Haji Saidin, was awarded the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [Meritorious Service Medal (Military)] in a ceremony held at MINDEF by Minister for Defence, RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, on 17 Jan 03. In a succession of senior appointments and as Commander of RBAF, COL Haji Mahmud has played an integral role in fostering closer co-operation between the two air forces. Under his leadership, the RBAF has provided excellent support to the RSAF’s helicopter training detachment in Brunei.