Singapore aircraft signals strong coalition relationship

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Airmen of the Singapore air force rejoined the U.S. Air Force fleet here when one of their four KC-135 refueling aircraft arrived to take its place with dozens of U.S. assets April 16 on this Southwest Asian air base flightline. 

As coalition partners, the Singapore air force mission is to integrate and synchronize with U.S. in-flight refueling missions here, supplying fuel to U.S. and coalition aircraft in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility.

This is the fifth time members of the Singapore air force's 112th Squadron has rotated through Southwest Asia since 2004.

"We are looking forward to working with the U.S. Air Force and keeping the relationship good," said Singapore air force Capt. Brandon Lim, a 112th Squadron KC-135 pilot.

The team of 25 members will remain for six weeks and will rotate out with another Singaporean unit, which will also remain here for another six weeks, the captain said. They normally come for a total of three months out of the year.

"We're doing our part in the multi-national mission and supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa," said Singapore air force Capt. Colin Leong, a 112th Squadron pilot.

"The partnership we share with the United States is strong," said Singapore air force Lt. Col. Chong Yong Nam, the national contingent commander. "The cooperation between us makes it a very good experience, and we are very happy to be here and happy to support the missions that you fly."

"We're all happy to welcome our partners from Singapore back as they continue to share the fight against terrorism," said Col. Larry Martin, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. "This signals that the coalition partnership remains strong. We welcome our brother airmen who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this fight."

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