AUGUST 24, 2016, MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (AFNS) – The 366th Fighter Wing welcomed Singaporean Maj. Gen. Mervyn Tan, chief of Republic of Singapore Air Force, and Brig. Gen. Tommy Tan Ah Han, Republic of Singapore Air Force Air Combat Command commander, Aug. 17-20, to recognize the first weapons instructors graduates of the Singaporean Fighter Weapons Instructor Course here.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force leaders met with 366th Fighter Wing leaders and experienced a mission immersion into the working relationship between the Singaporean 428th Fighter Squadron and the rest of the base.
“They say ‘It takes a village to raise an Olympic champion’ but in this instance it took two air forces to graduate these three airmen,” said Lt. Col. Tham Yeow Min, the 428th FS senior ranking officer.
The graduation recognized F-15SG pilot Maj. Wang Kee Yong and weapons systems officers Capts. Alex Ong and Chia Chi Yu. The course is modeled after the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School. The course teaches Republic of Singapore Air Force aircrew advanced combat maneuvers and tactics.
“It is exciting to be a part of this program and to be able to contribute back to the (Republic of Singapore Air Force) international community,” Chia said.
The Republic of Singapore and U.S. Air Forces have a partnership dating back to 2009 known as Peace Carvin V, which allows both countries to train as partner nations at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
This course enhances not only the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s combat readiness but the U.S. Air Force as well. The 428th FS look to continue this course in the future.
“I would like to thank (U.S. Air Force) and its instructors for their role in leading these airmen to graduation,” Tham said. “This is a huge accomplishment for these individuals and our countries.”