Wednesday, November 30, 2005

>>> Singapore,Thailand and United States in joint exercise


THE AIR FORCES of Singapore, Thailand and the United States launched an air exercise, codenamed Cope Tiger, at Paya Lebar Air Base this week.

The exercise, held annually since 1994, enhances the professionalism and interoperability among the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, and the United States Air Force/United States Marine Corps and strengthens the understanding and rapport among the officers and men.

The first-phase of the exercise, kicked off on 28 Nov 05 with a two-day Command Post Exercise (CPX). During the CPX, the participants gained a greater insight and understanding of the operating procedures across the three air forces through mission planning exercises and mission commanders' training.

The second phase of Ex Cope Tiger will be a 12-day Flying Training Exercise in Korat, Thailand from 6-17 Feb 06 and will involve the RSAF’s Chinook CH-47D helicopters for the first time.

The exercise will also involve about 90 aircrafts (sic) and 1,200 personnel flying over 1,260 sorties. This is a significant increase in participation of personnel and aircraft since its inception and is testimony to the excellent defence relations and close co-operation between Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

The opening ceremony for the exercise was jointly officiated this afternoon by the Chief of Air Force of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Major-General Lim Kim Choon; Chief of Air Staff of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat and Vice-Commander of the General George C. Kenny Headquarters (Provisional) and Commander, Pacific Air Operations Centre, Hickam Air Force Base, Brigadier-General Gregory J. Ihde.

Acknowledgement with appreciation:

Ministry of Defence, Republic of Singapore published the above story in Mindef News Release dated 30 Nov 2005.

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