Teaming up with Singapore again

U.S. Air Force Airmen recently participated in Singapore Airshow 2010, Asia's largest air show and one of the top three aerospace and defense exhibitions in the world.

Aircraft from the United States participated in both static displays and aerial demonstrations at Singapore Airshow 2010 to exhibit a snapshot of the diverse inventory of U.S. military aircraft and equipment. U.S. Pacific Command's participation in the six-day air show directly supports U.S. engagement goals and furthered U.S. relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Airmen will once again work alongside the Singapore Air Force during the second iteration of exercise Commando Sling 10, which takes place at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, scheduled to begin Feb. 22...

The iteration will end March 12 and involve forces from the U.S. Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. Commando Sling 10 consists of a series of three deployments running from December 2009 through July 2010.

Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 36th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, are scheduled to participate in this second iteration. They will conduct dissimilar air combat training with the RSAF, where different types of aircraft fly air-to air missions against each other. The 67th Fighter Squadron, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, will participate in the third and final iteration of Commando Sling 10 in July.

The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for U.S. Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter units. The exercise enables air force units to sharpen their air combat skills, improve procedures to conduct air operations at a non-U.S. base, and enhance partnerships between participating air forces and nations.

In addition to Commando Sling exercises, Singapore and the United States participate in the multilateral exercises Cope Tiger and Cobra Gold, both held annually in Thailand.