The Republic of Singapore Air Force today celebrated the launch of the newest addition -- the 127 squadron operating the chinook helicopter.
The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Minister for Education and second Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the Sembawang Air Base.
The ceremony saw the return of the first three chinook helicopters from Texaz, in the United States.
The helicopter, designed for transporting cargo and troops, can carry 55 soldiers abd a payload of 10 tonnes.
It'll support the SAF in local and overseas training as well as Search and Rescue operations.
Admiral Teo commended the squadron for acheiving a high degree of operational readiness and capability on the chinook within a relatively short time.
They have been training with the Texas Army National Guard for three years. Another three chinooks will be brought back from the US soon. And the RSAF has acquired four more chinooks to meet its commitments and overseas training stints.
(taken from Intv, Ch 5, 8/6/99)