Osan's 36th FS puts positive mark on Singapore partnership

by Lt. Col. Jason Cockrum
36th Fighter Squadron

11/15/2012 - Paya Lebar Air Base, Republic of Singapore  -- The 36th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed 77 members in support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed exercise Commando Sling in October 2012.

The "Fiends" sharpened their air combat skills through combined air combat training with the Republic of Singapore Air Force, explained Capt. Tyler Smith, deployment project officer.

"The exercise enables U.S. Air Force fighter squadrons to sharpen air combat skills, improve procedures for sustained operations at non-U.S. bases, and promote closer relations between United States and Republic of Singapore Airmen," he said. "The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide valuable combined air combat training for U.S. Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter units."

Aside from training and raising more than $9,000 for the visually handicapped during the country's White Cane Day, an annual international event honoring the spirit of those who are blind or have limited vision, the Fiends provided U.S. Ambassador David Adelman with a combat training sortie in the back seat of the F-16 Fighting Falcon to provide a better understanding of U.S. Air Force capabilities to the U.S. State Department.

The Ambassador was able to see how the U.S. Air Force operates on and off-duty for the visit, and the 36th EFS made a lasting impression for the Ambassador.

"Of all the things I have been able to do as a U.S. Ambassador, this flight is one that I will remember and cherish forever," he said.

Adelman was also able to spend two days with the "Fiends" gaining experience on what it takes to maintain and operate fighter aircraft. In addition to life support, egress training, and mission briefings, the Ambassador was able to spend time with 36th EFS Airmen to provide a view into his firsthand experience regarding international relations, and in explaining the U.S. State Department's mission in the Pacific Region.

"The 36th Fighter Squadron has made a positive mark on Singapore that will last well beyond their time here. Singapore is a small nation and what the 36th [EFS] did during White Cane Day will be felt and echoed for many months as relatives and friends describe their efforts over and over."

"My thanks go to the great men and women of the 36th FS for their extraordinary efforts during their time in Singapore," Adelman said. "The Fiends are a world class organization made up of the finest America has to offer and it made me proud to see these Airmen in action."