Five of the 24 F-15SGs bought by Singapore flew in from the United States on March 29 after a five-day journey over the Pacific Ocean. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
SINGAPORE'S newest fighter jets are back on home soil and were yesterday inaugurated into the Republic of Singapore Air Force's 149 Squadron.
Five of the 24 F-15SGs bought by Singapore flew in from the United States on March 29 after a five-day journey over the Pacific Ocean.
During the 13,500km trip here, the jets were refuelled in mid-air several times and made two stops en route. The total flying time was 20.5 hours.
In a ceremony at Paya Lebar Air Base yesterday, the squadron's logo - the Shikra hawk - was unveiled on the tailfin of one of the new jets.
Among those present were Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean and the military's top brass, including the new Chief of Defence Force, Major-General Neo Kian Hong, who took up his appointment last week.
So far, 18 of the 24 F-15SGs ordered by Singapore have been delivered.
