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SINGAPORE – A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Chinook helicopter made its first landing on an Australian ship, a move that demonstrates trust and interoperability between the two sides and could lead to better cooperation in times of crisis. .
The landing of the CH-47D Chinook, from the RSAF Oakey Detachment in Queensland, Australia, at the landing dock of the ship HMAS Adelaide took place in the waters off Townsville this past Saturday (24 October).
The defense ministries of both countries said the move demonstrated the closeness of the two armed forces and their ability to work together.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Singapore’s Defense Ministry said landing on a ship was not easy as it involves precise maneuvering and teamwork due to difficult conditions at sea.
“The landing on deck is a reflection of the high levels of cooperation and interoperability between the two armies,” he said.
The event was part of the run-up to the commemoration of 30 years of Singapore Armed Forces training at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, later this year.
Detachment Oakey Commander, Lt. Col. Jimmy Neo, said: “It means a lot to Detachment Oakey that the successful certification of our CH-47D lands on HMAS Adelaide.
“It is another milestone that highlights the mutual trust and professionalism between our crews and reaffirms the interoperability between both armed forces,” he said in a Facebook post.
Oakey is home to the RSAF CH-47D Helicopter Detachment, as well as RSAF Airmen and their families. The detachment opened in 2018, but Singapore has trained helicopter crews in rural Queensland since 1998.
The Chinook can be deployed for various operations such as search and rescue, cargo transportation, troop lifting, firefighting and humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.
In a statement Sunday, Australian Defense Minister Linda Reynolds said Singapore’s crew spent two days flying from Townsville to HMAS Adelaide, which is among Australia’s largest ships, to conduct deck landing qualifications. .
These included communicating with the warship’s flight control room and being guided by Australian sailors on the flight deck. A total of 34 RSAF staff members participated in the operation.
The Australian minister said the move was a clear demonstration of the close friendship between the two countries, as well as growing interoperability.
“The ability to operate our largest amphibious vessels with Singapore’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters means that we can work together to mobilize and move personnel or supplies at sea, and enhance our combined joint capability,” added Ms Reynolds, who made his introductory visit to Singapore. last week.
He noted that the helicopter was the same aircraft that came to Australia’s aid earlier this year during the bushfire emergency, and this underscored the usefulness of being able to operate with Singapore in a crisis.
“We will always be grateful for Singapore’s help during our time of need,” he added.
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