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SINGAPORE: Every morning, F-15SG fighter pilot Captain (CPT) Dominic Lee, 32, greeted a regular visitor in his room, his two-year-old daughter rushing to look for him.
So when Dad was not in his bed one morning, his daughter ran around the house looking for him, even took a look at the bathroom to see if he was taking a bath.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced some military from the Singapore Armed Forces like CPT Lee to live at the base to reduce the risk of infection within the operating units.
This provision applies to those who perform critical functions, such as the protection of key facilities, maritime security or air defense.
CPT Lee used to be able to go home every day after work hours. He has now been at Paya Lebar Air Base for over a week.
“I am really close to them and I love going home every day to play with them and be a part of their growth,” said CPT Lee, who has another seven-month-old daughter.
“These could be the first times they crawl, sit, or even walk. I would like to be there, but because of this, I cannot do it. ”
CPT Lim and maintenance personnel who carry out checks on the aircraft’s landing gear. (Photo: MINDEF)
CPT Lee understands that this is necessary to maintain operational readiness and protect Singapore’s skies.
“Combat crews like me need to continue to fly to remain competent, so when we are asked to do the job, we are always ready,” he told reporters in a video conference on Saturday (April 18),
It’s not just about pilots – other Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) personnel performing critical tasks such as air defense weapons operators, air operations systems experts and part of the maintenance crew must also stay inside before and during your operational service.
This means that some have been separated from their families for longer than usual.
RSAF has made things easier by allowing them to make video calls in specific areas that were previously restricted, and by ensuring that family members can contact the units directly if they need help with anything.
NOISE JET
Since most residents now work and study from home as part of Singapore’s “circuit breaker” measures, CPT Lee also asked members of the public to be patient if disturbed by the roar of fighter jets overhead .
He said that RSAF is constantly reviewing routes to minimize flight over residential areas without compromising safety, adding that most of its flights are conducted abroad or over water.
An RSAF F-15SG from the Peace Carvin V detachment taking off from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. (Photo: MINDEF)
Flights have also been reduced to the minimum required to maintain proficiency and operational readiness, while night flights are restricted to certain days of the week and must end before 11 p.m. unless operationally required.
“I am looking for colleagues from Singapore who work from home right now to be patient and fight with the sound of freedom when we fly,” he said.
READ: COVID-19: The first day of a recruit at SAF BMTC in Pulau Tekong, without the expulsion of the parents
Affected RSAF staff said family support is also important, as spouses take over the household and childcare duties during this period.
CPT Lee said he feels blessed to have a “capable and caring wife who is able to manage the front of the house while isolated at the base.”
“My wife is taking care of my children full time, and I think it is an incredible feat for her,” he added. “Those who are mothers will understand, face the children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without MC and leave, and you really don’t have much time for yourself.”
READ: SAF makes thousands of calls a day to contact trace, verify compliance with staying home as COVID-19 fight hits “critical juncture”
CPT Lee keeps in touch by watching his wife’s Instagram stories when he is off duty, explaining that this allows him to keep up with his children’s lives.
“Being able to connect with family is crucial, especially during this difficult time,” he said. “Even though I’m not physically there, the least I can do is provide some kind of support and know that the others are safe.”
MAKE SACRIFICES
It is the other way around for military expert 3 (ME3) Rajeswary Pandian Suppiah, 42, an air operations systems expert whose husband is holding the fort at home.
The first thing you will do when you return is give him a “big thank you.” After all, he is a former regular who knows how important his job is. She manages surveillance sensors, communications, and computer systems so that RSAF can detect threats early.
Military expert 3 Rajeswary Pandian Suppiah signed when she was 19, inspired by her uncle, who was also serving in the force. (Photo: MINDEF)
“Usually it’s just how your day is, then you get tired and just want to rest. (Now) I want to spend quality time with my husband,” said ME3 Rajes, adding that he misses home-cooked food.
They only told him that he would have to live on the base a day before his work cycle began, and now he has to work longer hours since they all work in smaller teams.
First-class corporal Keith Lim and I-HAWK, a surface-to-air missile system that can hit targets up to 40 km away. (Photo: MINDEF)
For the full-time national military officer Keith Lim, 22, this experience has given his national service more meaning, even though he misses the days when he could book outside the camp over the weekend to spend time and play. with his family. .
“We have to sacrifice a few things,” said Corporal First Class Lim, an air defense weapons operator.
“All of this has made NS’s life worthwhile, knowing that my contribution is important in helping the nation fight this COVID-19 crisis.”
