125 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force
Encyclopedia
The 125 Squadron "Puma" is a helicopter squadron base at Sembawang Air Base, Republic of Singapore Air Force
, the squadron goes by the motto of "Swift In Support", with the Puma as the squadron's motif.
and 123 Sqn. The pilots for the new helicopters were drawn from the two squadrons and led by Major Chia Sin Kwong, were sent to France to undergo a conversion course.
The first Super Puma made its way to Singapore in July 1985 and the Squadron was officially inaugurated on 4 October 1985. The guest of honour for the ceremony was the then Chief of General Staff, Major-General (later Lieutenant-General) Winston Choo. Three of the Squadron's Super Pumas are permanently painted in red and white paint scheme for conducting Search and rescue
(SAR) work, taking over the duty of SAR-configured Bell 212 Twin Huey helicopters from 120 Sqn, which were retired the same year, the motto of the SAR detachment is "That others may live".
Based at Sembawang Air Base, the Super Pumas brought to the RSAF a new dimension in its operational capabilities. Prior to the acquisition of the CH-47 Chinook, SAF relied on the squadron's Super Puma helicopters to transport its light vehicles and troops around on various detachments and training grounds.
During Singapore's National Day, the Super Pumas take on a different, but no less important, role. Since 1986, they have been active participants of the parade, either flying the Singapore flag proudly or simply being part of the flypast. In the lead up to the 2008 National Day Parade duties, a Super Puma crashed landed on the compound at Sembawang Air Base, with no fatalities.
In 2010, current Commanding Officer LTC Ong Jack Sen and the squadron celebrated the 25th anniversary of Super Puma operations in the RSAF.
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
, the squadron goes by the motto of "Swift In Support", with the Puma as the squadron's motif.
Unit History
Formed in Feb 1985, the 125 Squadron consisted of the newly-purchased Super Pumas. This was the Republic of Singapore Air Force's third helicopter squadron, after 120 Sqn120 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force
The 120 Squadron "Kestrel" is a helicopter squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force based at Sembawang Air Base. First formed in 1969, it is the first and oldest RSAF operational squadron in service. The squadron goes by the motto of "Strive To Achieve"...
and 123 Sqn. The pilots for the new helicopters were drawn from the two squadrons and led by Major Chia Sin Kwong, were sent to France to undergo a conversion course.
The first Super Puma made its way to Singapore in July 1985 and the Squadron was officially inaugurated on 4 October 1985. The guest of honour for the ceremony was the then Chief of General Staff, Major-General (later Lieutenant-General) Winston Choo. Three of the Squadron's Super Pumas are permanently painted in red and white paint scheme for conducting Search and rescue
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
(SAR) work, taking over the duty of SAR-configured Bell 212 Twin Huey helicopters from 120 Sqn, which were retired the same year, the motto of the SAR detachment is "That others may live".
Based at Sembawang Air Base, the Super Pumas brought to the RSAF a new dimension in its operational capabilities. Prior to the acquisition of the CH-47 Chinook, SAF relied on the squadron's Super Puma helicopters to transport its light vehicles and troops around on various detachments and training grounds.
During Singapore's National Day, the Super Pumas take on a different, but no less important, role. Since 1986, they have been active participants of the parade, either flying the Singapore flag proudly or simply being part of the flypast. In the lead up to the 2008 National Day Parade duties, a Super Puma crashed landed on the compound at Sembawang Air Base, with no fatalities.
In 2010, current Commanding Officer LTC Ong Jack Sen and the squadron celebrated the 25th anniversary of Super Puma operations in the RSAF.