USAF and RSAF commence Commando Sling 08-1
November 2, 2007 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Six F-16 C/D F-16s from the
51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, recently
deployed to Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, to participate in the
first iteration of Exercise Commando Sling 2008.
The exercise began Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 16. Exercise
Commando Sling 2008 involves forces from the U.S. Air Force, U.S.
Marine Corps, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
The exercise series, which kicked off this month, runs through the
summer of 2008. In addition to F-16 C/Ds from Osan AB, F-15 and
F-16 fighter aircraft from 18th Wing, Kadena AB, Japan, and 8th
Fighter Wing, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea, will participate in the
first three iterations of the Commando Sling exercise series. U.S.
Marine Corps F/A-18 aircraft from U.S. Marine Aircraft Group
Twelve, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni,
Japan, will participate in the fourth iteration of Commando
Sling.
The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined
air combat training for U.S. Air Force and Republic of Singapore
air force fighter units. The exercises enable air force units to
sharpen their air combat skills improve procedures to conduct air
operations at a non-U.S. base, and enhance partnerships between
participating air forces and nations.
In addition to Commando Sling exercises, Singapore and the United
States participate in the multi-national Exercise Cope Tiger, held
in Thailand.
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