The Community Outreach Programme (COP) is a longstanding initiative by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to engage residents and grassroots leaders residing in the vicinity of airbases. Through the setting of a mini open house, RSAF aims to showcase routine base operations and invite the community to interact with airmen and women to appreciate their work in safeguarding the skies of Singapore 24/7, all year round. The COP was formalised by the RSAF in 2011.
This year, RSAF organised two Community Outreach Programmes; one at Sembawang Air Base on 22 June 2024 and one at Tengah Air Base on 16 Nov 2024. The programme typically includes carnival-like activities for all ages: a static display, game booths, flight simulator, F&B stalls, kids play area, military dog working show and more.
Tengah Air Base – 16 Nov 2024
01. Minister Desmond Lee and Ms Foo Mee Har giving the opening speech.02. Minister Desmond Lee, Member of Parliament (MP) for the West Coast Group Representation Constituency (GRC) takes a group photo with RSAF servicemen.03. Ms Foo Mee Har, MP for the West Coast GRC, given a guided tour in the cockpit of the F-16D.04. A thumbs-up to the hard work put in by the RSAF servicemen and women for their tireless dedication to the defence of the nation.05. The event hall layout for the Tengah Air Base Community Outreach.06. RSAF F-16D (625, 94-0277) from 140 Squadron “Osprey”. 07. RSAF F-16D (632, 96-5033) from 145 Squadron “Hornet”.08. RSAF Hermes 450 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), operated by 116 Squadron in the western end of the airbase.09. Three F-16 squadrons operate out of Tengah Air Base, 143, 140 and 145 Squadron. F-16s from the latter two were put on static display.10. Visitors were able to climb onboard the aircraft and interact with RSAF pilots to understand their work.11. AIM-9 “Air-Interception-Missile”, blue band indicating a training missile. 12. Close-up of the nozzle of the F100-PW-229 engine powering RSAF’s F-16s.13. Despite the event held on a wet Saturday afternoon, numerous RSAF personnel were on station to ensure visitors were well-protected from the elements.14. Booth set up by the Air Force Recruitment Centre.15. The Airport Emergency Service (AES), a division under Changi Airport Group (CAG), on guard 24/7 to deal with unforeseen aviation emergencies to save lives. 16. A soldier demonstrating the use of the M-16. The M-16 was brought into SAF in 1967.17. The weapons handling booth also features the familiar SAR-21. The SAR-21 was introduced in 1999.18. Military dog working demonstration.19. Visitors try their hand at the flight simulator under the guidance of a RSAF pilot.20. A photo book was also available for young children to dress up in different RSAF attire.
Sembawang Air Base – 22 Jun 2024
21. An apt display of the 30m-by-20m state flag on the hanger roof, given the Helicopter Group’s duty to perform the iconic flypast every National Day Parade (NDP).22. Sembawang Air Base is home to all RSAF helicopter squadrons. From left, CH-47F, S-70B, H-225M, AH-64D.23. Military dog working demonstration.24. RSAF AH-64D Apache helicopter.25. Tail art on the AH-64D, 120 Squadron “Red Hawks”.26. Tail art on the H225M, 125 Squadron “Starlings”.27. Tail art on the CH-47F, 127 Squadron “Stallions”.28. Tail art on the S-70B, 123 Squadron “Seahawks”.
