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RSAF Buys C-130 Transport Planes From US

Sunday, 23rd March 1980

The RSAF has bought two Hercules C-130 military transport planes from the United States, the head of the Public Affairs Department of the Defence Ministry, Major Martin Choo, said. These two planes were commissioned by the Mlnister of State for Defence, Mr Bernard Chen.


Three A-4 Skyhawk Crashed In Philippines

Wednesday, 19th December 1979

Four Singaporean pilots aboard three A-4 Skyhawk aircraft were killed after they crashed on Mount Demahonte in Aurora Province 95 miles NE of Manila.The three A-4 Skyhawks were part of a squadron of Singapore Air Force planes engaged in training in the Philippines with the help of the U.S. Air Force at Clark Air Base and were on their way from Clark to the Crow Valley Bombing Range near the base.


Lim Hock Siew Released

Friday, 17th November 1978

Dr. Lim Hock Siew was released from prison, but was put on exile in Pulau Tekong, as small island off Singapore. While in Pulau Tekong, he read medical books and became the only doctor for the few thousand villagers on the island. In appreciation, grateful villagers would ply him and his wife with durians, prawns and fish.


Minster of State for Environment Jailed

Wednesday, 15th September 1976

Wee Toon Boon, then Minster of State for Environment, was jailed 18 months for corruption involving $839,023 in April 1975. Wee was involved with a developer Lauw Tjin Ho, then Chairman of Lauw & Sons Pte Ltd (UEN:197000860E). He used his ministerial status to make representation to civil servants on behalf of Lauw. In return, he was rewarded with a bunglow, worth $532,000, galvanised roofing for his home worth $3,500, and free air tickets for him and his family to Indonesia.


RSAF Plane Crashed In Johor

Friday, 13th June 1975

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Staikemaster Jet Plane crashed near Tenang, near Labis, Johore, while on a navigation exercise. Two pilots in the plane were killed in the accident. The pilots, 2nd LT William Ong Tiong Huat and 2nd LT Edmund Piper were trapped in the aircraft as it burst into flames on hitting the ground.


RSAF Skyhawk Jet Plunged Into Changi Creek

Thursday, 24th April 1975

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Skyhawk jet plunged into the Chanji Creek soon after take-off from the Chanel airbase. A Ministry of Defence statement said the pilot, LTA Chong Khal Hoong, ejected safely from the aircraft while flying at low level.


Second Skyhawk Fighter Squadron Formed

Saturday, 15th February 1975

The second Singapore Skyhawk Fighter Squadron, 143 Squadron, was formed on this day. Squadron 143 is the fourth fighter squadron formed in Singapore. Known as the "Phoenix" Squadron which consist of 9 A-4 Skyhawk and 13 pilots commanded by Major Fu Chun Hsien was formed to house the remaining Skyhawks from return from US. The 143 was base in (old) Changi Air Base. Update: 143 Squadron was relocated to Tengah Air Base in December 1975. They were the first to operate the modified A-4 Super Skyhawk in the late 1980's. From 2003, it was converted to F-16C/D Fighting Falcons.


RSS Sea Wolf were commissioned

Wednesday, 22nd January 1975

Deputy Prime Minister Goh Keng Swee (also Minister of Defense) offically commissioned the ships RSS Sea Wolf, RSS Sea Dragon and RSS Sea Lion at the Palau Brani Naval Base.


The Laju Hijacking

Thursday, 31st January 1974

The Shell Oil Refinery located on Pulau Bukom Besar, (an island lying south of Singapore) was attacked by four terrorists who were armed with submachine guns and explosives. The group comprised two Japanese from the Japanese Red Army (JRA) or 'Sekigun' and two Arabs from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). The bloop attack on the refinery forces them to hijack the "Laju", a Ferry Boat, with five crew members as hostages. The terrorists started their bargaining. The terrorists agreed to release the crew of the ‘Laju’ in exchange for a party of 'Guarantors' . The team was led by Mr S.R. Nathan, then MINDEF’s Director of Security & Intelligence (now President of Singapore). The 12-men-team was made up of four SAF Commandos and eight other government officials. On 7 Feb 1974, arrangements were made to transfer the terrorists by boat from "Laju" to the Marine Police Headquarters and then by minibus to the airport. On 8 February 1974 at 0125 hours, the four


Opening of Pulau Brani Naval Base

Saturday, 26th January 1974

Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew declared open the Singapore Maritime Command Naval Base on Pulau Brani. Singapore Maritime Command was-later renamed the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). RSS Laburnum, RSS Panglima and RSS Bedok came under SNVF's charge and the prefix RSS (Republic of Singapore Ship) was also used for the first time.


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