Year 1999

Nation Building

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.


RSAF 131 Squadron Formed

Thursday, 1st November 1979

The RSAF formed the No. 131 Squadron to provide Advanced Jet Training using ex-French Air Force Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star. Squadron 131 operates out from RSAF Tengah Air Base.


National Courtesy Campaign Launched

Friday, 1st June 1979

"Make courtesy our way of life" - that was the theme of the first courtesy campaign launched by Lee, Kuan Yew, the then Prime Minister of Singapore, at the Singapore Conference Hall. The aim of the Campaign was to create a pleasant social environment with Singaporeans considerate to each other and thoughtful of each other's needs. The campaign was initially represented by a Smiley logo and had the slogan "Make courtesy our way of life". The Smiley logo was subsequently replaced by Singa, the Lion mascot in 1982.   It became one of the more enduring campaigns in years to come. It has since 2001 been incorporated into the Singapore Kindness Movement.


Upper Pierce Reservoir Opened

Sunday, 27th February 1977

At the opening of the Upper Pierce Reservoir, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew had suggest that keeping the waterways of Singapore clean need to be a priority. There he set the target of a decade for the Ministry of Environment to clean up both the Singapore River and the Kallang River. The rivers' pollution had grown as for decades, the river residents had lived in unsewered premises and disposed their farm wastes into the river. These included families living on bum boats, hawkers, squatters, pig farms and duck farms. At least 26,000 families and 2,800 cottage industries had to be relocated during this massive clean-up.


SADC Renamed To RSAF

Tuesday, 1st April 1975

The Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC) was renamed the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). SADC was established in September 1968.


Skyhawk Fighter Squadron Formed

Friday, 1st February 1974

The first Singapore Skyhawk Fighter Squadron, 142 Squadron, was formed on this day. The A-4 Skyhawk was designed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. Skyhawks were primarily a ground attack bomber. Its design and versatility in roles made it a popular choice for many air forces around the world. Squadron 142 is the third fighter squadron formed in Singapore, after Squadron 140 and Squadron 141. Update: 142 Squadron was disbanded in Nov 2005.


Malaysian PM visit Singapore

Tuesday, 13th November 1973

Singapore gave Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak and his wife Toh Puan Rahah a cordial welcome when they flew in today for a three-day official visit. They were met on arrival at Paya Lebar airport by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Mrs Lee, Cabinet ministers and members of the diplomatic corps. This was the first official visit of a Malaysian Prime Minister to Singapore since the Republic became independent in August 1965.


The 121 Squadron Formed

Wednesday, 24th October 1973

The 121 Squadron "Gannet" Squadron (renamed to "Brahminy Kite" in 1994) was formed with the commissioning of the Short Skyvan 3M. The primary role is to provide dedicated wide area maritime air surveillance for search and resource operations, aeromedical evacuations and the transportation of personnel.


Time Capsule Buried

Saturday, 18th August 1973

Dr Toh Chin Chye, who was the Minister-in-charge of the Science Board, buried a time capsule at the site of the Singapore Science Centre.


NTUC Open First Cooperative Supermarket

Sunday, 22nd July 1973

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) launched a supermarket co-operative called NTUC Welcome (Fairprice) in Toa Payoh. The then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was there to officially declare the store opened. This was a significant indication of the strong support from the government.


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