Readout of CSAF's visit to Singapore
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Singapore Aug. 7-10 to reaffirm the U.S. Air Force's commitment to the bilateral defense relationship and discuss efforts to enhance cooperation.
During his visit, Brown met with Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Singapore Minister for Defence; Army Lt. Gen. Melvyn Ong, Chief of Defence Force, Singapore Armed Forces; and Maj. Gen. Kelvin Khong, Chief of Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force. Brown also was conferred a Meritorious Service Medal (Military) and attended a celebration marking the 57th National Day of the Republic of Singapore.
“Strong bilateral relationships like that of the U.S. and Singapore are cultivated over time and are based on communication and transparency and shared values and interests,” said Brown. “I was honored to receive the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) and to participate in the National Day Parade and celebration.”
Brown also communicated gratitude for the regional access Singapore provides to U.S. forces and pledged continued U.S. Air Force support to Singaporean personnel based in the United States.
Brown additionally highlighted the 30th anniversary of Exercise Commando Sling in June and other recent bilateral interactions as a reflection of the close partnership between the two air forces.
The leaders further discussed the planned consolidation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s F-16 and future F-35 fighter jet training detachments in the United States. Both sides welcomed additional opportunities for exercises and training the move would provide.
Brown also met with U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Kaplan and other members of the U.S. Embassy staff in Singapore.
