US, Singapore begin Commando Sling 11 Published Nov. 12, 2010 By 13 Air Force Public Affairs JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii -- U.S and Republic of Singapore Air Force Airmen are currently training together at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, as part of exercise Commando Sling 11, which began with the first of three iterations Nov. 8 and will continue through Nov. 26. The exercise series runs from November 2010 through July 2011. U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, are participating in the first iteration. F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base, Japan, and F-15 Eagles from the 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, will participate in the following two iterations, respectively. 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-lateral exercises Cope Tiger and Cobra Gold, both held annually in Thailand.