Note to Readers: Pacific Air Forces officials have corrected their earlier announcement regarding USAF participation in exercise Commando Sling 15-3, noting the participating unit and dates have changed. The following item reflects the updated information.
Eight F-16s from the 13th Fighter Squadron at Misawa AB, Japan, are in Singapore to participate in Commando Sling 15-3, a bilateral air combat training event with the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The fighters have trained at Paya Lebar AB, Singapore, since Aug. 31 alongside their Republic of Singapore Air Force counterparts. The event is due to wrap Sept. 19. The latest iteration in the long-running bilateral exercise focused on enhancing and evaluating coordination of combat air tactics, techniques, and procedures between USAF and RSAF units, according to Pacific Air Forces officials. This will improve the ability for USAF fighter crews to carry out sustained operations at non-USAF installations, and improve interoperability with RSAF units in combined operations. Last summer, the exercise became a one-time multilateral training event when RSAF aircraft deployed to Australia to train with both USAF and Royal Australian Air Force units, marking the first time the Australians hosted the exercise.