1969/12 - The first batch of technicians

In March 1969, the technical schools from the Army and the Navy were merged with the Air Technical Training School and the Electronic Technical Training School to form the SAF School of Technical Training in Seletar West Camp. The first locally trained technicians graduated later that year and were able to service, repair, and maintain the SADC’s aircraft.

The bulk of the manpower came from local schools while several personnel were trained overseas.

A certificate issued by the Royal Air Force College between 1969 and 1970.

An invitation card for the technicians' passing out ceremony at Seletar West Camp III in 1970.

The programme for the technicians' passing out parade at Seletar West Camp in 1970.

The SAF School of Technical Training was officially opened by LTC B. R. Marks, Acting Director of Logistics, on 5 March 1970.

The pioneer technicians were trained on the Giraffe radar in Gothenburg, Sweden, in September 1979. A month later, they went to Karlskoga for training on the RBS 70 missile system.

“Many of our officers and instructors were National Servicemen who came and went. The training school could not build up a crop of regular officers and instructors so that the experience and skills gained could be retained.”

LTC Foo Kok Swee, Director, SAF School of Technical Training, 1975 on the challenges of retaining in the SADC's early days

“The important thing is to get the flag over the stadium at the right time. Another critical moment is when we take off with the flag. A lot of care has to be taken to ensure that the flag opens up and flies correctly. There’s also a sense of pride in having the privilege to fly what must be the country’s largest flag.”

MAJ Leong Eng Keng, Commanding Officer, 125 Squadron, 1989 on the challenges of performing the flag flypast