1979/04 - Shooting stars

T-33 Shooting Star

1979

The RSAF acquired six T-33 Shooting Stars to supplement Strikemasters, expanding basic pilot training capacity until 1986.

Just as the RSAF was rapidly shaping up its operational units and purchasing more aircraft, training also had to be stepped up to train more qualified pilots. In order to expand the basic flying training capacities, six T-33 Shooting Stars were acquired in 1979 to supplement the Strikemasters as basic flying trainers.

A T-33 jet with tail number 360 parked on the tarmac with canopy open.

The T-33 aircraft served the RSAF until 1986.

RSAF ground crew and pilots pose beside a T-33 jet with aircraft hangar in the background.

The T-33s of 131 Squadron moved from Tengah Air Base to Paya Lebar Air Base in 1983.

Squadron patch with blue background, white star, and the text “Shooting Star 733 Strive for Excellence.”

The T-33 badge was designed to reflect 131 squadron’s core value.

131 Squadron plaque with an eagle graphic and text showing active years from 1980 to 1986.

The 131 Squadron logo that was used until 30 June 1986.