2004/12 - Operation Flying Eagle

On 26 December 2004, a massive underwater earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale struck the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, and triggered several tsunamis that wreaked destruction in several countries around the Indian Ocean.

In response to the widespread devastation, the SAF activated a rescue and relief operation to Medan, Banda Aceh, and Meulaboh in Indonesia, as well as to Phuket in Thailand. The RSAF also flew in supplies and support missions to Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius. Despite the holiday season, the SAF teams were the first to arrive at the scene.

This large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation involved the deployment of 1,500 personnel, eight Chinook and four Super Puma helicopters, six C-130 transport aircraft, and two Fokker 50 utility aircraft. Paya Lebar Air Base was used as a transit point to support the relief operation.

RSAF aircraft were deployed to Indonesia to assist in the first phase of disaster relief operations in the wake of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

An RSAF airman helping to evacuate tsunami survivors from the disaster site via the Chinook.

This initial deployment marked the launch of Operation Flying Eagle – the SAF’s largest humanitarian relief support mission at the time.

RSAF personnel loading relief supplies via the Super Puma helicopter.