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Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)
Second generation (1985 to 2005)

2004/12 - Operation Flying Eagle

Exercise/Operation

Operation Flying Eagle

Helicopters

AS-332 Super Puma

CH-47 Chinook

Utility Aircraft

Fokker 50

Lockheed C-130 Hercules

Year

2004

The RSAF led Operation Flying Eagle, deploying aircraft and aid across Asia for tsunami disaster relief, becoming one of the first responders.

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.

Chinook helicopter on field with Indonesian flag, unloading bags. People near debris and in the distance.

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.

Pilot carries child from Singapore Air Force Chinook; woman in headscarf follows.

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

Pilot with Singapore patch views tsunami damage from helicopter. Trees line beach, city in distance.

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

Military helicopter with uniformed people loading boxes.

RSAF personnel loading relief supplies via the Super Puma helicopter.

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