The 144 Squadron "Blackite" of the
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is the aerial service branch of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) responsible for controlling and defending the airspace of the country, and providing air support to the Army and Navy. It was establish ...
was a fighter-bomber squadron based at
Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the
motto
A motto (derived from the Latin , 'mutter', by way of Italian , 'word' or 'sentence') is a sentence or phrase expressing a belief or purpose, or the general motivation or intention of an individual, family, social group, or organisation. Mot ...
"''Dare To Excel''" with the
black kite adopted as its mascot.
History
144 Squadron was formed in 1979 as one of the RSAF's fighter squadrons operating in the interceptor role, catapulting the RSAF into the supersonic era upon delivery of the original F-5E/F Tiger. The squadron initially operated the supersonic
F-5E/F Tiger II fighter aircraft, but has been operating the locally modified & improved
F-5S/T Tiger-IIs fighter aircraft since the early 1990s, these were retrofitted with new state-of-the-art avionics giving the aircraft capability of carrying out both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
144 Squadron has since been disbanded after the retirement of the
F-5S/T Tiger-IIs in September 2015.
Achievements
The squadron clinched the coveted Best Fighter Squadron award (
Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
The Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition is an annual competition which confers awards of recognition to the most outstanding units of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative excell ...
) in 1995, 2005, 2009, and 2015. It first won the title in 1995.
It is regarded by many as the best fighter squadron in the RSAF, having dominated many local and international exercises. Operating the oldest fighter platform in the RSAF ORBAT requires superior skills, capability and professionalism, thus the squadron handpicks the top pilot graduates to join the team.
Mascot
The Blackite is 144 Squadron's adopted mascot. The Squadron's “Dare to Excel” motto amplifies the Blackite character; a mysterious bird that is unpredictable and deadly, but strikes her prey with precision and readiness at all times. Coupled with team excellence, perseverance, dedication and professionalism, the men and women of 144 Squadron Team Blackites do “Dare to Excel”.
Aircraft operated
* 15
F-5S Tiger IIs
* 7
F-5T Tiger IIs
Latest photo
File:RSAF F-5 preparing to take off.jpg, An F-5S of 144 Squadron preparing for take-off.
File:Best RSAF Unit award 2005.JPG, Personnel and staff of 144 Squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base posing in front of the squadron's F-5S Tiger-IIs after winning the Best Fighter Squadron award 2005.
References
External links
RSAF web page on 144 Squadron & Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB)
Squadrons of the Republic of Singapore Air Force
Paya Lebar
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