SINGAPORE - The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has won three awards at an exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, United States.

It clinched the "Best Aircraft Maintenance Unit", "Best Overall Mission Commander" and "Best Personnel Rescue Warrior" at the air combat exercise, which took place from Aug 17 to 28. The Exercise Red Flag-Nellis was hosted by the United States Air Force (USAF).

The RSAF deployed nine F-16C/D fighter aircraft, three CH-47 helicopters, and about 170 personnel from its Peace Carvin II and Peace Prairie detachments in the US, for the exercise, alongside 91 other aircraft from the USAF and other foreign air forces.

During the exercise, participants engaged in air combat and strike missions in a realistic environment, allowing them to hone their abilities and pit themselves against some of the leading air forces in the world.

The RSAF F-16C/D fighter aircraft sparred with opponent fighter aircraft that employed electronic warfare such as radar jamming, and dropped air-to-ground weapons on opponent targets. It also carried out combat search-and-rescue missions to rescue simulated downed aircrew.

The "Best Aircraft Maintenance Unit" award was presented to the crew from the Peace Carvin II detachment, recognising their efforts in ensuring that the RSAF F-16C/Ds were in tip-top condition throughout the 12-day exercise.

Captain Jireh Ang, an F-16 pilot, received the "Best Overall Mission Commander" award for his performance as a mission commander leading his team while the "Best Personnel Rescue Warrior" award was presented to another F-16 pilot Captain Sean Teo, who led a team on a successful recovery mission.

The RSAF has been taking part in Exercise Red Flag-Nellis since 1982.