144 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force

RSAF 144 Squadron

Active| 1979–2015
Role| Fighter-bomber
Garrison/HQ| Paya Lebar Air Base
Motto(s)| "Dare To Excel"
Equipment| 22 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs
Commanders
Notable
commanders| Ng Chee Meng
Insignia
Identification
symbol| A stylized black kite set against a bow and arrow

Military unit

The 144 Squadron "Blackite" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force was a fighter-bomber squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Dare To Excel" with the black kite adopted as its mascot.

## History

[edit]

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

[edit]

The squadron clinched the coveted Best Fighter Squadron award (Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition) in 1995, 2005, 2009, and 2015. It first won the title in 1995.[1] [2] 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

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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

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* 15 F-5S Tiger IIs
* 7 F-5T Tiger IIs

## Latest photo

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* An F-5S of 144 Squadron preparing for take-off.

* 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

[edit]

1. ^ "Best Units in the Singapore Armed Forces". MINDEF press release, Dated: 30 June 2005.
2. ^ "SAF Honours Best Units". MINDEF press release, Dated: 29 June 2015.

## External links

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* RSAF web page on 144 Squadron & Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB)

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