Singapore UAV Command gets new commander

COL Lim Tuang Liang has taken over as Commander of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command (UC) in a change of command parade held at Murai Camp on 10 Dec.

In his farewell speech, outgoing Commander Colonel (COL) Sarbjit Singh recalled his feelings of excitement and apprehension in February last year, when he stood at "the very same spot" to take his oath and shoulder the responsibility of commanding UC.

"I was excited because UAV Command had the responsibility of spearheading the development of the SAF's UAV capabilities while strengthening the integrated operational capabilities of the 3rd Generation SAF," he said.

"Then, we stood at the threshold of a challenging transformational journey."

The UC was the second command to be launched by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) under its restructuring plan, which began in January 2007.

COL Sarbjit added: "Looking back, I am proud to say that we, together as a command, have stood up to the challenge gallantly and have taken bold strides forward."

COL Sarbjit has held a variety of posts such as Deputy Head Air Operations (Ops Planning) and Deputy Commander Tengah Air Base before assuming command of UC. In recognition of his contribution to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), he was awarded the SAF Long Service Medal for 25 years of service, as well as the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 2008.

Incoming Commander, COL Lim, took over with effect from 10 Dec. He joined the RSAF in July 1991, and has received the SAF Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for 15 years of service in 2006, as well as the Command Appointment Award in 2007.

A recipient of the President's Scholarship and the SAF Overseas Scholarship, he recently graduated with a Master of Business Administration from the Sloan School of Management in MIT, Boston, USA. In the course of his military career, he has held several appointments, including Head Air Warfare and Technology Office, Air Plans Department; Senior Force Transformation Officer (Air) in Joint Plans and Transformation Department; and as a Special Projects Officer in UC.

The change of command parade was witnessed by Chief of Air Force, Major-General Ng Chee Khern, and attended by senior commanders and servicemen from the RSAF.