Training visit to Pearce Air Base in Perth Australia from 8th to 12th December 2008

HQ NCC has organized a training visit to Pearce Air Base in Perth Australia from 8th to 12th December, as part of the initiatives under the NCC 21 Masterplan. A total of 2 NCC Officers and 10 NCC Cadets from 4 schools were selected to participate in this overseas training visit. The objectives of the visit are to improve the goodwill between HQ NCC and HQ RSAF under the Cadet Exchange Programme; to observe RSAF pilot trainee training in Pearce Air Base, Australia for the purpose of exposing NCC cadets to pilot trainee training in a SAF Overseas Training Base so as to increase military awareness in NCC Cadets; and last but not least, to reward deserving NCC Officers, Cadet Officers and Cadets for their outstanding contributions to the organization. The programme for the visit is as follows: Day 1 – 8th December 2008 The cadets and teachers assembled at Changi International Airport Terminal 1 at 0630hr to check-in. The flight, QF 72 departed at 0915hr and arrived in Perth International Airport at 1710hr, Perth time, which was an hour ahead of Singapore. We were picked up by Jeff, our designated tour-leader and driven to Pearce Air Base for dinner, before check-in to Novotel Vines Resort. We stayed at the resort for the next 2 nights. Day 2- 9th December 2008 Cadets and teachers arrived at Pearce Air Base to begin the 2 Day Pearce Air Base programme. We were welcomed by LTA Shaun who was the liaising officer for our visit. After breakfast, the programme began with an address by OC A, Maj Adrian Toh, a video presentation, and a security briefing by the RSM. After lunch, we left the base for Sorrento Quay for a half day R&R. We returned to the base for dinner before heading back to our resort. Day 3- 10th December 2008 Cadets and teachers arrived at Pearce Air Base for breakfast. The second day programme began with a squadron tour, an interaction session with Basic Wing Course trainees about their “Life as a trainee”, and finally, a visit to the Flight Simulation Centre. After dinner, we returned to our resort. Day 4- 11th December 2008 Cadets and teachers checked out of Vines Resort in the morning and began our day tour into Perth City. We began with some light shopping of local goodies at a nougat and chocolate factory. We then went over to Caversham Wildlife Park to look at native Australian animals, such as Koala, Wombat and Kangaroos. After lunch, we checked-in to Aarons Hotel, which was a stone-throw from the main shopping belt of Perth City - Hay Street Mall. However we did not stay long in the hotel; we unpacked quickly and changed into our beach gear for Fremantle. On our way over, we made a quick shopping stop at Harbour Town. We spent the rest of the day at Fremantle beach before returning to Perth City for dinner at North Bridge.
Day 5- 12th December 2008 Cadets and teachers checked out of Aaron Hotel at 1000hr and made a quick stop at King’s Park for photo opportunities. We left for Perth International Airport at 1045hr. We left Perth on QF 77 at 1310hr and arrived at Changi International Airport Terminal 1 at 1800hr, Singapore time.
Reflections:
"I think this trip has been quite an enjoyable and enriching experience because we get to see how the young Singaporean pilots-to-be live and study abroad in a totally different surrounding. It takes time for them to get accustomed with the culture, climate and way of living in Australia but at the same time, they have to study and train to become fighter pilots. It is remarkable how they are able to manage to cope and persevere for up to 92 weeks (Approx 2 years) in order to complete their course." - SSG Marcus Ho
We Sweat At