TheSembawang Air Base (ICAO:WSAG) is amilitary airbase of theRepublic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) located at Sembawang, in the northern part of Singapore. The base motto isSwift and Resolute.

Sembawang Air Base
Pangkalan Udara Sembawang 三巴旺空軍基地 செம்பவாங் வான்படைத் தளம்
Sembawang in Singapore
AEurocopter AS532M1 Cougar, c/n 2368 of126 Squadron based at Sembawang, Singapore
Badge of the Sembawang Air Base
Site information
Type	Military airbase
Owner	Government of Singapore
Operator	Republic of Singapore Air Force
Condition	Operational
Location
Sembawang Air Base Shown within Singapore
Coordinates	01°25′31″N103°48′46″E / 1.42528°N 103.81278°E /1.42528; 103.81278
Site history
Built	1937 (1937)–1938
In use	1939 – present
Garrison information
Occupants	Flying units: 120 Squadron 123 Squadron 124 Squadron 125 Squadron 126 Squadron 127 Squadron
Airfield information
Identifiers	ICAO: WSAG
Elevation	26 metres (85 ft)AMSL
Runways Direction Length and surface 04/22 1,907 metres (6,257 ft) Asphalt 05/23 1,036 metres (3,399 ft) Asphalt
Source: Metar & Taf[1]

Before Singapore's independence from the United Kingdom, it was aRoyal Air Forcestation known asRAF Sembawang as well as the Royal Navy airbase, known asRoyal Naval Air Station Sembawang (orRNAS Sembawang), commissioned asHMSSimbang, to the carrier pilots of theFleet Air Arm (attached to theEastern Fleet based in Singapore). The pilots used it for rest and refit whenever anaircraft carrier of the Royal Navy berthed at the nearbyHMNB Singapore for refuel and repairs, which also housed the largestRoyal Navy dockyard east of Suez up to the time of UK forces' withdrawal from Singapore.

After the Japanese capture of Singapore duringWorld War II, theImperial Japanese Navy Air Service took over the two RAF stations of Sembawang andSeletar. Singapore was split into north–south spheres of control, and theImperial Japanese Army Air Force took overRAF Tengah. It was not until September 1945 that the two airfields reverted to British control following theJapanese surrender.

RAF Sembawang was a key part of Britain's continued military presence in the Far East (along with the three other RAF bases in Singapore:RAF Changi,RAF Seletar,RAF Tengah) during the critical period of theMalayan Emergency (1948–1960), theBrunei Revolt in 1962 and theIndonesia–Malaysia confrontation (1962–1966).

In the years 1934 and 1935, a section of the Bukit Sembawang Rubber Estate located onSingapore Island was acquired by theAir Ministry for the purpose of establishing a grassairfield intended for the Royal Air Force. The necessary approval for this construction was granted in 1936, leading to the commencement of work byBritish Army engineers in the subsequent year. The airfield was originally designed to accommodate two RAF bomber squadrons, however, it was later reassigned to theAdmiralty. Plans were then made to convert the site into an airbase and aircraft repair yard, aimed at supporting a proposedEastern Fleet that would include up to four Royal Navyfleet carriers. By May 1940, the airfield was nearly operational and was once again transferred, this time to theRoyal Australian Air Force.^[2]

July and August of 1940, saw the Royal Australian Air Force'sNos. 1 andNo. 8 Squadrons stationed here with twelveLockheed Hudsonlight bomber aircraft each, but with No. 8 squadron departing in November. In early 1941,No. 21 Squadron RAAF relocated fromRAF Seletar, Singapore, to re-equip withBrewster Buffalo fighter aircraft, briefly conducting operations from RAAF Station Sembawang before being sent toMalaya. Additionally,No. 453 Squadron RAAF, which also utilised Buffalo fighter aircraft, arrived in August 1941 and remained operational at this location until their deployment to Malaya in mid-December 1941.^[2]

On 8 December 1941, the Japanese military launched an invasion of Malaya. Subsequently, Singapore succumbed to the Japanese forces and surrendered on 15 February 1942.^[2]

HMSNabrock was a Royal Navy (RN),Mobile Operational Naval Air Base (MONAB) at the naval air station at Sembawang. HMSNabrock was also known as MONAB IX andRoyal Naval Air Station Sembawang (orRNAS Sembawang).

The initial contingent of MONAB IX officiallycommissioned Royal Naval Air Station Sembawang as HMSNabrock on 5 October 1945. To ensure the provision of essential equipment and infrastructure for the operation of the station, MONAB IX was designated to establish its presence and commence naval aviation and support facilities in the area.^[3]

Upon the arrival of the advance party tasked with assuming command of the airbase and facilitating its preparation for reopening, they discovered the station was intricately interwoven with a network of tunnels and foxholes, exhibiting a significant degree of disarray. Approximately ninetyMitsubishi A6M "Zero" fighter aircraft were stationed at the airfield, accompanied by around seven-hundred Japanese personnel. The Japanese had been engaged in efforts to construct arunway, employingprisoners of war in the process. A number ofsteamrollers were found abandoned on what subsequently became known as the "Jap runway". Efforts to restore the station to operational status commenced without delay, utilising Japanese prisoners of war for tasks such as filling up the tunnels and the foxholes, in addition to the construction of a 1,400 yards (1,300 m) by 50 yards (46 m)pierced steel planking runway.^[4]

Personnel and equipment for Mobile Naval Air Base IX had commenced assembly on 1 June 1945, atRNAS Middle Wallop (HMSFlycatcher),Hampshire, UK. This base was designated as the second Fighter Support Mobile Naval Air Base (MONAB) and its technical components were Mobile Maintenance (MM) No. 8, Mobile Servicing (MS) Nos. 15 & 16 and Mobile, Storage & Reserve (MSR) No. 10, all of which provided support forVought Corsair Mk II & IV,Grumman Hellcat F Mk. II andSupermarine Seafire F Mk III, L Mk III & F Mk XV. MONAB IX was established as an independent command under the designation HMSNabrock on 1 August 1945, withCaptain J.S.C. SalterDSC,OBE,RN,assuming command.^[3]

The personnel of MONAB IX reachedLiverpool from HMSFlycather and boarded the troopshipMV Dominion Monarch, which then set sail forSydney,Australia, via theSuez Canal. Upon arrival, the MONAB personnel were transferred toHMS Golden Hind, where they awaited the assignment of an operational base. During this interim period, they were temporarily accommodated intents atWarwick Farm Racecourse. It was determined that the unit would be deployed similarly to MONAB VIII, with plans to reopen the airfield atSembawang on the Island of Singapore. Three advance parties travelled by aircraft, while the remaining members of the unit, constituting the main body, were to journey by sea, embarking on the Australiantroopship MVLargs Bay.^[3]

On 1 November, the primary contingent of personnel aboard the MVLargs Bay arrived in Singapore. They initiated the process of assembling cratedUnited Statesmanufactured aircraft, a significant number of which were Grumman Hellcat fighter aircraft. After assembly, these aircraft were transported by road to a nearby dockyard, where they were loaded ontoaircraft carriers for disposal at sea. This procedure was in accordance with the stipulations of theLend-Lease Act policy with the United States, which facilitated the provision of these aircraft. Following theconclusion of the war, the United Kingdom was obligated to either return any remaining equipment or compensate for it. However, the United States was not inclined to reclaim the aircraft due to an existing surplus, and the UK lacked the financial resources to make payment. Consequently, the destruction of the aircraft was deemed the most viable solution.^[3]

On 15 December 1945, HMSNabrock wasdecommissioned at RNAS Sembawang, coinciding with the re-commissioning of the naval air station as HMSSimbang. Although the Mobile Naval Air Base (MONAB) effectively came to an end, the personnel remained the same, and efforts to construct airframes for disposal persisted.^[4]

List ofcommanding officers of HMSNabrock with date of appointment:

• Captain J.S.C. SalterDSC,OBE,RN, from 1 August 1945

List of units associated with MONAB IX, in support of disembarked fighter squadrons:

Function

• Support for disembarked fighter squadrons, an air-sea rescue squadron and a Fleet Requirements Unit

The apparatus from the decommissioned MONAB IX was retained at RNAS Sembawang (HMSSimbang), serving as the foundation for an upgraded reserve MONAB. This reserve was kept in storage under 'care and maintenance', ready for reactivation if necessary. The original components were augmented with additional equipment and vehicles salvaged from other MONABs that had recently been decommissioned in Australia. This reserve unit remained in storage at RNAS Sembawang until the 1950s.^[3]

On 27 December 1945, two Fleet Air Arm squadrons were deployed fromHMS Smiter to conduct operations from HMSSimbang. The first,791 Naval Air Squadron, functioned as a Fleet Requirements unit, equipped with a diverse array of aircraft includingVultee Vengeancetarget tug aircraft, Vought Corsairfighter aircraft andNorth American Harvard. This squadron remained the primary flying unit at HMSSimbang until its disbandment on 16 June 1947.^[5] Additionally,Grumman Hellcat aircraft from888 Naval Air Squadron, the RN Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, were also disembarked, tasked with performing airborne survey duties in the region during peacetime.^[6]

At the conclusion of January 1946, the only remaining unit at the station was the Fleet Requirements Unit. On 26 January, 791 Naval Air Squadron integrated 'C' Flight of1700 Naval Air Squadron^[7] and by 29 January personnel from 888 Naval Air Squadron left for the United Kingdom to disband upon their arrival, while their aircraft were kept at HMSSimbang.^[6] After the completion of the aircraft assembly and disposal operations, the station transitioned to serve as an Aircraft Holding Unit, providing support foraircraft carriers operating in theFar East and for disembarked squadrons.^[2]

From May 1946 it also managed a communications flight utilising a couple ofBeech Expeditor transport aircraft. The initial squadron to arrive disembarked on 26 September 1946, when802 Naval Air Squadron, comprisingSupermarine Seafire F MK XVfighter aircraft, flew ashore from theColossus-classaircraft carrier,HMS Glory. This squadron remained until 14 November when they re-embarked on theBritish Light Fleet Carrier,HMS Venerable.^[8]

Subsequently, on 18 November806 Naval Air Squadron, with Supermarine Seafire F Mk XV, and837 Naval Air Squadron, operating withFairey Firefly FR.1 aircraft, disembarked from HMSGlory, remaining until 6 and 9 December respectively, before returning to the aircraft carrier. Both squadrons made a return on 17 May 1947, when HMSGlory docked inHMNB Singapore, and they re-embarked on 19 June as the aircraft carrier departed for the UK after being succeeded byHMS Theseus^[9] The latter began disembarking her two squadrons on 7 June starting with Supermarine Seafire F Mk X equipped804 Naval Air Squadron, followed by Fairey Firefly FR.1 aircraft from812 Naval Air Squadron on 10 June.^[10]

At this juncture, the station was facing potential closure. On 16 June, 791 Naval Air Squadron was disbanded^[5] and HMSTheseus's squadrons re-embarked on 21. On 1 October 1947, a newCO took command of HMSSimbang with the appointment of Captain P.W. Burnett,DSO, DSC, RN, . Subsequently, the station was decommissioned and transitioned to 'care and maintenance' on 31 December 1947.^[2]

The station was officially transferred to the Royal Air Force (RAF) on a temporary basis on 16 January 1948. The first RAF unit to establish a presence at the station wasNo. 60 Squadron, which arrived on 24 withSupermarine Spitfire FR Mk 18 fighter reconnaissance variant.^[11] This was followed byNo. 1914 Air Observation Post Flight, which operatedAuster AOP aircraft and was elevated to squadron status, reformed as No. 656 Squadron in June 1948,^[12] as well asNo. 28 Squadron also with Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk 18.^[13] Both fighter squadrons were actively engaged in operations in theKuala Lumpur area, with detachments from Sembawang conducting strikes againstCommunist insurgents beginning in July 1948. By late summer 1949, the RAF began to scale back its operations at Sembawang.^[2]

No. 28 Squadron relocated toRAF Kai Tak,Hong Kong, on 11 May,^[13] while 60 Squadron moved toRAF Tengah, in Singapore, at the end of August.^[11] Subsequently, preparations were made for the station's return to Royal Navy (RN) control, with the RAF's presence reduced to a 'care and maintenance' status on 15 September 1949.

At the beginning of October 1949, the initial Royal Navy squadrons arrived back at Sembawang, marked by the disembarkation of the13th Carrier Air Group, which included Supermarine Seafire FR Mk.47 fighter reconnaissance aircraft from800 Naval Air Squadron and Fairey Firefly FR.I fighter reconnaissance aircraft from827 Naval Air Squadron, from the British Light Fleet Carrier, HMSTriumph, on 3 October.^[14] On 26 October 1949, the aircraft repair ship andlight aircraft carrier,HMS Unicorn, docked in Singapore, where it disembarked an advance team to Sembawang for the purpose of setting up an Aircraft Holding Unit and conducting test flights.^[15] On 1 November, the 13th Carrier Air Group returned to HMSTriumph, subsequently disembarking back to the airbase on 8 December.^[14] The airbase at Sembawang was officially handed back to the Royal Navy in January 1950, and HMSSimbang was re-commissioned there.^[2]

It became clear that HMSUnicorn was not appropriate for functioning as a facility to repair aircraft, leading to the decision in June 1950, to use Sembawang as an Air Repair Yard.^[15] The workshops at Sembawang were expanded to accommodate an Air Repair Yard, capable of processing twenty aircraft monthly. Additionally, the Aircraft Handling Unit (AHU) was equipped with storage for eighty aircraft and facilities for test flying. The station was also capable of supporting a singleCarrier Air Group.^[2]

In April 1950, Nos. 1902, 1907, 1911 Flights of No. 656 AOP Squadron, of the Royal Air Force, commenced operations with the Auster AOP Mk 5 aircraft.^[16] On 12 September 1950,807 Naval Air Squadron disembarked from HMSTheseus, equipped withHawker Sea Fury FB.11 fighter aircraft. The transition to Hawker Sea Fury squadrons marked a shift away from the previously utilised Supermarine Seafire squadrons. During the same month, a shipment consisting of fifteen Hawker Sea Fury aircraft, along with an additional fifteen Fairey Firefly aircraft, arrived aboardHMS Warrior, aColossuss-class aircraft carrier, to establish a reserve at the Aircraft Handling Unit (AHU). Subsequently, 807 Naval Air Squadron re-embarked on the 20.^[17][2]

The inaugural Transport Support Squadron of the Royal Navy,848 Naval Air Squadron, deployed itsWestland Whirlwind HAS.21 anti-submarine helicopters to HMSSimbang on 8 January 1953. This unit was to assist in the ongoing efforts for the Malayan Emergency.^[18] On 2 February, it was joined byNo. 194 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, which was reconstituted at Sembawang from the Far East Casualty Evacuation Flight, which was disbanded that day. This squadron was equipped with nineWestland Dragonfly HC.2 helicopters, serving as a short-range transport unit.^[19] Together with 848 Naval Air Squadron, they establishedNo. 303 (Helicopter) Wing, marking the United Kingdom's first operational helicopter wing.^[20] No. 303 Wing subsequently relocated toRAF Kuala Lumpur on 20 May.^[18]

The subsequent arrival at RNAS Sembawang was816 Squadron of theRoyal Australian Navy, which disembarked on 2 November fromHMAS Sydney. They conducted a direct exchange of their twelve Fairey Firefly AS.Mk 6 anti-submarine aircraft for AS.Mk 5 anti-submarine variant, completing the swap before re-embarking on the 5.^[21]

HMSWarrior, during its expedition to theFar East, disembarked its two squadrons on 12 May 1954.811 Naval Air Squadron, equipped with Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 aircraft, and825 Naval Air Squadron, operating Fairey Firefly AS.Mk 5 aircraft, were both part of this deployment. 811 Naval Air Squadron returned aboard on 2 June after augmenting its fleet of aircraft, while 825 Naval Air Squadron remained stationed at RNAS Sembawang, subsequently transferring to RAF Tengah on 16 August. Also on that date, 811 Naval Air Squadron disembarked once more from HMSWarrior as the vessel was required to aid withrefugee rescue operations, fromVietnam. On 23 September, 811 Naval Air Squadron squadron re-embarked in HMSWarrior.^[22]

On 10 March 1956, a detachment of fourFairey GannetAnti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft from 825 Naval Air Squadron flew ashore from theCentaur class light fleet carrier,HMS Albion, for a brief period before re-embarking on 15 March.^[23] Beginning in late March, detachments from 848 Naval Air Squadron commenced visits to the station, with four Westland Whirlwind helicopters arriving on 26 March, three on 14 May, and a final group of four on 31 May.^[18] Subsequently, Fairey Gannet aircraft from820 Naval Air Squadron, which had been stationed on thelead ship of her class,HMS Centaur, disembarked on 4 April and departed on 20.^[24] On 18 December, 848 Naval Air Squadron, the final operational naval unit in the region, disbanded,^[18] and RNAS Sembawang was placed on notice for transition into Care and Maintenance.

On 1 April 1957, HMSSimbang was decommissioned as an autonomous command and subsequently assigned as a tender to, HMSTerror,Singapore Naval Base. It was placed under a status of 'Care and Maintenance by operation'. The Fleet Air Arm returned to Sembawang when on 1 November 1958, 820 Naval Air Squadron re-established a temporary presence for a ten-day period, during which they disembarked five Westland Whirlwind HAS.7 anti-submarine helicopters, from theCentaur-class carrier HMSAlbion.^[24] Subsequently, in December 1958, the Fleet Photographic Unit commenced operations at the airbase.^[2] Then in 1959 all Westland Whirlwind helicopters belonging to 820 Naval Air Squadron were disembarked ashore on 26 March, however, the squadron was formally disbanded on May 8.^[24]

The establishment of the station now aimed to serve as a base for theRoyal Marines, along with a supporting helicopter squadron. Initial efforts to enhance the galleys and accommodation commenced in early 1959, and by January 1960, an advance contingent from42 Commando had arrived at the station.^[25] On 13 March 1960,Westland Wessex HAS.1 anti-submarine helicopters from815 Naval Air Squadron disembarked from the aircraft carrier HMSAlbion. Their deployment lasted just over a month, concluding with their re-embarkation on 16 May.^[26]

In June, the primary contingent of 42 Commando, along with a reconstituted 848 Naval Air Squadron, now equipped with Westland Whirlwind HAS.7 helicopters, disembarked from the aircraft carrier HMSBulwark,^[25] which was the Royal Navy's first vessel converted for commando operations. This squadron commenced its operations ashore on June 7 and was designated to operate from HMSBulwark while returning to RNAS Sembawang during the ship's stay in Singapore, with re-embarkation occurring on July 15.^[18]

Subsequently, 815 Naval Air Squadron returned ashore from HMSAlbion for another brief period on 12 July, re-embarking on 28. Both 815 and 848 Naval Air Squadrons disembarked on 17 and 15 September respectively, before re-embarking on 3 October. 848 Naval Air Squadron made a return for a week starting 22 October and was back at the airbase by early December, where it remained over Christmas 1960.^[27] On 31 December, the Westland Wessex HAS.1 anti-submarine helicopter equipped814 Naval Air Squadron, disembarked from theCentaur-class aircraft carrierHMS Hermes to Sembawang.^[28]

The essential modifications needed to support the Royal Marines were finalised by March 1961, leading to the relocation of the headquarters of3 Commando Brigade to the station.^[25] On 22 March, 848 Naval Air Squadron disembarked from HMSBulwark, followed by the return of fixed-wing aircraft operations to Sembawang on 29, when 825 Naval Air Squadron arrived from theIllustrious-class aircraft carrier,HMS Victorious, equipped with Fairey Gannet AS.4 anti-submarine warfare aircraft. After a two-week deployment, they re-embarked on 11 April.^[23] Subsequently, 848 Naval Air Squadron re-joined HMSBulwark on 18 April.^[18]

825 Naval Air Squadron made its return for a month-long deployment on 9 May and subsequently re-embarked in HMSVictorious, on 14 June. Meanwhile, 848 Naval Air Squadron disembarked from HMSBulwark on 12 June, but their stay was brief, lasting only eight days, upon their return to Sembawang on 31 July, they remained ashore for a duration of four months. The final disembarkation of 825 Naval Air Squadron from HMSVictorious occurred on 15 September, and the departure of these Fairey Gannet aircraft on 4 October signified the conclusion of fixed-wing naval aviation operations at Sembawang.^[29]

In 1962, 848 Naval Air Squadron made its return to Sembawang on 22 March. Subsequently, 815 Naval Air Squadron arrived on 12 April, with its Westland Wessex HAS.1 helicopters disembarking from theAudacious-class aircraft carrierHMS Ark Royal, only to re-embark on 23. On 18 April, 848 Naval Air Squadron re-joined HMSBulwark for a brief deployment, disembarking to Sembawang on 19 May. On 27 June, 815 Naval Air Squadron disembarked from HMSArk Royal on the 27 for another short visit, re-embarking on 11 July, but returned once more on 26 July. Additionally, 848 Naval Air Squadron re-embarked on 10 July for a month-long deployment, returning on 6 August.^[27]

No. 11 Flight, part of No. 656 Squadron AAC, which holds the distinction of being the station's longest-serving unit, was transferred toKluang,Malaya, at the conclusion of August 1962.^[30]

On 4 September 1962 the airbase at Sembawang was officially re-commissioned, HMSSimbang.^[25] On this same date, both 815 and 848 Naval Air Squadrons arrived at the station. 848 Naval Air Squadron stayed for a week before re-embarking on HMSBulwark, while 815 Naval Air Squadron re-joined HMSArk Royal on the 29 of the month.^[27] Throughout October and November, there was a cessation of naval flying activities, although the improvements to thecontrol tower were completed in November as part of ongoing updates to the station. Flying operations resumed in December, with 814 Naval Air Squadron disembarking from HMSHermes on 21.^[31]

814 Naval Air Squadron re-embarked on HMSHermes on 5 January 1963, marking the beginning of a significant year that also saw the initial deployments from845 and846 Naval Air Squadrons to HMSSimbang. On 10 January, 846 Naval Air Squadron disembarked four Westland Wessex HAS.1 anti-submarine helicopters, while a detachment from 845 Naval Air Squadron flew ashore from HMSAlbion. Subsequently, 846 Naval Air Squadron re-embarked on 1 February and the remaining 845 Naval Air Squadron disembarked on 12. Additionally, 814 Naval Air Squadron flew in from HMSHermes once more, on the 25.^[32]

On 17 April 845 Naval Air Squadron returned to HMSAlbion and 814 Naval Air Squadron joined the Royal Australian Navy's aircraft carrierHMAS Melbourne on 20. In May, 846 Naval Air Squadron returned to RNAS Sembawang, with a detachment of six helicopters on the 17 for a brief stay before departing again on 24 June. The only activity in June involved 814 Naval Air Squadron, which disembarked from HMSHermes on the 13 and returned to the carrier on the 28. During the summer of 1963, HMSArk Royal disembarked the anti-submarine squadron, 815 Naval Air Squadron, which spent two deployments at RNAS Sembawang, from 11 to 24 July and 14 to 26 August.^[33]

In February 1964, 815 Naval Air Squadron arrived, disembarking from HMSCentaur on 12 and subsequently re-embarking on the 1 March. This squadron was succeeded by 814 Naval Air Squadron, which disembarked from HMSVictorious for a short period, between 23 March and 8 April. 815 Naval Air Squadron made its final disembarkation from HMSCentaur between 16 and 25 November. Meanwhile, HMSVictorious re-embarked 814 Naval Air Squadron on 21 November, following its deployment to RNAS Sembawang on 23 September.^[34]

In 1965, initiatives were started to enhance RNAS Sembawang, transforming it into a base dedicated to supporting commando operations, with the intention of establishing it as a Fleet Amphibious Forces Base. 820 Naval Air Squadron disembarked from theAudacious-class aircraft carrier,HMS Eagle with eight Westland Wessex HAS.1 anti-submarine warfare helicopters between January 14 and 26.^[24] Subsequently, on 5 March, 845 Naval Air Squadron disembarked from HMSBulwark until the end of March.^[35] Additionally in March, Westland Wessex HAS.31A, the Royal Australian Navy's anti-submarine warfare model, equipped817 Squadron RAN, disembarked from HMASMelbourne.^[36]

A detachment from 848 Naval Air Squadron disembarked from HMSAlbion on 28 April, which was now operating with the Westland Wessex HU.5 troop transporter helicopter. This unit was organised into a Headquarters Flight and four subordinate Flights designated as 'A', 'B', 'C', and 'D'. The entire unit was not fully assembled at RNAS Sembawang until 19 June. While the Headquarters Flight remained stationed at RNAS Sembawang, the four subordinate Flights were deployed to operate from jungle bases located inSibu, Nanga Gaat, andBario inBorneo, as well as atLabuan in theFederal Territories of Malaysia, starting from 23 May.^[37]

On 15 July, 815 Naval Air Squadron disembarked once more, this time from HMSArk Royal, and subsequently re-embarked on 3 August. They returned again on 4 September for an additional two-week period. Meanwhile, 820 Naval Air Squadron spent a week on land starting from 12 October, before re-joining HMSEagle on 19 October. They returned on 6 November for twelve days. 815 Naval Air Squadron arrived on 20 October and remained until 6 December.^[38]

The completion of construction to accommodate a second Royal Marines unit, as part of the new Fleet Amphibious Forces Base for the Far East, occurred in March 1966, marking the introduction of40 Commando.^[25]

The amalgamation of the Royal Marines Brigade Flight, 40 Commando Air Troop, 42 Commando Air Troop, and29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery Air Troop commenced in Sembawang, Singapore, in 1967. Subsequently, on 12 August 1968,No. 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron was established at RNAS Sembawang to provide support to the Royal Marines. The squadron's initial equipment consisted of fourteenWestland Sioux AH.1 light observation helicopters.^[39]

In March 1969, the Royal Marines received enhanced air support with the reformation of847 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Sembawang on 14 of the month. This squadron was established from a segment of 848 Naval Air Squadron and was equipped with eight Westland Wessex HU.5 transport helicopters. Subsequently, the newly formed 847 Naval Air Squadron embarked on HMSAlbion for a brief embarkation on 16 May, returning to the airbase on the 28.^[40]

On 1 September 1971, the management of RNAS Sembawang was transferred to theSingapore Air Defence Command. Concurrently, the facilities associated with the Fleet Amphibious Forces Base were reassigned to theANZUK Support Group. The decommissioning of HMSSimbang occurred on 30 September 1971.^[25]

Fleet Air Arm squadrons maintained their operations from Sembawang until October. Notably, 'A' Flight of 848 Naval Air Squadron had previously boarded the amphibious warfare shipHMS Intrepid on 27 August and the remainder of the squadron departed Sembawang for the last time on 17 September, when they boarded HMSAlbion.^[41]

The final operations at Sembawang Air Base were conducted by theWestland Sea King HAS.1 anti-submarine helicopters from826 Naval Air Squadron, which disembarked from HMSEagle on September 20 and re-embarked on October 5.^[42]

The installation was renamed asSembawang Air Base (SBAB) in 1971 upon its transfer to the Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC). Between 1971 and 1976, Sembawang served as a base for British, Australian, and New Zealand military forces, operating under the framework of theFive Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

TheSIAI-Marchetti SF.260 was developed as a successor to the olderCessna 172K. This transition facilitated the formation of the Standards Squadron within the Flying Training School, which utilised the same aircraft for the training of pilot instructors. The initial two SF-260 aircraft were delivered to Singapore on 6 September 1971 and conducted their inaugural flight at Sembawang Air Base.^[43]

In 1983, the airbase transitioned into a fully operationalrotary-wing installation with the permanent relocation of the first resident helicopter squadron,120 Squadron, fromChangi Air Base.

In the late 1990s, the expansion of Sembawang Airbase involved the acquisition of sections of Lorong Gambas and Lorong Lada Merah for the purpose of redevelopment activities.

Currently, there are approximately 100 helicopters based in Sembawang Air Base, almost all are operating in support of theSingapore Army and theRepublic of Singapore Navy. It is the home base to all the RSAF helicopter squadrons, consisting ofEurocopter AS332 Super Pumas,Boeing CH-47SD Chinooks,Sikorsky S-70B (derivative ofSikorsky SH-60 Seahawk) naval helicopters,^[44] as well as theEurocopter Fennecs andBell UH-1Hs, which are currently stored in reserve. Recently added to the base are theBoeing AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopters.

Currently, the RSAF'sChong Pang Camp with its associated Air Defence assets, is also located within the compound of the air base as well as the famous localSembawang Hot Spring Park.

Flying and notable non-flying units based at Sembawang Air Base.

The Flying squadrons are:

• 120 Squadron with 20AH-64D Longbow Apaches;
• 123 Squadron with 6S-70B Seahawks, these are owned and operated by the Republic of Singapore navy but flown by RSAF pilots;
• 124 Squadron with 5EC120 Colibri, headquartered at SBAB with a training detachment atSeletar Airport;
• 125 Squadron with 22AS332M Super Puma &Airbus H225, four of these are configured forSearch and rescue duties;
• 126 Squadron with 12AS532UL/AL Cougar;
• 127 Squadron with 6CH-47D and 12CH-47SD Chinooks.^[45]

The Support Squadrons are:

• Aircraft Operations Engineering Squadron – 806 SQN
• Aircraft Specialist Engineering Squadron – 816 SQN
• Airbase Sustainment Squadron – 706 SQN
• Airbase Civil Engineering Squadron – 506 SQN
• Force Protection Squadron – 606 SQN
• Control Squadron – 206 SQN

•  
  Entrance of RAF Sembawang, c. 1941.
•  
  Brewster Buffalo fighters ofNo. 453 Squadron RAAF, November 1941.
•  
  Brewster Buffalo aircraft of No. 21 Squadron flying over RAF Sembawang.
•  
  The staff and personnel from Sembawang Air BaseAir Logistic Squadron posing in front of the helicopters currently in RSAF service.
•  
  120 SquadronAH-64D Longbow Apache on static display during RSAF Open house.
•  
  125 Squadron Super Puma takes off from the flight deck of the RSS Resolution – anEndurance-class LST. Visible in the foreground is theAircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse (ASIST) system.
•  
  127 SquadronCH-47SD lands aboardUSS Rushmore duringExercise CARAT 2001.

List of past flying units and major non-flying units permanently based at Sembawang.

1941–42

• No. 62 Squadron RAF (detachment) –Bristol Blenheim I.^[46]
• No. 21 Squadron,Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) –Brewster Buffalo
• No. 453 Squadron RAAF – Brewster Buffalo I.^[47]

1945–1971
Royal Air Force

• No. 28 Squadron RAF –Supermarine Spitfire FR.18.^[48]
• No. 60 Squadron RAF – Spitfire F.18.^[46]
• No. 194 Squadron RAF reformed here during February 1953 from the Far East Casevac Flight –Westland Dragonfly HC.2.^[49]
• No. 656 Squadron RAF reformed here on 29 June 1948 from No. 1914 Flight RAF –Auster AOP.5.^[50]

Royal Navy

• Aircraft Holding Unit Sembawang.^[51]
• Naval Aircraft Support Unit Sembawang.^[52]
• 791 Naval Air Squadron^[53]
• 800 Naval Air Squadron^[54]
• 802 Naval Air Squadron^[55]
• 804 Naval Air Squadron^[56]
• 806 Naval Air Squadron^[57]
• 807 Naval Air Squadron^[58]
• 811 Naval Air Squadron^[59]
• 812 Naval Air Squadron^[60]
• 814 Naval Air Squadron^[61]
• 815 Naval Air Squadron^[62]
• 816 Naval Air Squadron^[63]
• 817 Naval Air Squadron^[64]
• 820 Naval Air Squadron^[65]
• 824 Naval Air Squadron^[66]
• 825 Naval Air Squadron^[67]
• 826 Naval Air Squadron^[68]
• 827 Naval Air Squadron^[69]
• 837 Naval Air Squadron^[70]
• 845 Naval Air Squadron^[71]
• 846 Naval Air Squadron^[72]
• 847 Naval Air Squadron^[73]
• 848 Naval Air Squadron^[74]
• 849A Naval Air Squadron^[75]
• 888 Naval Air Squadron^[76]
• 1700 Naval Air Squadron^[77]
• 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron

• Battle of Singapore
• British Far East Command
• Far East Air Force (Royal Air Force)
• Far East Strategic Reserve
• Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation
• Former overseas RAF bases
• Malayan Emergency
• Republic of Singapore Air Force
• Singapore strategy

• History of RAF
• RSAF web page on Sembawang Air Base (SBAB)
• Background history of R.N.A.S. Sembawang
• Naval Historical Society of Australia
• Royal Navy Research Archive