PAYA LEBAR AIR FORCE BASE, Singapore — An Alaska-based squadron is participating in air-to-air combat training for the next three weeks in Southeast Asia.

Six F-16s from Eielson Air Force Base’s 18th Fighter Squadron deployed with 12 pilots and 63 maintenance and support personnel to train with Republic of Singapore fighter crews during Commando Sling, Air Force officials said. In addition to the F-16s, the training will involve F-5 Tigers and A-4 Skyhawks from Singapore.

The squadron arrived last Thursday for the annual training exercise after a stopover at Kadena Air Base, Japan, officials said.

“This is a great opportunity for our pilots, aircrew and maintainers to put their war-fighting skills to the test,” Col. Gary Woltering, 354th Operations Group commander, said in a written statement released last week. “We welcome the opportunity to train side-by-side with the Singapore air force.”

This is the 13th year Commando Sling has taken place.

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