SUNGAI BESI AIRBASE OFFICIALLY SHUTS DOWN
KUALA LUMPUR: It is a day full of nostalgia and emotions said Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang as he described the final day of operations of the airbase in Sungai Besi here.
Having been in operation since 1941, the airbase is being relocated to Sendayan in Negri Sembilan, and many veteran air force man felt a tug on their heartstrings.
“From a historical viewpoint, the base is full of nostalgia for us.”
He said the existence of the airbase had indirectly led to the establishment of the RMAF.
“So many operations and missions were launched from here, whether they were rescue missions, humanitarian missions or the defence of the nation against evil people,” Affendi said after a ceremony which marked the handover of the RMAF flag to Sendayan airbase commander Colonel Mohamad Noh Daim.
Present were Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor and deputy RMAF chief Lieutenant-General Datuk Seri Ackbal Abdul Samad.
Affendi said, even though the airbase was a priceless piece of history, the need for modernisation of the RMAF meant that it needed to be relocated to Sendayan.
“We realise that this is an important operation.
“Though we are sad to say goodbye to (the) Sungai Besi (base), we are happy that those stationed here will be able to enjoy better and more modern facilities (in Sendayan),” Affendi added.
He hoped that the new base would allow RMAF to operate more efficiently.