The SCDF’s Operation Lionheart contingent who were deployed to Turkey to assist with the rescue operations of earthquake victims, returned home on the morning of 18 February.
They were welcomed like heroes at Changi Airport Terminal 3, and were even greeted with flower garlands by the ministers.
SCDF’s statement
On 8 February 2023, SCDF deployed the Operation Lionheart (OLH) contingent to Türkiye to assist in disaster rescue efforts in the aftermath of the Türkiye-Syria earthquake.
The OLH contingent, comprising 68 members and four canines, had safely returned to Singapore early this morning (18 Feb).
The contingent members were received by Mr K Shanmugam Sc, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State (MOS) for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development, and His Excellency Mehmet Burçin Gönenli, Turkish Ambassador to Singapore at Changi Airport.
Families and loved ones were also present to warmly welcome them home.
In his welcome address, Minister Shanmugam commended the OLH contingent for their unwavering efforts in conducting extensive search and rescue operations across multiple rescue sites in Türkiye.
He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the families and loved ones for supporting the contingent members during their 10-day deployment.
On behalf of Türkiye, His Excellency Mehmet Burçin Gönenli thanked the OLH contingent for rendering assistance to the communities affected by the earthquake. He also acknowledged the contingent members for carrying out a safe and successful mission.
To our Lifesavers, thank you for your commitment and dedication to service. Welcome home!
SCDF would like to express our appreciation to Singapore Embassy in Ankara and the İstanbul Airport for the assistance rendered to the OLH contingent’s deployment in Türkiye.
We would also like to thank Singapore Airlines, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Changi Airport, and Turkish Airlines for facilitating the contingent’s flight and logistical arrangements on short notice.
The help that has been provided to us has been pivotal in supporting the OLH contingent’s deployment to, and return from Türkiye.