Project Lancer-- a once in a lifetime experience

Project Lancer-- a once in a lifetime experience

Project Lancer - Brunei
090905-240905
Day 1 - 090905 Friday
Finally, it has come to this day. After much discussions, preparation, delay and anticipation, our Brunei trip is realised today.This can be considered as a very special trip. Firstly, the purpose is to carry out a SAF mission. The whole objective is to expand 12 existing helicopters landing points (LPs). This is to allow newer, bigger helicopter, Superpuma (SP) to be able to land to the various sites.
The day started by gathering all the men at Paya Lebar Air Base. We were to take C-130 flight to Brunei. It is followed by a bus to a jetty, then a fastcraft, and lastly a final bus trip to the base camp, Lakuin Camp.
However, the start was definitely not as pleasant as i thought it would be. Firstly, my cab actually dropped me to the wrong air base gate. In the end, I had to hurry back to the front gate, letting me sweaty and nervous from the start. In addition , I wsa having a flu and sore throat the previous day. Up on the C-130, i was initiall quite excited as it was rare to be able to take a SAF air transport vehicle. In it, it was stuffy and hot. we were seated sideways with seat belts on, side by side. When it took off, it was much cooler. Soon, i was feeling giddy and uncomfortable. I had no appetitie at all for the food. Halfway through the 3-hr trip, we were allowed to hear music. That helped me felt better. However, in the end, I had to stll vomit 3 times in it.
I was totally weak after the flight. We were then taken to a SAF based camp, Jalan Aman Camp (JAC). There, we had our lunch better our journey towards Lakuin Camp. Before we set off, we were made to change to our civilian clothes. Finally, by evening time, we have reached the camp.
Upon reaching, I realised that the whole is actually situated on a slope, with its central road named, PIE. In bunk, I chose to share the cupboard with Kuan Thai. I slept the top bed of our double decker.
We were given a opening address by the Lakuin Camp commander. By the time it was lights off, it was about 12 midnight. This was the first of many nights to go.
Day 2 - 100905 Saturday
We woke up at 6am. The first reaction from Sim was " Wow, so bright at 6am." The whole day was bascially packed with lessons, thoery and practical. By late afternoon, we had to packed and prepare for the next day's activity, a route march into one of the LP, 167.
An interesting thing I noted that the workers in the canteen, do not have enough change, and the work pace is much slower than in Singpapore. I also met my two medic friends at the Lakuin Medical Centre, Ariff and Jon. Both of them were posted here after our medic course.
Day 3 - 110905 Sunday
For the day's route march, we were first taken to a site by bus. From there, our route march started. First part of the march, is an open field, followed by a jungle trail. The open field was relatively short. We marched past several local vehicles an also a family of buffalos. Interestingly, the animals seemed to be equally curious. Some of the guys took the chance to take some pictures.
Into the jungle, I was with my platoon, carrying my SBO and fieldpack. We were caught by surprise by the muddy ground. Within minutes, all boots were in complete mud. We had to overcome obstacles like, logs, wooden planks which act like a bridge to get to the other side of the terrain. We had to be on the go as we have to continually catch with everyone.
It didn't take long to have my first casualty. My attached signaller had a minor physical exhaustion, with cramps on his both calf. In the end, our 2IC had to stay on site as the rest of us continue our trekking. After much clmbing, crossing, walking and trekking, we finally reached to the LP. We were shown around the area, the harbouring ground, stream, cooking area etc. There, over lunch, i took the chance to go down to the stream to get water with Sgt Tiong Boon.
Going out was to trek back the way we came. Within minutes, I was stung by an unknown insect on the back of my head. It was really painful. A heating sensation sets in plus a continuous pricking feeling was with me all the way. Besides me, Sgt Leonard, KK and Loh Wei were also stung. As we ended our route march, we even saw a group of children playing and swimming at the stream.
Back in camp, work goes on as we had to prepare for the first insertion the next day.
Day 4 - 120905 Monday
At 10 am, we were all at the LP site, ready for insertion. My group was to be the first stick to go in. I was assigned to be with my Platoon Sgt (PS) and a section of my PL. For the first, insertion, I was with my PS and signaller. On board the UH1H, i was all alone at one side of the chopper. Indeed, the side was smooth. The view was amazing. I was able to see the whole jungle in front of my eyes. Never before, had I seen so many trees.
On site, we quickly settle down, building our hammock and basha as our roof. Very fast, work started as the rest of the guys began cutting. Very fast, nightfall set in. By 7pm, it was very dark. Everything seems to be blacken completely. I had really difficulty seeing at night even though i did not have night blindness.
Day 5 - 130905 Tuesday
The work started early at 7am. However, soon, around 8am, PS came with a wound. He accidently cut himself with the chainsaw. It was 1cm wide, 1cm deep. Blood wa flowing out continuously. I did a very quick dressing as he wanted to carry on with the work. By 8.30, everyone was back to the harbouring area as OC was to arrive on site for a rekee. PS came back to me for a redress. This time, i did a firmer one.
PS initially hoped that his wound would go unnoticed by OC and S3. To no avail, in the end, i was questioned by S3 of his injury. I said that the wound was still managable and that it probably needs a stitch. This alarmed him as he demanded that PS is to be sent back to Base for treatment. In the end, without MO's further advice, they took PS back to camp, leaving Warrant Officer (WO) Chua with as our commander. The work continued after that. I decided to go up to the LP, checking out the work they are doing. It was then I realised how "siong" is was for them. Thus, I stayed by the LP, helping out minor things.
Day 6 - 140905 Wenesday
Rain started the night around 3am. Luckily, my rooftop was good enough. By lunch time, all work was stopped as we had to prepare for our extrication. Everyone wanted in anticipation for the chopper to bring us back. In the turn of an event, the weather turn bad. A part of our group was extricated first before news came in that we had to wait till the weather turn better. Waiting under the trees was long and straining as we have no idea if we were to be extricated at all. Minds were thinking if we had to stay an extra night ourfield. Luckily, after an hour or so, the chopper came in.
Finally, back in camp, I had to check up on my men as well as PS on his wound. Sgt Weili had heat rashes, James had multiple sandflies bite, Sgt Tiong Boon had some bruises, Ang had a scratch on his thigh, while PS knee was stitched up.
Day 7 - 150905 Thursday
We were allowed to sleep late and have canteen food for breakfast. Basically, for the rest day, I had to repack my things, have some game of soccer, sometimes movie screening by Company Sgt Major (CSM). That day, we had a mini celebration for guys whose birthday falls into the Brunei. Two of them were my Platoon Commander (PC), Lta Alvin and Sgt Tiong Boon. Both were kena sabotaged by cake attack. For the first time, I have seened James running so fast after being chased by Ah Tiong. However, in the end, James had to slip and incur a wound on his thigh.
Day 8 - 160905 Friday
For the 2nd insertion, there were many dull faces as we headed towards the LP. I was feeling quite down too, thinking that they are still many more insertions to go.
In addition, for this insertion, SSG Thomas were to be our commander as PS was still not able to walk properly yet. SSG Thomas was actually in Brunei for his JCC course.
A fight had occured between Mingfa and Ah Tiong. Mingfa thus did not take his lunch, causing giddiness, and through careless got his head knocked by a fallen branch and a slight ankle sprain. Luckily, he was fine.
At nightfall, some of us went up to the LP. There, we took some pictures, seen the stars. The LP we were at was 299 while the other section with my PC were at 299 A. At the LP itself, we could actually shout to the other section and be heard.
Day 8 - 170905 Saturday
For the day's work, I had actually went down to work with them, cutting some trees with the parang. However, as the work seemed to be completing, our day ended early.
Day9 - 180905 Sunday
The day started very relaxing as no work was done at all. It was until the SP rekee in the late morning when informaton came in that we had to clear up 15m of radius extra towards our harbouring area. Everyone was confused by the instruction as no specfic reason was given for the instruction. Work then continued. Not long after, we were then extricated back to camp.
Back in lakuin camp, news came in that the other section as well as PL 2 were struck in the jungle, thus they had to sent an extra night outfield. For us the lucky ones, we were able to catch the soccer match between Man U and Liverpool. Rain poured throughout the night as i was worried for the rest trapped outfield.
Day 10 - 1900905 Monday
Rest Day
Day 11 - 200905 Tuesday
It was our 3rd insertion. This time, we did not immediately set up our hammock upon reaching the ground as we had to clear the area facing our habouring area. By the end of the day, it was deemed completed. i had 2 new casualties, Wen Qing and Weng Fai. They both kena stung, probably by a hornet. Wenqing at the top of his left eye while Weng Fai at his back of his neck. Their condition was minor as it was just localised reaction.
For this insertion, PS joined back the team. The LP was to be evaluated again the next day.
Day 12 - 210905 Wednesday
Because of the continuous rain the previous night, the morning was foggy. It was completely different from the fog that occurs in Singapore. It is just like in front of you.
The day's causualty was Chee as he too was stung at his right elbow. Besides that, a memorable sight was the fall of 2 big trees cut by PS, Ah Tiong and Wenqing. The impact was great.
On that day, we also heard artillery flash bang plus shooting. We presumed that it was troops from 5 SIR. They had just reached Brunei the previous day.
Day 13 - 220905 Thursday
We break camp early around 10am as PS wanted to cut some trees at our harbouring area. Once work ended around 12 plus, we simply chit-chatted for 2 hours. We also did some silly games to spend the time.
When we back in camp, the guys from 5 SIR were around. I was hoping whether I could Say Wai.
PL 2 was not tired at all, starting playing soccer once back in camp. I had dinner first, having Fish & chips. The system at the canteen simply suck. There was no proper way of ordering as we could just grab any food that they served out even though we haven't anything yet.
After that, it was soccer again. There, i really managed to see Say Wai. He said that he had navigation excerise the next day.
Day 14 - 230905 Friday
Rest Day.
This time, the fresh ration came in from Singapore. We had Maggi mee, hotdogs, jellys. energy bars, hot chocolate, cambell's soup and many more. I was not sure which LP we will be going the next day. It was said that we will know only the very last min.
Day 15 - 240905 Saturday
We got the news that we were to be inserted to LP 168 first while the other section will go back to 299A. This Lp was supposedly to be platoon effort.
Upn reaching the new site, we were kinda shocked as the area was totally different from 299. It was a flat ground, a low level terrain. The site has less scrubs, with trees mainly the obstacle.
Initially, I had some difficulty finding a suitable area for my hammock. After it was done, i went down, helping out with the work. Luckily, PS had no objection.
With the new LP, everyone of us had some adapting to do.
Day 16 - 250905 Sunday
It was very cold in the morning for this site. Dew are normally formed that it seemed to be raining. For the day, we had visit from our CO, RSM, S1, OC, 2IC. They actually trekked all the way to the LP. They were here in Brunei for 3 days.
There was a short talk by CO. After lunch, we began to trek back.
At late afternoon, unfortunately, I was the next casualty. I was accidently knocked by a falled branch too. The thickness was about 5-6cm hit the top my head. Luckily, it was thick, but I had a slight bump.
Day 17 - 260905 Monday
The day's work ended early as the diesel oil run out. With about 4 hours to go before our extrication, we started playing games. One game, was guessing the a number given by Sgt Sean and Sgt Choon. Forfeits were to clear rubbish, moving stores and drink water. I even suggested a forfeit to sing a few phrases of a song.In the end, everyone purposely set Ang up, making him sing "Jie Kou". I also kena as I was made to sing a Li Sheng Jie's song. All these singing by us were recorded by weng Fai and Ah Tiong.
Back in camp, there was a CO address to us. CO were to leave the next day, but he would be back with Comander ETI the next week.
I was soon used to the lifestyle in Brunei. As the halfway mark reaches, I really hoped that I could persist all the way.
Day 18 - 270905 Tuesday.
Rest Day.
Tomorrow's insertion will the first time our whole platoon is combined.
Day 19 - 280905 Wednesday
Guess it wasn't as smooth as I thought to be as the whole platoon combined. We were initially meant to seperate the 2 sections, with each leaving at different sides of the LP. It was after some discussion that all were to harbour together. In the end, many of the harbouring sites from our initial section were taken by the other section. For me, I had to search for a new ground. At last, I found a new site. Along with PC and Ah Tiong.
Soon, as work began, I could see the difference of working style between the 2 sections. At this LP, there was a stream. Thus, some took the chance to wash up there.
Day 20 - 290905 Thursday
Amazingly, I slept through the previous night in the "cocoon" of the hammock. Work started as I went to help out Ah Tiong and Andy after dressing Wenqing's wound. Wenqing had initially injured himself the previous day. He was cut by Mingfa's swing of the parang at his left hand. That had caused Mingfa to be very guilty for the injury caused.
Who is to know that he, himself would get hurt today. He was cutting some trees along with some others. He tried to avoid a fallen tree when he leapt off and banged his left rib onto a large tree stump. He had deep scratches on his rib. Initially, he had difficulty breathing that there was suspicionof a fractured rib. He was not able to moved that I had to call on the stretcher. With the help of the other guys, we managed to bring him into the shade. He was hurting in pain that he could not straighten his back at all. We had to use logs, jerry cans to support his back. i administer 2x panadols before reassessing him. PC, along with the signaller tried to comms back to see if evacuation is abled. However, the reply was negetive. All this time, he was still in some great pain. Because of the suspected fracture, I used an unopened FAD to back his chest. Along with 2 triangular bandages, i wrapped around his chest.
Luckily, thank god, he was soon able to get onto his feet. Out of the sudden, the weather got worse as it started to rain. hurriedly, we brought him into Sgt Sean's tentage. After the rain, Mingfa actually able to walk to my hammock with much this time. It was really a relief.
However, the pain still comes time after time. I had to help powder bath him, prepare panadols for the night. As the extricaton was the next morning, i will send him to medical centre immediately at camp.
I was puzzled by PS decision to build a makeshift tent in the middle of the LP. I was also worried about him when he actually continued working in the afternoon rain. He is really one interesting person.
Day 21 - 300905 Friday
The day actually marked the day of de-commissioning of the UH1H. For this extrication, our stick was sent straight to Lakuin Camp. I remember the sharp turn it made as it reached the camp. It was just like sitting in a roller coaster.
Immediately, I brought Mingfa to the medical centre. After assessment, MO deemed the injury as shock to his chest, with no fracture implication. After bandaging him and prescription, we were off. PC gave him the excuse for the next insertion. Further review will be done on him.
Day 22 - 011005 Saturday
Rest Day.
Day23 - 021005 Sunday
This time, our insertion will be by SP. The feeling was totally different as UH1H. Reaching 168 again, instruction were given to PC that a tall, big tree had to be cut. However, it was too complicated that even after 3 hours of work, no progress was achieved. The final decision was to seek a lumberjack for assistence.
Day 24 - 031005 Monday
In the morning, Commander ETI along CO and other officers came for a visit. Work continued after that as we expected to have a dinner with them back in camp after extrication.
However, the weather seemed to like to play a fool on us everytime we extricated. It would always turned for the worse. This time, it rained badly, as we had to rebuild our shelter. i had to seek from PC's. It was only an hour plus later that we were finally extricated.
At camp, the dinner was good. We had nasi lemak with satay.
Day 25 - 041005 Tuesday
Rest Day.
We were all anticipating the 3 day R & R. Finally, a well-deserved break.
Day 26 - 051005 Wednesday
Today was the start of our R & R. By 8am, we were out of Lakuin Camp. as we reached town, we were segregated into different groups. We went passed some mosques. In Brunei, the mosques were more grand. The ones we saw, the roof were made of gold. We also went to the local water village. There, the locals' houses are build along the river, totalled 90,000 people. we had the chance to visit of the villagers' home. We were treated with some local pastries. a pretty nice experience.
By 2pm, we were given ample time for shopping at a local shopping mall. I managed to get a belt, and singlet. The lodging was to be at JAC. After dinner, we were allowed to go to the local mall. There, I managed to use an hour of internet. I got to chat some of my friends through MSN. It felt great to be able to keep in touch with after so long.
The bunk at JAC was different. At a level, the whole company was squeezed into it. At the end of it, was the toilet.
Day 27 - 061005 Thursday
Our first itinery was the visit to the local oil rig discovery centre. It was indeed an eye opener. For shopping, I got a polo-t, and a shorts.
At night, back at JAC, we were again given time to walk around. This time, I, Robbie, Ang, and Damien walked 10 mins to a nearby shopping mall. There, I got some briefs. My total spending for the R & R exceeding my limit at $70. I managed to also chat with home through MSN. In the end, I was the last one to leave the internet cafe.
The next day was to be the arrival of 3 Guards. There, I could see Dengwei and others.
Day 28 - 071005 Friday
We reached back Lakuin Camp around 3pm. I first saw Guohao and Shao Liang.At dinner, I saw Chee Siang too. Too bad, there was no sign of Jason or Dengwei.
Day 29 - 081005 Saturday
For this insertion, little work was needed as most of the time was simply slacking away by the guys. However, this time, Sgt Dalun joined us because of the huge tree.
That afternoon, the rain came again. Because of the poor setup ( i was combining with Ah Tiong), water went in. I was went that i decided not to wear any pants that night.
Day 30 - 091005 Sunday
The big tree was finally conquered that day. The impact of the fall definitely exceeds the ones at LP 299.
Because it was to be the last insertion for this LP, I decided to went to the stream this time. I followed Wenqing and Ang.
At a point, both of them split up, so I chose to follow Ang instead. Into the woods, it seemed to me that Ang looked lost. I was worried that i made him to walk back out to the LP. I then took another route, using the noises of the others as a guide. When I reached, down to my underwear, with my water bottle, i washed myself up. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 31 - 101005 Monday
The extrication was really not meant to be. Again it was the weather the main cause. We were given last min instruction that we have to harbour for an extra night. I had to set up my shelter under the intense rain. This time, I was really totally soaked. Half of us trapped as one section was the only section to return to camp that night. I could still remember the sight of the corner of my roof as it seemed like a tap water flowing. That night, we collected rain water, using puritab to cleanse the water.
I also found out that PS did not set up any shelter. With just his jacket, he sat at the store dump throughout. As the rain stopped, he took the diesel oil to setup a tempporary campfire. The sight was breathtaking as Sgt Dalun lit up the woods.
For that night, I had to sleep without any underwear on. With singlet and jacket, using my Long 4 to cover up my lower body, I slept through the night.
Day 32 - 111005 Tuesday
Finally, when back in camp, we were told that we have an extra day's of rest. At dinner, I finally met Dengwei at the cookhouse where he was the day's COS. Later that night, we met up for a chat along with Kuan Thai. Also, I met Raauuf, Aron and another medic from the same course. All were seen except for Jason.
Day 33 - 121005 Wednesday
Rest Day.
We were to go to a new LP 219B.
We were given a kinda shock when OC announced that our flight may delay till 3 Nov.
Day 34 - 131005 Thursday
The new LP was again totally different. This time, the stream is just beside the LP, with our harbouring area the other side of the stream. Less work was needed for this LP as it allocate one insertion of work.
I was again wet again that afternoon when I helped PC to set up his hammock in the rain. My basha roof was getting worse as it starts to leak. In the end, more trash bags were used to waterproof my roof. The stream there was simply too good to miss. We were able to lie down and feel the rush of the current. Damn Shiok!!!
Day 35 - 141005 Friday
I was at the harbouring area the whole day. In the morning, I spent time, building a mini-stand. With it, I used it to hang mine and Ang's clothes to dry.
Casualties came soon later. Ah Du had his finger cut by a head trimmer. William had his ankle srained. Sgt Sean had his thigh cut by chainsaw.
For this insertion, PS again set up his tent at the LP. There was a comment by GuoXiang that PS purposely set up there to mend stores. I wonder if it was really true. Guess I'll never know.
Day 36 - 151005 Saturday
We were successfully extricated back. However, news came in that PL 2 was to be struck again. In addition, Sgt Prem also had his shin cut by chainsaw. It was 4cm by 1cm by 1cm. It was so serious that he had to be sent to Jalan Aman local hospital for stitches. Back at Lakuin camp, he had to be administered anti-biotics thru IV. It was a painful order as the substance will burn the walls of the vein.
Day 37 - 161005 Sunday
Rest Day.
Day 38 - 171005 Monday
For the last insertion, we were back to 299. The LP needed plant work. This time, it was PC, not PS who followed the section. The section, lead by PS went back to 168. I chose my old harbouring site. This time, I shared with Mingfa. The rest was basically slacking as only the bobcat was needed. This time Sgt Poh Keng and Sgt Kuang Pei joined our section for the plant work.
Day 39 - 181005 Tuesday
That late afternoon caused my hammock to be half wet. I was also bitten multiple times in the evening on my right side of my body. Luckily, the night was dry thus was able to sleep through.
Day 40 - 191005 Wednesday
For this last extrication, the feeling was extra special. We knew that finally work was over. We could finally look forward going back to Singapore. Back in camp, we were told that confimation of departure was 24th Oct.
Day 41 - 201005 Thursday
Work continues as we had to return the medical stores. We again had a good dinner, along the the Air Force personnels. I also finally managed to see Jason just before 3 Guards' departure.
Day 42 - 211005 Friday
Rest Day.
I and Robbie had to stay over at the medical centre as Sgt Samuel had caught fever. There were some worries that he might not make it back to Singapore on time if he does not recover.
Day 43 - 221005 Saturday
Rest Day
Day 44 - 231005 Sunday
Rest Day.
Finally, it was the last night here in Brunei.
Day 45 - 241005 Moonday
Departure.
The flight back to Singapore ended the same fashion. I had to vomit 3 times again in C-130. However, being back in Singapore overcomes any other thing. I'm finally back !!!