Jumper was presented with Singapore's meritorious service medal in recognition of the "significant role" he had played in developing close ties between the two nations' air forces, particularly through training.

"Apart from training, the (two air forces) conduct regular interactions like exercises, professional exchanges and visits, staff talks and courses," Singapore's defence ministry said in a statement.

Singapore has several air force training detachments in the United States, including F-16 centres in Arizona and New Mexico.

Singapore is one of the US' closest allies in Asia, both militarily and economically.

It has provided limited, but symbolically significant, military support to the US in Iraq and the two countries this year implemented a free-trade agreement.

WAR.WIRE