Royal Welcome For Crown Prince On Board Oz Navy Vessel
By Maya Salleh

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness the Crown Prince General Pg. Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah was yesterday accorded a royal welcome on board the Royal Australian Navy vessel, HMAS Dubbo, currently here on an `Exercise Penguin' training mission with the Royal Brunei Navy.

On arrival at the Muara Flotilla, His Royal Highness was greeted by Major General Pehin Darn Lailaraja Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md. Yussof, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Commander; Mr. Christian David Bennett, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam; Colonel (L) Joharie bin Haji Matussin, Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy; Commander Mark Burling, Commander of the Royal Australian Navy; and, other senior officers of both navies.

Also present during the visit was Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Abd Hamid bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Yassin, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office.

HRH was received with full naval honours on board the HMAS Dubbo, including a salute from the Commanding Officer of HMAS Dubbo, Lieutenant Commander Richard James.

In keeping with the naval tradition, the Crown Prince's flag was unfurled from the port yard arm of the vessel as soon as HRH stepped on board.

The Crown Prince was then presented with a personalised Royal Australian Navy cap, and introduced to officers of HMAS Dubbo.

HRH proceeded to the Officer's Wardroom, where he signed the Visitor's Book, followed by a briefing delivered by Lieutenant Commander James on the vessel's profile and operational functions.

Lieutenant Commander James later accompanied the Crown Prince on a tour of the ship, including the forecastle and its 40/60 Bofors Gun, quarterdeck, bridge and flying bridge.

Later, the HMAS Dubbo set sail for sea as His Royal Highness observed the departure procedures from the flying bridge.

HRH also consented to receive the passing of Royal Brunei Navy ships, which sailed past the HMAS Dubbo and saluted the Crown Prince, who returned the salute.

HMAS Dubbo then conducted a maneuvering demonstration with the Royal Brunei Navy vessels in Formation Foxtrot. Later, the HMAS Dubbo pulled up alongside KDB Pejuang to observe a winching exercise by a Royal Brunei Air Force Blackhawk helicopter.

The Crown Prince General had a luncheon on board the vessel and received a 'pasambah', an HMAS Dubbo plaque and a collection of photographs depicting the activities of the Royal Australian Navy, including two photos of HMAS Brunei - an amphibious heavy landing ship - by Lieutenant Commander Richard James before heading back to the Muara Flotilla.

His Royal Highness also consented to observe berthing procedures from the flying bridge.

The visit of Crown Prince General to the Royal Australian Navy vessel, HMAS Dubbo stood as a testament to HRH's concern on the duties and responsibilities carried out by the Royal Brunei Navy and Royal Australian Navy during the regional bilateral exercise.

It also served as a benchmark to all work forces including the army to carry out their duties and responsibilities with dedication and efficiency. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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