Sultan Inspects Navy Base Expansion In Muara

Bandar Seri Begawan – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, yesterday took a first-hand look at the current expansion of the Royal Brunei Navy Base in Muara.

As from January 1 this year, the word 'Angkatan' is now omitted from the Angkatan Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei. It is now called Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei. In English, the Royal Brunei Navy remains unchanged.

Before leaving the Royal Brunei Navy Headquarters, His Majesty signed a parchment and received two pasambah or souvenirs.

On this auspicious day, personnel and staffs of the Royal Brunei Navy took the golden opportunity to record history by having a group photography session.

One of the prides of Royal Brunei Navy is the KDB Seteria ship.

His Majesty spent time at the ship by listening to briefing presented by Leftenan Colonel Abdul Aziz Haji Tamit, Fleet Commander. KDB Seteria is one of the three Waspada class missile ships. She was first commissioned in 1979.

The Royal Brunei Navy Primary School grabbed the attention of His Majesty.

This Primary School began operating in 1984. His Majesty during the tour, not only showed keen interest in the pupils' achievement and the development in their studies but also concerned about the safety of the school and its surrounding. In this regard, the Sultan gave his views and advices.

Currently, there are about 40 teachers teaching the about 350 pupils in this Primary School.

Armed Forces personnel give top priority to good health, optimum physical and mental fitness. Part of these requirements are fulfilled by facilities such as the gymnasium. The Monarch took a close look at the facility yesterday just to find out whether it was sufficient or not.

During the visit, the Sultan of Brunei also took the opportunity to witness how foods were being prepared and served to the Royal Brunei Navy.

His Majesty arrived at the multi-purpose hall, which also functions as a dining hall, at 10.40am when breakfast had just ended.

It is rare or even hard to believe that a leader or a king going personally into the kitchen to see how food is being served.

This proved that His Majesty is really concerned about the welfare of the security personnel.

Here, His Majesty took a close look at the quality of foods being cooked and prepared.

The RTB News Centre found out that the cooks are qualified ones, among whom are graduates from the Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College. The cooks felt very proud and honoured by His Majesty's visit.

His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei is indeed one of a kind. The Monarch often looks at unexpected side of things, many times exposing good or shortcomings that people didn't see before.

For example during the visit to the quartermaster, His Majesty asked questions on security, record keeping and others. His Majesty likes to see things organised, tidy and systematic.

His Majesty then proceeded to a workshop where boats and other machinery are repaired.

At the Logistics Store, His Majesty focused his attention on the use of computers there. He was very interested to find out how efficient the computerised system was in handling daily work.

In line with his vision in developing and expanding the e-government system, the Monarch hoped the computerised system really establishes an effective and efficient administration and avoids wastage.

Bruneians are really capable people. A fine example is at the electronic workshop where Dayangku Zainab, who is a graduate of the Brunei Technology Institute, has proven her skills in preparing communications equipment.

The Royal Brunei Navy has a very organised Human Resource Development System. It has its own Technical Training School, where 85 students currently attend various courses, including electronics.

There's no denying that His Majesty really pays special attention to the welfare of his Armed Forces personnel.

And yesterday, the Monarch visited three houses belonging to navy officers, two of them are homes to Warrant Officers One and Two.

Among the dwellers of this house, a child, who showed interest in soldiering, attracted His Majesty's attention. Maybe one day the youngster will become a national hero.

His Majesty also stooped by at the home of Major Osman bin Haji Suhaimi. Major Osman is a graduate of a Navy College in the United Kingdom.

The Monarch later graced a luncheon with Officers of the Royal Brunei Navy and officials from the Ministry of Defence.

His Majesty is also the Minister of Defence and the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

The role of the Royal Brunei Navy is very challenging. Among other things, it acts as the interceptor and defence for any attack from the sea. It also defends the country’s offshore wealth resources.

His Majesty then visited the home of Navy Colonel Haji Joharie, the Commander of the Royal Navy, and his family.

One of the interesting aspects of his Majesty's visit was the tour to the Decompression Chamber.

The chamber is an equipment for treating diving related sickness and it acts as a hyperbaric therapy. The equipment can hold up to eight persons and is also used to treat patients from the RIPAS Hospital.

The Monarch also visited the Family and Dental Clinic provided especially for the Royal Navy personnel and their families. The clinic is headed by a local doctor.

All in all, His Majesty spent the afternoon touring the Royal Brunei Navy base.

At the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess, the Monarch took a short break before leaving the base.

Before His Majesty's departure, Doa Selamat was read by a Senior Religious Officer of the Royal Armed Forces.

His Majesty Depart the Royal Brunei Naval Base at about 2.3pm.

This visit is indeed a historic moment for the Royal Brunei Navy. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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