Royal Check On RBN Operation And Facilities
By CT Hj Mahmod & M K Anwar

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei, Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and Minister of Defence, yesterday took a closer look on the operation and administration system of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN).

His Majesty was briefed on the administration system and logistics in supplying the required utilities or equipment for naval ships during the monarch's visit to the Royal Brunei Navy base in Muara.

The RBAF Supreme Commander was greeted by a guard of honour held by RBN personnel whom His Majesty inspected.

The Sultan was accompanied by Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi¸ Commander of RBAF, and Col. (L) Joharie bin Matussin, Commander of RBN.

Also present during the royal visit at the naval base were Pa Sanggamara Diraja (R) Major General Pa Hj Ibnu Ba'asith, Deputy Minister of Defence, Pehin Datu Singamentri Dato Paduka Awg Hj Mohd Yasmin, Permanent Secretary (Policy and Administration) at MINDEF, service commanders, military directors as well as senior officials from both MINDEF and RBAF.

His Majesty learnt more about the ongoing project development on the extension of the naval base, which was highlighted during the briefing delivered by Awg Hj Mustapha bin Hj Sirat, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

From the naval headquarters, the Supreme Commander then proceeded to the jetty to board the KDB Seteria patrol vessel for a closer inspection of the vessel and its weaponry before heading to the Ship Lift and Hanger.

His Majesty closely inspected the military equipment and weapons used by the Royal Brunei Navy at the Weaponry and Mechanical workshop where senior officers of RBN briefed His Majesty.

Next, His Majesty learnt more on RBN personnel children's welfare by visiting the Royal Brunei Navy Primary School where the headmaster of the school, Cikgu Haji Mansur bin Haji Samad, accompanied His Majesty while touring the primary school.

Some of the locations His Majesty visited at the naval base included the Quartermaster building, Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), Outboard Motor (OBM), Fast Assault Boat (FAB) workshop, Naval Technical Training School and Mariners Club.

His Majesty also visited the residences of PW2 Mohd Azmi bin Mohd Taib and PW1 Hasnan bin Ahmad.

Also included in His Majesty's itinerary was a visit to the Decompression Chamber where His Majesty was briefed by a naval diving officer on the use of the chamber.

The Royal Brunei Navy was formed in 1965, four years after the formation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. Ten years after its establishr lent, the RBN moved to its present base at Jalan Tanjong Pelumpong in Muara.

Towards improving the effectiveness of the RBN and at the same time cement further its role in defending the country, several projects are ongoing including the enlargement of its current base to accommodate its newest fleet of three Offshore Patrol Vessels. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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